Syscan, Sybase Tean To Provide RFID-Based Pathology System
Syscan International Inc. today announced that it has teamed with Sybase, Inc., a leading provider of enterprise infrastructure and mobile software, to deliver a completely integrated RFID based specimen tracking and processing system for ProPath of Dallas Texas, a leader in pathology services to physicians and hospitals. ProPath is using Sybase’s RFID Enterprise data and process integration suite coupled with the RFID Anywhere™ middleware platform from Sybase® subsidiary.
iAnywhere Solutions™ – to better manage specimen testing along with Syscan’s RFID transponders, readers and RFID systems expertise to increase the efficiency and precision of ProPath’s internal operations. The implementations will accelerate sample processing and improve records management, while dramatically reducing the possibility of the “human error” factor.
Efficient and accurate processing and interpretation of patient biopsies and Pap smears is a mission critical activity for ProPath, which processes over 1,200 unique patient cases and 1,500 – 2,000 samples daily. The slightest processing complication can delay diagnosis and patient treatment and contribute to increased medical costs, due to the time and resources spent reprocessing specimens.
“The systems enable us to fully automate several of the most manual, and thereby problem-prone, laboratory processes, allowing our staff to focus on activities that enhance sample quality and accelerate processing times,” said Krista Crews, Executive Director, ProPath. “As a result, we are expecting a 15 – 20% reduction in overall processing times, allowing us to deliver results faster and more securely, to more efficiently use existing resources and, most importantly, to ensure patients’ safety and privacy.”
Using specialised Low Frequency (LF) readers and transponders supplied by Syscan, ProPath can more accurately and efficiently track specimen identification and processing – from the time they enter the laboratory to archival storage. An RFID tag containing identification information is attached to each specimen as it enters the lab. In addition to providing real-time status information throughout the preparation and diagnostic process, the RFID tag improves process control and increases technician accountability and productivity, as ProPath can track when and by whom a specimen has been handled.
“It’s critical to the success of any RFID project to team with organisations such as Syscan, who bring years of experience across the breadth of frequencies and standards in use today,” said Chris Foley, Director of RFID Business Development at iAnywhere Solutions.
“The selection, configuration and installation of the appropriate tags, readers and antennas in challenging environments such as ProPath’s laboratories provide the solid foundation on which our RFID software infrastructure resides and relies.”
Mr. Axel Striefler, President of Syscan said, “We are pleased to have been able to team with a partner such as Sybase whose technology and expertise has proven to be invaluable in planning and implementing this project. A special thank-you goes out to the management and personnel at ProPath for their foresight in bringing these initiatives forward.”
About Syscan
Syscan is an Applications Solutions Provider of RFID based business efficiency and risk management solutions for a variety of vertical markets. Its standardized supply chain solutions include traceability, temperature monitoring and quality control methodologies for the food, pharmaceutical and health care sectors, transportation and automobile production. www.syscan.com
About Sybase, Inc.
Celebrating 20 years of innovation, Sybase enables the Unwired Enterprise for customers and partners by delivering enterprise and mobile software solutions for information management, development and integration. The world’s most critical data in commerce, communications, finance, government and healthcare runs on Sybase. For more information, visit the Sybase Web site: http://www.sybase.com
About ProPath
ProPath, founded in 1966, is a premier provider of pathology services to clinicians and medical facilities nationwide. As a physician-owned organization, ProPath remains devoted to comprehensive, high-quality laboratory testing for unparalleled patient care. ProPath’s team of 26 board certified pathologists offers subspecialty expertise in podiatric pathology, dermatopathology, gastrointestinal pathology, hematopathology, immunohistochemistry, cytopathology and breast pathology. For more information about ProPath, visit http://www.propathlab.com
Sybase, iAnywhere Solutions and RFID Anywhere are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sybase, Inc. or its subsidiaries. All other company and product names mentioned may be trademarks of the companies with which they are associated.
