Real-time visibility, compliance, and efficiency across one of Australia’s largest pathology networks.
From ~20% fleet tracking to 99% coverage with 500+ samples recovered annually and response times cut from 2 days to <3 minutes.
BinaryMed’s origins trace back to BinaryBeer, our sister company that pioneered IoT tracking for draught beer kegs.
Our transition into the pathology space began when Healius approached us to explore whether our technology could be adapted for monitoring the transport of pathology samples across local and regional networks. They were particularly interested in our light sensor technology, which could detect when shipping containers were opened.
This pivotal request marked the beginning of BinaryMed, reshaping how pathology labs monitor and safeguard their samples in transit.
About Healius
Healius is one of Australia’s leading pathology providers, operating an extensive network of laboratories and collection centres nationwide under the brands of:
- QML Pathology
- Laverty Pathology
- Dorevitch Pathology
- TML Pathology
- Abbott Pathology
- Western Diagnostic Pathology
As a provider of critical diagnostic services supporting health professionals and patients across the country, Healius is committed to clinical excellence and innovation. In their pursuit to lead the industry, Healius sought new ways to increase transparency and control across their sample transport network.
The Challenge
Before partnering with BinaryMed, Healius tracked only ~20% of its transport fleet, relying on a manual iButton system. This system lacked no real-time insight into movements or conditions and required manual processes. Healius aimed to set a new benchmark in the industry for sample transport tracking.
The Solution
BinaryMed implemented the Cicada tracking devices inside the bulk sample transport containers, integrating these with the Binary Cloud to form a sophisticated real-time sample tracking and temperature monitoring system. This system allowed continuous monitoring of sample transport containers, significantly enhancing logistical operations.
Cicada IoT Tracker
The Cicada is a powerful, battery-operated IoT device designed for precise location and condition monitoring.
Built for reliability and longevity, it offers industry-leading battery life and uses proprietary cloud-assisted geolocation to deliver accurate tracking – even in GPS-limited environments.
Data is transmitted to the cloud, enabling fully automated tracking without the need for manual scans or extra infrastructure.
Binary Cloud Platform
The Binary Cloud platform transforms real-time data collected by Cicada devices into actionable insights through an intuitive web-based platform. It gave Healius staff live oversight of sample movement and conditions.
Healius Now Benefits From:
- Live geolocation tracking and interactive dashboards
- Automatic detection of departures and arrivals, producing comprehensive trip reports
- Customisable alerts for temperature breaches, route deviations, or delays
- Automatic trip reports and historical journey logs
- Arrival/departure detection
- SMS/email alerts for incidents
- Remote access to data, eliminating the need for manual data logger analysis
- Integration with Healius’ Laboratory Information System (LIS), providing end-to-end traceability and auditability
Rollout & Training
The pilot launched at Laverty Pathology’s North Ryde laboratory with 20 Cicada trackers. Following initial success, the program expanded into metro sites across New South Wales, then to regional labs. In 2021, the solution was introduced at QML Pathology (Queensland), and Western Diagnostic Pathology (Western Australia) in 2024.
BinaryMed worked closely with Laverty Pathology’s North Ryde lab managers to refine the solution to their real-world needs. Hands-on support, in-person training, and site visits across multiple states helped ensure a smooth rollout and strong user adoption. Ongoing feedback directly shaped how the solution evolved in practice.
Challenges Overcome
As with any pioneering rollout, practical challenges emerged. Installation methods were initially refined, moving from adhesives to velcro attachments based on staff feedback. BinaryMed also introduced a calibration and servicing program to ensure the long-term performance of the Cicadas.
Today, Healius has over 1000 Cicada trackers in routine use, travelling hundreds of thousands of kilometers annually.
Results & Impact
Coverage
Increased from ~20%, replacing the manual iButton system.
Recoveries
Samples recovered annually that were previously lost in transit by external logistics partners.
Response Time
Incident response time reduced from 2 days.
Time Saved
Management time saved per year in sample transport coordination.
Sample Volume
Samples now tracked daily.
Workflow Benefits
- Improved compliance & audit readiness
- Significant time savings in logistics
- Easy location & recovery of in‑transit samples
Sample Integrity
- Real-time temperature tracking for sample integrity
- Stronger patient outcomes with timely diagnostics
- Early intervention to prevent sample loss/compromise
Use Cases: Safeguarding Precious Samples
BinaryMed’s solution has proven particularly valuable in protecting some of the most sensitive and irreplaceable sample types in the pathology workflow.
NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing): Time‑Sensitive Genetics
The Cicada’s first real-world application was tracking NIPT samples which are highly time-sensitive genetic screening tests. Once collected, these samples must be tested within a narrow window, making timely delivery absolutely critical.
With approximately 500 samples shipped daily from North Ryde to Melbourne alone, real-time tracking ensures they arrive safely and on time, providing peace of mind for clinicians and expectant parents alike.
Tissue & Biopsy Samples
Swabs and tissue samples, such as those taken during polyp removal in day surgeries, are often one-time, unique collection events. If these samples are lost or compromised, patients may need to undergo repeat procedures, causing unnecessary stress, delays in diagnosis, and potentially impacting patient outcomes.
By ensuring full visibility and traceability of these valuable specimens, BinaryMed helps safeguard patient care and avoid costly re-collection procedures.
Looking Ahead
The partnership between BinaryMed and Healius continues to grow, with further regional expansion and deeper technical integrations underway. Together, we’re driving innovation in pathology logistics, thinking beyond traditional methods and embracing creative, data-driven approaches to longstanding industry challenges.
Conclusion
This collaboration underscores the power of thinking outside the box. What began with a technology designed for beer kegs became a transformative solution for pathology labs nationwide. By refusing to be constrained by conventional solutions, BinaryMed and Healius co-created a system that enhances compliance, improves efficiency, and safeguards patient outcomes. It’s a story of real-world problems, bold thinking, and the shared pursuit of better healthcare through smarter technology.
Want to strengthen compliance and safeguard your samples?
Download the case study or speak with our team to explore real-time sample tracking for your environment.
