Milestone – Traceability in Pathology Labs: Ensuring Specimen Safety and Workflow Efficiency
Traceability refers to the comprehensive tracking and documentation of the entire lifecycle of specimens, beginning from their collection through to the final reporting of results. The importance of traceability today is crucial, as it significantly impacts the maintenance of high-quality standards and the optimal workflow management of laboratories.
Today’s laboratory needs
Currently, laboratories face distinct needs that are continuously growing due to increased workloads. One of the main objectives is process optimisation, which results in shorter turnaround times and increased efficiency. This can be achieved by implementing continuous sample monitoring to always know the real-time status of both the sample and the laboratory, allowing for the identification of any bottlenecks that hinder workflow efficiency. This naturally goes hand in hand with maintaining high safety standards, which must not only ensure the integrity of the specimen but also guarantee that the operator works in safe conditions.
Traceability is inherently linked to documentation. Recording the entire process ensures effective data management while guaranteeing compliance and quality assurance.
All these demands necessitate the implementation of modern equipment, which improves result accuracy and provides robust support for the evolving needs of today’s laboratories.
Milestone Tracking Solutions
Milestone has expanded its portfolio with a range of tools designed to offer robust support for tracking and documentation throughout the entire sample workflow, from the operating room (OR) to the final diagnosis. The accessioning phase is the very first step where the samples are received and entered the laboratory information system (LIS).
V-Tracker
V-Tracker is a tool designed to automate the accessioning process for vials and containers. This not only eliminates the possibility of potential errors during manual scanning, but also facilitates the creation of comprehensive and timely documentation.
The process is straightforward: the technician places the container in the designated area. A camera captures all the information on the container in 360 degrees, with the image being quickly acquired and displayed on the user interface. V-Tracker automatically identifies all codes on the label and documents them through a clear image, capturing patient IDs, notes and additional information that could easily be missed with manual scanning. It then generates a comprehensive report with all relevant data.
R-Tracker and T-Tracker
To reduce technicians’ overwhelming workload, and ensure a clear history of the specimen and facilitates information retrieval, Milestone has created a line of tools, such as R-Tracker and T-Tracker, designed to automate the basket tracking process and deliver numerous benefits:
- Eliminate errors associated with manual scanning and save time that can be redirected to other tasks in the lab.
- Enhance the quality of tracking.
- Implement an additional checkpoint with a “Compare function”, that enables the review of baskets before and after processing, ensuring that all cassettes have been processed accurately.
- Merge cassettes and baskets within the same run.
MileWATCH benefits
Milestone also provides the ability to track the entire journey of a specimen through its dedicated software, MileWATCH. Its comprehensive features enable lab managers to identify potential bottlenecks and improve the planning of upcoming processing runs:
- MileWATCH collects and stores the data and information in the system database and can be easily interfaced with the LIS through the local LAN.
- Operators can oversee the daily operations of the laboratory by remotely viewing the process status of the units.
- MileWATCH software allows to view and control the samples in real time.
MileWATCH seamlessly integrates with Milestone units and ensures the secure storage of crucial information gathered at each stage, guaranteeing a comprehensive traceability of specimens and facilitating convenient access at any given moment.
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THESE PRODUCTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
