Standardized systems should be used in virtually every circumstance to reduce errors. For example, medical errors can be avoided by using the standardizing procedure for preparing a venipunture site before drawing a blood alcohol specimen.

A standardized system for this procedure is developed, published, trained, and posted. Everyone learns one protocol. Encouraging them to review and use the procedure for drawing blood alcohol tests avoids the error of using alcohol wipes to prepare the venipuncture site.