RTLS Solution for Real-Time Clinical Specimen Tracking
QBurst deployed a customizable IoT platform for a premier healthcare organization, using advanced location-aware technology (RTLS) to track clinical specimens in real-time, drastically improving operational efficiency and the credibility of clinical laboratories.
Client
A premier healthcare organization with multi-specialty hospitals and healthcare centers in South Asia and the Middle East.
Problem Statement
The client lacked transparency into transportation and management of clinical specimens (blood, tissue, etc.). Human error frequently resulted in misplaced specimens, and the absence of a monitoring system prevented the detection of transit delays, directly impacting specimen quality, clinical credibility, and the speed of patient diagnosis.
Industry
Quick Summary
QBurst integrated a customized IoT platform using BLE technology with existing hospital systems to digitize specimen tracking.
- Real-Time Visibility: Deployed BLE tags and listeners to provide real-time location data for clinical specimens, eliminating the problem of misplaced items.
- Process Automation: The solution replaced manual check-ins and pick-ups at collection points, leading to a standardized, accountable, and transparent transportation process.
- Operational Efficiency: Analysis of reports helped balance carrier workloads and enabled the early detection of anomalies, significantly reducing overall turnaround time.
Client
A premier healthcare organization with multi-specialty hospitals and healthcare centers in South India and the Middle East.
Challenges
- Misplaced Specimens: Human error was a common occurrence, despite close monitoring, resulting in critical clinical specimens becoming misplaced.
- Lack of Accountability: Absence of a system to automatically monitor and record delays in specimen pick-up from collection points, preventing root cause analysis.
- Manual Data Analysis: Analyzing the turnaround time (TAT) at each transit location was a manual, retrospective process that delayed corrective action and impacted efficiency.
- Compliance and Quality Risk: Transit delays adversely impacted the quality of specimens and risked the credibility of clinical laboratories.
IoT Clinical Specimen Tracking Solution
QBurst deployed SeeMyMachines™, a customizable IoT platform, utilizing advanced Real-Time Location System (RTLS) technology. This cloud-based solution leverages Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to track clinical specimens seamlessly throughout the hospital network.
Key solution components
- BLE Location Tracking: BLE tags were assigned to specimen bags and carriers. BLE Listeners placed at designated areas capture these signals to display the specimen's location in real-time.
- Workflow Digitization: The solution replaced manual check-ins and pick-ups, automatically monitoring and recording transportation between transit points to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Operational Interface: A robust Dashboard displays data on received/dispatched specimens and delivery performance. An Admin interface allows users to manage assets, users, and departments.
- Reporting and Analytics: Generated crucial MIS reports for transport segments and carriers, enabling workload balancing and analysis of turnaround times.
Technical Highlights
- RTLS Technology (BLE): Utilized energy-efficient BLE technology for precise, real-time asset tracking of carriers and specimens.
- Cross-Functional Interface: Included a mobile application that enables users to easily add carriers, scan barcodes, and track trips, integrating the solution directly into staff workflows.
- Performance Reporting: The dashboard provides role-based notifications on status and delays, enabling early detection of anomalies and timely corrective action.
- Optimization Tools: Integrated a trip tracking and route optimization feature into the platform's core to continually seek efficiency gains.
Impact: Driving Efficiencies and Productivity in Clinical Specimen Tracking
- Reduced Turnaround Time: Analysis of reports helped balance workload between carriers, resulting in an estimated 55% improvement in specimen processing turnaround time and efficiency.
- Enhanced Transparency: Transparency in specimen movement significantly reduced the time required for report publishing and eliminated the problem of misplaced specimens.
- Improved Efficiency and Productivity: Insights into specimen movement led to improvements in resource and task allocation, resulting in a 40% increase in efficiency and productivity.
- Early Anomaly Detection: Early detection of anomalies and delays enabled timely corrective action, reducing workflow distractions and preserving specimen quality.
Overview
The Challenge
QBurst Answer
Outcome
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