Mobile apps for blood sample transportation tracking

What did our client need?

Our client came to us with a strong vision of what they needed when it comes to safe and professional transporting of blood samples:

1. A mobile app for iOS and Android designed for couriers, enabling them to log transport data. What’s more, the ordering party could track information about the shipment via this solution.

2. A mobile app for iOS and Android addressed to medical personnel responsible for sending blood samples. This app aims to help them register the samples, streamlining their workflow.

How did we approach the challenge?

Discovery phase

We began with an exploration stage, during which we worked closely with the client to understand the workflows and challenges of target users – including laboratory staff, couriers, and nurses. We prepared tailored questions and consulted with the client as they engaged hospitals in early interviews with nurses.

Product design

We also conducted a user flow analysis and reviewed the client’s existing web platform, making sure what parts can be effectively adapted to a mobile app. Thanks to these consultations and reviews, we were able to translate real-world issues into UX/UI recommendations.

Following this research, we moved into creating wireframes and detailed mockups. We also developed a clickable prototype to validate early design decisions.

As a result of the Product Design phase, we mapped out a development process for two mobile apps our client needed. We chose to follow a Scrumban approach, implementing the best practices we’ve refined through our experience.

Tech integration & development

Next, our Development Team moved on to building apps. A key feature was the app’s ability to scan barcodes attached to the probes containing blood samples through the phone's camera. This aimed to capture drawing time, sample type, and other identification details. 

The app for medical staff would allow for registering samples and data correction, e.g., in case the code is stuck to the wrong probe. In addition, users could record whether a SmartTube was included in the shipment, enabling advanced tracking.

S4DX wanted to make sure their apps can be vastly used, regardless of the circumstances. 

1. S4DX needed apps to be available both for Android and iOS. To ensure cross-platform compatibility and streamlined development, we built both apps using React Native and TypeScript.

2. One of the key challenges we addressed was maintaining app functionality in areas with unreliable internet access, which occurs as medical staff move around healthcare facilities. We implemented a robust offline mode to provide a great experience regardless of connectivity. 

3. A key component of this solution is a dynamic queue that ensures requests are always saved. Whenever the app detects a loss of internet connection, any outgoing requests to the back are temporarily stored in the queue. Once the connection is restored, these requests are automatically processed and sent to the database.

4. To further enhance usability, we also designed a mini control panel that allowed medical staff to see which data had already been collected and successfully sent to the database. Using this option, they could also manage individual entries.

S4DX’s apps were designed for flexibility, enabling healthcare professionals to work seamlessly across platforms and conditions.

Ensuring compatibility with specialised hardware

As our collaboration with S4DX was coming to a close, one of the final challenges was to adapt the mobile app for use on Roche’s cobas® pulse device.

Roche, a provider of healthcare solutions, had developed cobas® pulse as an in vitro diagnostic system designed to measure glucose levels in whole blood with cobas® GLU test strips at the patient’s bedside.

Within this joint project between S4DX and Roche, our team focused on ensuring that the app for nurses could operate seamlessly on the cobas® pulse device, making it practical and reliable for everyday clinical use.

Project’s Team & Communication

The project team included two experienced medical software developers, and one UX designer. All work was coordinated by a team leader who managed the process from start to finish.

To maintain smooth and continuous communication with S4DX, we used e-mail and regular meetings via Microsoft Teams. Thanks to this, we could easily adapt to any upcoming changes.

Our solution

By working with S4DX, we supported medical staff, laboratory workers, and couriers in ensuring blood samples' safe and smooth handling.

During our cooperation, we were able to deliver the following:

• two mobile apps available for both Android and iOS

• offline mode for an app addressed to the medical staff to allow them uninterrupted work with blood samples

• scanning tool built into an app enabling registering blood samples

• solution for couriers and laboratory staff to ensure complete visibility on transport times,

• adapting the app for nurses to the cobas® pulse device.

Thanks to close collaboration with the client from day one, the project ran smoothly and effectively. It was a truly rewarding process for us, and we’re proud to have delivered a solution that genuinely meets users’ needs.