Specimen Tracking System Introduced
A new RFID-enabled system manufactured by Magellan Technology was launched to track specimens collected in the healthcare setting. It is intended for use in the laboratory setting or any other facility that requires means to store and track glass slides with samples containing biologic specimens. News of the product launch was described in the RFID Journal.
The tracking system employs a boxlike antenna which can read tags on about 1,000 slides within two seconds. The interrogator is also capable of writing tags, though that process requires more time to complete. Labels are affixed to slides and an interrogator is mounted in a convenient location within the lab.
The interrogator was specifically designed so that tags can be read regardless of where tags are positioned. A range of reader options are available depending on the speed needed at a facility. The antenna, which is plugged into the reader with a cable, sits on top of the table. It has a tunnel shape so that boxes containing tags can be slid into the tunnel.
The new system incorporates the Phase Jitter Modulation (PJM) StackTag technology from Magellan. This allows coding of tags at a rate of up to 424 kilobits per second and read at 106 kilobits per second. In addition, the system supports ISO 15693.
One potential application is for pharmaceutical companies. Those organizations require tracking of multiple specimens used during the conduct of clinical trials, potentially as many as 10,000 slides. This material needs to be available in the case that the FDA would like to review data collected. In fact, the system is currently being tested by a pharmaceutical company to organize specimens collected during the drug development process.
Conventional systems used to store and track lab slides usually employ typed or hand written labels. More advanced facilities may utilize bar codes. Slides are often stored in very close proximity to each other in special boxes designed for storage of biologic materials. This outdated system can make locating specimens rapidly quite a challenge.
February 18, 2008 Related topics: Infectious Diseases, Product Launches, Laboratory Equipment, Materials Management