MGH uses PowerPath's AMP module to provide accurate diagnosis with effective, efficient communications. AMP’s expanded barcode technology tracks individual case materials– a process previously done manually with a black marker, leaving work prone to human error. AMP’s barcode technology resembles the package tracking model of major package shippers. Specimen tracking failure rate is typically 1 in 335 in a histology lab, but with barcoding automation it is significantly reduced. For example, one major shipper handles more than 3.5 million package tracking requests daily, and using automated tracking, has only a 1 in 9.2 million parcel tracking failure rate.

PHS/MGH Advance Technology with IMPAC
As case volume increased in PHS/MGH’s labs it became clear that they needed a better system to track and monitor specimen status through the laboratory workflow. In early 2004, PHS and MGH envisioned the original materials tracking system concept and design, then worked closely with IMPAC engineers to make the system commercially viable for all PowerPath clients. This system, now called the AMP module, is available with PowerPath version 9 and higher.

PHS was the first site to go live with the AMP module and has proven its effectiveness in many ways, including same-day turnaround on simple surgical labs. Maintaining a secure link between materials and the case is critical to ensuring efficient operation. Barcodes and the AMP system at PHS enable the lab to readily locate materials, quickly and accurately, while reporting the status of work in progress.

Easy-To-Use Automation
“Once the AMP module set up is complete, we simply scan the PowerPath specimen barcode at the cassette labeler,” states Lyman Garniss, corporate manager and current leader, PHS IS lab group for Partners Healthcare. “The system downloads the information required for the cassette labeler and the correct number, type and color of cassettes are printed with barcodes. Then the system automatically marks this process as completed and removes it from the worklist.”

Workflow Efficiency
The AMP module assigns barcodes and tracks materials in progress at several stages of the workflow, including the time of accessioning, block and slide preparation, and completion at checkout. AMP saves directly to the database all information tracked at each step of the workflow, availing the data for prompt viewing and reporting. Staff can easily and quickly associate materials with the appropriate case at any step of the workflow.

“The same model of parent, child, and grandchild barcode labels can be found in high volume clinical lab systems. Once the rules are set up in PowerPath, the system works in a similar fashion. Now that the AMP module is in place, we could not live without it,” Garniss declares. “Utilizing this technology, PHS demonstrates the highest level of accuracy possible. We can easily see the progress status of cassettes and slides, and the case progression time has improved. Best of all, our staff (at all levels) are very happy with the performance of the module.”

Future Plans
PHS and MGH plan to work further with IMPAC in the future to tie the AMP module to other functionality such as batch shipping and receiving of materials, automated slide libraries, and image capture and management using the AMP barcodes.