To develop techniques to improve efficiency and accuracy of data entry in microbiology, using a commercially available laboratory information system that is keystroke-intensive. A combination of technologies, including bar-coded phrase sheets, keyboard macros, and bar-coded specimen labels, are used to automate the entry of commonly used keystroke sequences and combinations of culture findings. An acute care hospital laboratory. Laboratory technologists. Feasibility, report error rates, and technologist time. Qualitative: implementation of all three technologies proved feasible and practical. Quantitative: a 25-fold decrease in misreported cultures, as well as a 50% saving in reading time for new urine cultures. This set of technologies for keystroke reduction would be of general applicability to laboratories with a variety of different laboratory information systems.