In the complex world of biomedical sample tracking, ensuring the integrity, safety, and timely delivery of samples is paramount. Traditional methods, such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) offer incremental improvements over manually labeled samples, but have struggled to achieve widespread uptake due to significant technological and commercial limitations. BinaryMed has pioneered cellular IoT technology for biomedical sample tracking, leveraging advanced wireless, geolocation and low-power technology to overcome the limitations of RFID. Here’s a comparison of the two systems, covering the critical areas of location tracking, QA evidence gathering, and setup and operational costs.
Comparing Cellular vs RFID Sample Tracking
| Feature | RFID Sample Tracking | Cellular Sample Tracking |
|---|---|---|
| Topology | Localised coverage installed at common points to detect tags | Wide-area coverage using cellular networks |
| Cost | Costly disposable tags and expensive infrastructure | Inexpensive trackers with low monthly fees |
| Installation & Setup | Complex, requires scanner installation and IT integration | Simple, simply place trackers in transport boxes |
| Data Capacity | Reports sample ID to scanners | Monitors location, temperature, motion and light |
| Data Availability | Available when near scanners | Real-time data and alerts available 24/7 |
| Use Cases | Tracks last known location of samples | Prevents sample loss/spoilage, automates QA evidence |
When choosing a biomedical sample tracking solution, understanding the differences between Cellular and RFID sample tracking is crucial. RFID systems require the installation of scanners at key points and involve higher costs for disposable tags and scanners. Data is only available when samples pass near a scanner, making real-time monitoring challenging. In contrast, cellular tracking devices communicate directly with cell towers, offering real-time data and alerts throughout the supply chain. They are cost-effective, easy to set up, and provide comprehensive data on location, temperature, motion, and light, ensuring the integrity and traceability of samples.
Location Tracking
RFID Sample Tracking
RFID systems rely on fixed scanning infrastructure that is installed at labs and collection centers. This means that while RFID sample tracking systems can alert stakeholders when specimens don’t arrive on-time, they offer no insights into the samples’ whereabouts during transit. If a shipment is lost or delayed (e.g. left in a warehouse at an airport), the lack of RFID infrastructure throughout the supply chain means locating the shipment with RFID is impossible. In layman’s terms, RFID only helps locate shipments that aren’t lost.
Cellular Sample Tracking
BinaryMed’s Cicada sample trackers leverage BinaryTech’s IoT Geolocation Engine to accurately determine location throughout the entire transport journey. This location data is transmitted to the cloud in real-time via 4G and 5G cellular infrastructure, keeping lab managers continuously informed about their samples’ whereabouts. If a shipment is delayed or misplaced, such as being stuck in an airport warehouse, the lab manager knows precisely where it is. This allows for proactive, targeted measures to ensure the safe delivery of samples, saving significant time and havoc for the pathology provider, and avoiding negative patient outcomes.
Gathering Quality Assurance Evidence
RFID Sample Tracking
RFID tags primarily serve as identifiers (think of them like a wireless barcode) and do not provide capabilities to measure or record environmental conditions like temperature, humidity and motion during transport. For biomedical specimens, which often require controlled transport conditions, this is a significant limitation. QA managers must resort to other methods to gather the necessary evidence for compliance, complicating the quality assurance process.
Cellular Sample Tracking
BinaryMed’s Cicada sample trackers go beyond sample identification. They record and log temperature throughout the entire transport journey, transmitting this data to the cloud in real-time. This continuous monitoring allows for immediate notification of any temperature excursions, enabling drivers and lab managers to take corrective actions before sample degradation occurs. The ability to gather comprehensive quality evidence across the entire pre-analytical supply chain, without human intervention, is pivotal for ensuring positive patient outcomes and maintaining the integrity of biomedical samples.
Setup and Operational Costs
RFID Sample Tracking
While RFID tags are relatively affordable per unit, they are typically single-use, which means costs of each sample are increased. Moreover, the infrastructure required for RFID scanners at all relevant points in the supply chain—can drive up costs into the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars with project implementations spanning several months. This makes the overall setup and operational expenses of RFID sample tracking systems substantial.
Cellular Sample Tracking
By connecting directly to existing cell towers, BinaryMed’s medical sample tracking solution eliminates the need for scanning infrastructure to be installed. The Cicada device, attached inside an insulated carrier box, monitors various conditions such as temperature, location, and movement, and detects when the box is opened. Sample-level monitoring, including a comprehensive audit for each sample transport, is managed through the “Manifests” scanning feature in the BinaryMed cloud platform. Association with samples is achieved using onboard cameras or third-party handheld scanners, with no need to install custom software or apps. The Cicada sample tracker can last several years on a single set of batteries, tracking tens of thousands of samples over its lifetime, significantly reducing the total solution cost compared to RFID-based systems.
Conclusion
BinaryMed’s biomedical sample tracking solution offers an enhanced, cost-effective alternative to traditional RFID systems. By providing continuous location tracking, real-time environmental monitoring, and eliminating the need for costly infrastructure, BinaryMed ensures that biomedical specimens are handled with the utmost care and precision. This innovative approach not only enhances the efficiency and reliability of sample tracking but also plays a crucial role in safeguarding patient outcomes. In the high-stakes world of biomedical specimen transport, BinaryMed’s Cicada is undeniably a superior choice.
Explore the future of biomedical sample tracking with BinaryMed’s cellular network solution. Unlike RFID, our technology offers real-time data, ease of installation, and comprehensive monitoring. Contact us on [email protected] to see how we can transform your sample tracking and ensure superior accuracy and reliability.
