IoT Solution for Specimen Tracking

The Laboratory Medicine and Phlebotomy departments at the hospital required a digital solution that was capable of providing deeper insights into the specimen collection and transportation process.

The ideal solution would address problems associated with manual check-ins and pick-ups at collection points and analyze the turnaround time at each location where the specimen was transported.

An IoT solution that tracks specimen movement between transit points was proposed to ensure transparency and accountability.

• Lack of transparency into location of clinical specimen.
• The problem of misplaced specimen due to human error needed to be addressed as it was a common occurrence in spite of closely-monitored tracking and record-keeping processes.
• Absence of a system to monitor and record delays in pick up of specimens from collection points.

We deployed SeeMyMachines^TM, a customizable IoT platform that uses advanced location-aware technology for real-time asset tracking. The cloud platform leverages BLE technology to track clinical specimens. BLE Listeners placed at designated areas capture signals from BLE tags assigned to bags and carriers to display location in real time. The solution was integrated with hospital systems to improve operational efficiency and quality of care.

• Dashboard displays data on received/dispatched specimens and delivery performance
• Role-based notifications on status and delays
• Search feature for a quick view into location data
• MIS reports for transport segments and carriers
• Trip tracking and route optimization
• Admin interface to add assets, users, and departments
• Mobile application enables users to add carrier, scan barcode, and track trips

• Transparency in specimen movement significantly reduced time for report publishing
• The ability to locate specimen remotely reduced workflow distractions
• Analysis of reports helped to balance workload between carriers resulting in improved turnaround time and efficiency
• Insights into specimen movement led to improvements in resource and task allocation, which improved efficiency and productivity
• Early detection of anomalies and delays enabled timely corrective action