Welcome

X-Lab has a new approach to sending pathology samples between UK laboratories - the National Pathology Exchange (NPEx). NPEx is based on the idea that commercial messaging software can make the process of sending pathology requests and results simpler, faster and safer. The NPEx was developed by X-Lab and the NHS and the service was launched nationally by The Health Informatics Service (THIS) at Microsoft's UK Head Office on 9th November 2010. Full details are at www.this.nhs.uk/npex but here's a summary:

Look, No Hands

NPEx cuts out much of the manual work of typing, reading and re-typing that typifies the send-away process. The sample management system requires less effort and reduces the frequency of errors.

Help With Shipping

NPEx manages the batching of samples into shipments, tracks packages through to receipt at the reference lab and alerts users to missing and damaged samples.

Any Lab to Any Lab

Any NHS pathology lab in the UK can sign up to NPEx simply by buying an interface from your current lab system supplier and subscribing to the service. It’s that easy. The NPEx servers run from within N3 and to use the system your staff simply need a standard web browser like Internet Explorer - if you’re looking at this then you’ve got all you need! You can see NPEx in action and use the training videos at www.youtube.com/npextube and online. Contact us for a trial account and we'll get you started.

LIMS Integration

NPEx uses HL7 version 3 for its messages but can pick up and convert from any Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and even without an interface you can still use the online version (though obviously there’s more typing involved). Interfaces with iSOFT Apex, iSOFT Telepath and CliniSys LabCentre are live, the interface for CliniSys WinPath will be live in early 2011 and interfaces to more LIMS systems will be coming soon.

e-Procurement

Because NPEx connects all laboratories to each other regardless of their LIMS system and location it allows lab managers to see which labs in the UK offer which tests at what price and with what performance and reliability history. The NPEx e-procurement features are designed to support lab managers through the e-procurement process from identifying pathology test suppliers to price/performance comparisons through to organising trial runs and contracting and fulfillment. Fulfillment is of course entirely digital as, once the test request and results are set up on NPEx, no more paper is required. It's worth noting that some pathology labs are still making the mistake of signing outsourcing contracts that have no requirement for electronic interfaces built in and are committing themselves to years of misery sending and receiving paper forms. With NPEx you cut the costs in procurement as well as cutting out paper for good, for ever.