New case study highlights LIMS tracking capabilities

New case study highlights LIMS tracking capabilities
A new case study, describing the use of the Matrix Tracker software in the mortuary in an NHS Hospital Trust, has been published by Autoscribe Ltd and is available for download from www.autoscribeinformatics.com/phocadownload/userupload/mortuary%20management.pdf. Matrix Tracker replaced the original paper-based tracking system which was deemed to be unacceptable since it is difficult to audit or back-up. Matrix Tracker was chosen for this application because the tracking software offered by the provider of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) used in the main hospital lacked the flexibility to allow the function of the system to be altered beyond a few simple settings, as well as being expensive. 
It is essential to accurately record fridge occupancy at the mortuary and to ensure that there is no occasion where there are no spare fridges available to hold bodies arriving at the mortuary. It is also important to keep track of the bodies to ensure they are moved on as quickly as possible and that each body is sent to the correct location when they leave the mortuary.
In addition, the system allows the tracking of pathology samples that have been taken before arrival at the mortuary along with tissue release wishes and the religion of the deceased, if required, to comply with HTA recommendations. The bereavement notice is e-mailed from the system and a coroner’s report is also prepared from the system. The system meets all the current mortuary regulations including CPA (Clinical Pathology Accreditation).
The Matrix Tracker system is a configurable, expandable tracking system that enhances compliance giving improved traceability and accountability. It simplifies management tasks by tracking each item, positively identifying the current item location, owner and chain of custody. It also provides the flexibility to expand in the future to link in to other systems. The software can easily be upgraded to full LIMS functionality.