Industry
Healthcare Facilities
Automated management of 70,000 neonatal genomic screening cards at Di Venere Hospital with SILO²
- Healthcare Facilities
- SILO²
- Consumables
Automated storage and retrieval for long-term traceability
In the Neonatology Department at Di Venere Hospital, up to 200 newborns per week are enrolled in a genomic screening programme. Blood samples collected from the heel are used to extract DNA and generate genomic libraries.
Each sample produces a biological screening card that must be securely identified, safely stored and accurately retrieved even years later, supporting both clinical pathways and research activities.
To manage up to 70,000 cards with full traceability, Di Venere Hospital chose ICAM.
Product
SILO²
Key results
• 70,000 screening cards stored in 5.15 m²
• Full real-time traceability
Key feature
• IRIDE-guided retrieval operations
• ICON integration with hospital information systems
Di Venere Hospital: neonatal genomic screening and clinical continuity
Di Venere Hospital is a major public healthcare facility providing specialised clinical care and advanced diagnostic services for patients across the region.
Within the Neonatology Department, the genomic screening programme processes up to 200 newborns every week. Heel-prick blood samples are used for DNA extraction and genomic library generation to support early diagnosis and research activities.
Each sample is associated with a biological screening card containing the newborn’s identification details and genomic profile. These cards must remain securely stored and easily retrievable over time for clinical follow-up, diagnostic investigations, research and audit activities.
Within the Neonatology Department, the genomic screening programme processes up to 200 newborns every week. Heel-prick blood samples are used for DNA extraction and genomic library generation to support early diagnosis and research activities.
Each sample is associated with a biological screening card containing the newborn’s identification details and genomic profile. These cards must remain securely stored and easily retrievable over time for clinical follow-up, diagnostic investigations, research and audit activities.
The logistical challenges
Because the biological screening cards are linked to individual genomic data with long-term clinical and research value, the storage process had to meet extremely strict and non-negotiable requirements.
• Long-term preservation: guaranteed physical integrity and readability over time within a protected, access-controlled environment
• Unambiguous identification: with 70,000 stored units, manual searches were incompatible with clinical accuracy requirements
• Full traceability of every access and movement: every operation must be recorded and integrated with hospital information systems
• Fast and reliable retrieval: every card must be immediately available for clinical or research requests, with no delays or margin for error
• Reduced manual handling: relying on visual searches or operator memory introduces unnecessary risk
Custom trays and triple-compartment racks for 70,000 screening cards in just 5.15 m²
ICAM developed a custom tray configuration specifically engineered for the programme’s biological screening cards.
Each tray houses 32 triple-compartment corrugated polypropylene racks, with every rack divided into 3 compartments measuring 300 × 75 × 90 mm. Each compartment stores the screening cards in a protected, organised and immediately identifiable position.
Within a footprint of just 5.15 m², the archive accommodates 320 racks and up to 70,000 screening cards.
Each tray houses 32 triple-compartment corrugated polypropylene racks, with every rack divided into 3 compartments measuring 300 × 75 × 90 mm. Each compartment stores the screening cards in a protected, organised and immediately identifiable position.
Within a footprint of just 5.15 m², the archive accommodates 320 racks and up to 70,000 screening cards.
Every screening card tracked, every retrieval guided with precision
ICON software, integrated with the hospital information systems, manages barcode-based identification for every screening card, tracking and recording each storage and retrieval operation in real time.
When a specific card needs to be retrieved, IRIDE guides the operator through the process with maximum precision. The correct tray is automatically delivered to the workstation, while IRIDE highlights the exact compartment using light indicators, eliminating any ambiguity even in high-pressure operating conditions.
No visual searching, no misplaced cards and virtually no margin for error.
When a specific card needs to be retrieved, IRIDE guides the operator through the process with maximum precision. The correct tray is automatically delivered to the workstation, while IRIDE highlights the exact compartment using light indicators, eliminating any ambiguity even in high-pressure operating conditions.
No visual searching, no misplaced cards and virtually no margin for error.
Key results
An automated clinical archive designed for the level of responsibility it must support
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70,000 record cards archived in 5.15 m²
The entire biological archive of the screening programme held in a minimal footprint, within the clinical department
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Full barcode traceability
Every card identified, every access recorded: ICON integration with hospital information systems for data continuity and compliance
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IRIDE-guided retrieval: zero ambiguity
The operator does not search: IRIDE indicates the exact compartment. The right card, at the first attempt, every time
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Immediate access supporting clinical and research workflows
Every card available within seconds, when required for diagnostic follow-up, clinical review or research activities
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Reduced manual intervention
Automated archiving and retrieval: lower risk of error, reduced operational burden on clinical staff
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Privacy and security compliance
Controlled and recorded access: every archive operation tracked and compliant with healthcare and regulatory standards
Discover the solution chosen by Di Venere Hospital
SILO² — Vertical Lift Module
With 2 to 7 storage columns, over 120 tray configurations and load capacities up to 1,000 kg/m², SILO² is designed for the efficient storage of small and medium-sized items.
Discover SILO²
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