The Alpha Portal - Sample Collection Kit Logistics
Complete Solutions for FIT and Calprotectin Testing
Streamline the logistics of patient sample collection kits by using The Alpha Portal (TAP).
Introducing: The Alpha Portal
The Alpha Portal offers a new perspective on the distribution of sample kits: whether it’s for issuing direct-to-patient, or for larger orders going to GPs or Clinics. This new online ordering system gives the user greater control over the associated logistics, and facilitates a traceable, efficient, and manageable solution which can be scaled up and down as required.
Workflow Improvements
Users of TAP are enjoying the benefits it brings
Lynne Taylor is the Study Coordinator at NHS Tayside Hospital, where she has worked for 50 years.
Before The Alpha Portal (TAP), the FIT kitting process was very manual and time consuming.
Tayside transitioned to using TAP back in November 2023, and Lynne has given us an insight into the benefits of using the portal for online ordering of FIT Kits straight to GPs.
My workflow is greatly improved ...I can also say that using the portal has released me to take on new tasks and responsibilities.
Before using TAP, how did you prepare and send patient packs out to GP’s?
Before we started using the portal I could spend quite a lot of my day packaging and sending FIT kits to our users.
Prior to considering sending kits out, I would have to make sure I always had plenty of stock which of course included stock control and finding storage space for the thousands of FIT tubes and envelopes we got through. I also had to manually unpack and transport all of this to and from storage.
Once I received the stock, I would sit and count the instruction leaflets into bundles of 50 and rubber band them and include a with compliments slip which I also had to create and print.
This was very time consuming!
GP’s and other users would email their requests to me, and I would then pack up the appropriate amount of supplies and send them out via our mailroom to be delivered.’
Roughly how long did this manual process take?
I could spend two or three hours dealing with sending out kits if I was busy and of course on the days I received a delivery then it could be much longer.
Now it takes just seconds to order kits to each individual GP practice. It’s great!’
Did you have any reservations about using TAP?
When we first considered the portal, I must admit to being a little apprehensive about losing control of deliveries. It was our own mail room and vans we used to deliver the kits and it was easy to find out where and at what stage the delivery was at.
Any concerns I had were certainly unfounded. If there is ever a query about delivery, it is dealt with very timely and efficiently. I think there has only been one so far and it turns out to be even easier to track progress through Alpha.
Customer service has been very good and there is always someone to answer your queries very quickly.
How has being on TAP improved your workflows?
My workflow is greatly improved as I no longer have to wrestle with deliveries and break off from other jobs to package up parcels to send to GP’s.
I can also say that using the portal has released me to take on new tasks and responsibilities.
Are there any specific features that you like about TAP?
The portal is very clear and easy to use and the initial set up was easy, all I had to do was supply a list of GP’s addresses and post codes.
Considering the fact I have had no negative feedback at all from our users I think they are happy with the new system too.
For FIT Testing
Customers of our bespoke FIT patient packs can now take advantage of the additional benefit of portal ordering.
Improved stock management:
Live stock level updates
View Lot and expiry information
Forward planning and scheduled deliveries possible
Only requires administrative management:
Site specific stock level safety netting
Tracked deliveries
Detailed report functions available
Flexible delivery locations:
Hospital
GP surgery
Clinics
Directly to patients
For Calprotectin Testing
Introducing individual sample collection kits for patient use can provide significant improvements in your laboratory workflow and performance.
The BÜHLMANN CALEX® Cap Collection Set is specifically designed to simplify sample handling by patients, and can be ordered through The Alpha Portal. It provides convenient, hygienic and safe sample collection for the patient and provides a quality ready extracted sample to the laboratory.
Samples are already extracted on receipt into the laboratory
Releases resource
Removes the requirement for time in the safety cabinet
Samples are stabilised in specialised buffer immediately
Eliminates variable degradation in sample matrix during transit
Frees up storage within the laboratory
Removes excess single use plastic (stool collection pot) from the diagnostic process
Reduces the number of delivery trucks required
Improved capacity and reduced turn around time - due to improved workflow
IBDoc® kits can also be sent direct to the patient as and when they are required.
How To Use The Portal
Coming Soon...
We are excited to announce that we will be expanding our offering on The Alpha Portal to include patient sample kits for:
Keep an eye out for updates.
Register Your Interest
If you'd like to start using the Alpha Portal for your patient sample collection kits please complete the form below, or contact [email protected] with your requirements and we'll be in touch soon.