The German Red Cross (DRK) partnered with Gloster to digitize and modernize its laboratory operations, replacing outdated, paper-based processes with a secure, scalable, cloud-based laboratory information management system (LIMS). The new system streamlines data collection, automates workflows, and enables real-time reporting across the organization.
Developed using a microservices architecture, the platform enhances operational efficiency, supports rapid response needs, and lays the foundation for nationwide and future European expansion. Implementation followed a phased, low-risk approach, maintaining continuity for critical health services.
Gloster’s solution reduced manual data entry errors by over 70%, accelerated sample processing by up to 60%, and enabled full cloud-based lab registration and deployment — all while ensuring GDPR compliance and operational continuity.
About the Client
The German Red Cross (Deutsches Rotes Kreuz, DRK) is one of Germany’s most respected humanitarian organizations. As a key member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the DRK operates under the Geneva Conventions and maintains a broad footprint across disaster relief, health services, social support, and international development. With more than three million members and an extensive volunteer network, it plays a critical role in Germany's healthcare and emergency infrastructure.
Despite its significant national and international responsibilities, the DRK's IT infrastructure had become a limiting factor. The software ecosystem lacked web access and relied heavily on manual, paper-based processes. This outdated system resulted in inefficiencies, slow data transmission, and high error rates—unacceptable in contexts such as disaster relief and blood donation logistics, where speed and accuracy are crucial.
In many labs, digital machines exist, but the surrounding processes still involve paper-based handoff, creating recurring analog–digital–analog handoff loops that introduce delay and human error. Technicians often write patient data by hand under difficult conditions (e.g., wearing gloves or hazmat suits), increasing the likelihood of transcription errors. The DRK sought to eliminate these weak points by ensuring that digital identity and sample tracking begin at the point of collection.
Key Limitations Identified:
- No remote data access or real-time collaboration
- High incidence of manual data entry errors
- Cumbersome workflows, unsuitable for time-critical operations
The Solution: A Cloud-Native Digital Lab Platform
In partnership with Gloster, the DRK launched a complete overhaul of its laboratory IT infrastructure. At the core of this transformation was the development of a secure, scalable, cloud-native platform tailored to the full lifecycle of laboratory operations.
Key Features Delivered:
- End-to-End Workflow Integration: From sample collection to result delivery, the platform consolidates previously fragmented processes.
- Modernised Data Integration: While direct patient or donor access to the system is a planned future capability, the current solution streamlines operations by enabling external partners to input and retrieve data on behalf of patients or donors. At present, this exchange occurs through a legacy interface. A modern REST API is under development to replace it, enabling faster, more secure integration with partner systems and laying the groundwork for eventual direct mobile access.
- Real-Time Data Flow: The entire system operates in the cloud, requiring no local installation. Labs can create and configure new virtual environments via a secure web interface, onboarding personnel, instruments, and sample workflows in minutes—dramatically accelerating deployment.
- Microservices Architecture: Built on Docker and Kubernetes for modularity and maintainability.
- Authentication & Access Management: Integrated with Keycloak for secure identity handling.
Innovation Highlights
Data Entry Process Modernization:
While QR code-based intake is part of the long-term roadmap, the current system relies on external partners entering data using existing interfaces. Future enhancements will include enabling patients or donors to initiate data entry via mobile devices, securely linking their information to samples for greater accuracy and efficiency.
Unlike traditional tablet-based systems, this mobile-first approach minimizes hardware dependencies, reduces cost, and improves hygiene—critical in pandemic response scenarios.
- Sample donors enter their data on a mobile site, which generates a QR code. The QR code is scanned at the lab, transferring data without storing it on external servers.
- Ensures privacy and dramatically reduces data entry time.
Cloud-Native Architecture:
Labs operate as virtual environments, scalable on demand. Data is processed and stored securely, with 2FA-protected access for both clinicians and patients to retrieve test results online—no mailing delays or physical handling required.
- Enables real-time scaling based on workload demand.
- Supports high availability and system redundancy.
Decoupled Microservices:
Our in-house framework enables rapid development of adapters for a wide range of laboratory devices, ensuring seamless integration with diverse hardware. The system already supports equipment from leading manufacturers, including Roche, Abbott, Immucor, Beckman Coulter, and Biorad, providing consistent digital data flow regardless of vendor or model.
- Each service (e.g., sample tracking, reporting, results evaluation) operates independently.
- Enhances maintainability and simplifies system updates.
Why Gloster?
The DRK selected Gloster based on:
- A proven track record in complex cloud transformations
- Deep technical expertise in DevOps and containerized environments
- Previous successful collaborations that built a strong foundation of trust
- Rapid, effective delivery during the project's Proof of Concept (PoC) phase
- A €3 million investment over five years, delivered by a dedicated team of 10+ developers, highlights Gloster’s long-term commitment and deep technical expertise in healthcare IT.
Organisational Impact
The solution provided by Gloster delivered immediate long-term value:
- Significantly enhanced capacity to respond to time-sensitive health and disaster scenarios
- Centralized, scalable digital backbone for future expansion
Operational Improvements:
- Manual data entry errors reduced by over 70%
- Sample processing time decreased by up to 60%
- System availability increased to 99.9% uptime
Strategic Outcomes:
As a cloud-based, vendor-neutral LIMS, backed by a nationally trusted institution, the platform lowers switching costs and opens the door for secure, standards-compliant lab modernization across Europe. Its ability to integrate directly with million-euro diagnostic hardware adds immediate value to both public and private healthcare providers.
- Improved cost-efficiency via reduced manual workload
- Scalable digital infrastructure ready for multi-site national deployment
- Enhanced compliance, traceability, and data governance
The platform is already operational in selected DRK labs, with full production rollout underway. Following successful validation, a national rollout is planned. Long-term ambitions include extending the solution across the European Red Cross network, driving continent-wide standardization, and improving healthcare outcomes globally.
