Mortuary management may seem like an unconventional application for a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), but accurate tracking within this environment is absolutely essential. Errors in identification, storage, or documentation can have deeply distressing consequences for families and can undermine trust in the institutions responsible for handling the deceased.
Instem’s Matrix Gemini LIMS Tracker, part of the comprehensive Matrix Gemini LIMS suite, provides the enhanced traceability and accountability needed to meet today’s mortuary regulatory requirements, including CPA (Clinical Pathology Accreditation) standards.
The importance of robust tracking is underscored by data from the BBC, which revealed, through a Freedom of Information request that there were 278 serious incidents involving mortuaries between 2014 and 2016 across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The Human Tissue Authority (HTA) defines a serious incident as a “human error or system failure that leads to damage to bodies or misplaced bodies or body parts.” Each incident triggers a full HTA investigation to ensure lessons are learned and preventative improvements are implemented.
The Matrix Gemini LIMS Tracker is a configurable, scalable tracking solution designed to simplify management tasks by providing complete visibility of each item’s location, ownership, and chain of custody. Within a mortuary setting, it accurately records fridge occupancy, tracks the movement of bodies, and minimizes the risk of misidentification or misplacement. The system also ensures optimal fridge utilization by helping staff manage capacity efficiently and confirming that each body is transferred to the correct location upon release.
In addition to tracking bodies, the system can manage associated pathology tissue samples taken before arrival at the mortuary, along with tissue release wishes and the religion of the deceased—ensuring compliance with HTA recommendations and respect for cultural or religious considerations. The Matrix Gemini LIMS Tracker also includes a flexible reporting function that enables users to generate bereavement notices, prepare coroner’s reports, and even send secure email notifications directly from the system. Furthermore, it can be expanded and integrated with other institutional systems to create a seamless, end-to-end traceability solution.
A Trusted Solution for Sensitive Environments
Managing a mortuary requires absolute precision, professionalism, and respect. By implementing a digital tracking solution such as Matrix Gemini LIMS Tracker, organizations can ensure complete traceability, regulatory compliance, and peace of mind for staff and families alike.
To learn more about how Matrix Gemini LIMS Tracker can support traceability and compliance in mortuary environments, contact us today. Our team will be happy to provide additional information or arrange a personalized demonstration.
