Ensuring Sample Integrity and Workflow Efficiency for a High-Throughput Laboratory
The Problem
A UK-based high-throughput pathology and histology laboratory faced challenges in tracking and securing blood and tissue samples during transit from collection centres to the laboratory. Incidents of misplaced sample containers and lack of real-time visibility into quality indicators posed significant risks to sample integrity, potentially impacting patient outcomes and laboratory efficiency.
The Solution
The laboratory implemented BinaryMed’s advanced IoT solution, using Cicada Voyager trackers attached with adhesive inside shipment containers. Combined with the Binary Cloud web platform, the solution enabled real-time monitoring of quality indicators and sample location. The introduction of BinaryMed’s new “Manifest” feature enabled the laboratory to manage and track a large volume of samples efficiently. Real-time alerts were set up to notify staff of deviations from preset parameters.
How the Solution Works
- Create Manifest: Journey details are entered on the Binary Cloud platform.
- Sample Scanning: Samples are scanned and registered prior to dispatch from the hospital.
- Dispatch Confirmation: The laboratory receives confirmation of the dispatch. The trackers’ light sensor provides indication of container access during transit.
- Arrival Validation: Upon arrival, all samples are checked against the manifest, ensuring none are missing and then removed from the manifest.
- Alert Management: Alerts are triggered if any temperature conditions exceed set parameters, allowing immediate action.
The Results
Outcomes
Issue Resolution: Utilised real-time data to locate misplaced sample containers promptly.
Audit Readiness: Validated transportation temperatures for auditing purposes, enhancing compliance.
Ease of Use: The platform’s user-friendly interface enabled 55 personnel to adopt the service seamlessly.
Workflow Assurance: By tracking 8-12 journeys per day, the laboratory gained confidence in their workflow, ensuring a secure and seamless patient journey.
Real-Time Alerts: The ability to receive real-time alerts when out-of-band workflow parameters were breached allowed laboratory staff to monitor pre-analytical status before samples even reached the laboratory.
Impact
The adoption of BinaryMed’s solution resulted in a more efficient and reliable sample tracking process, ensuring that the laboratory maintained high standards of accuracy and security. The system’s real-time monitoring and alert capabilities significantly enhanced the laboratory’s ability to manage and respond to potential issues, thereby optimising their overall workflow and patient care outcomes.
If you want to learn more about BinaryMed’s innovative remote sample tracking solution and how it can benefit your laboratory, contact us today on [email protected]
