Top Medical Courier Trends in 2020

Couriers are not often thought of as a vital component however, they play a crucial role in the medical sector, ensuring timely delivery of laboratory specimens, medications, paperwork, and supplies to various healthcare facilities. Over the years, courier services have evolved significantly, focusing more on training and technology to enhance service quality. In 2020, several exciting trends are shaping the medical courier industry, promising greater efficiency and effectiveness.

Advancements in Courier Management Software
Technology is revolutionizing the courier industry, with GPS tracking being a pivotal trend. Real-time tracking enables medical facilities to monitor the exact location of specimens in transit, optimizing delivery routes and reducing fuel consumption. Courier management systems, like BioTouch’s SpectraPath, offer features such as scheduling, tracking, route optimization, and mobile accessibility, enhancing client satisfaction, reducing transportation costs, and improving overall efficiency.

Integration of Medical Drone Technology
Although still in its early stages, drone technology is gaining traction in the medical courier sector. While its suitability for transporting sensitive patient data remains uncertain, drones hold promise in delivering medical supplies to remote or disaster-stricken areas, aiding Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) in the field, or providing essential equipment like automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to emergency situations. Drones could also be invaluable in retrieving patient specimens during viral outbreaks, minimizing the risk to personnel.

Focus on Enhanced Courier Training
Medical couriers undergo comprehensive training covering HIPAA regulations, specimen handling, exposure control, compliance, and DOT requirements. Regular training updates ensure couriers stay abreast of the latest protocols, enhancing service quality and efficiency. Proper training is crucial for maintaining specimen integrity during transportation, prompting courier and logistics companies to prioritize this aspect of healthcare logistics.

Implementation of RFID Temperature Tracking
Maintaining optimal temperature conditions during specimen transportation is vital for accurate testing. RFID technology allows couriers to monitor the temperature range of specimens throughout transit, flagging any deviations from the preset range. This ensures immediate assessment of specimen integrity upon arrival at the testing facility, reducing the time wasted on analyzing compromised samples. Moreover, RFID technology can streamline inventory management by using RFID lot labels on specimen collection kits and marketing materials.

Embracing these emerging trends in training and technology will undoubtedly benefit laboratories utilizing courier services. From specialized training to GPS tracking, drones, and temperature monitoring, these advancements promise to streamline operations, enhance client satisfaction, and reduce costs in the medical courier industry.