Simple search question

Hi,
 after running a script which performs an insert, a new tuple is
created, and a serial number is generated for it. I want to write the
new tuple data back to the screen, including the new serial number.
 My question is, do I have to do a search for the tuple just inserted in
order to get the data back again? I am thinking there must be a faster,
more efficient way.
Thanks,
Alex