Aim: The HistoTrac software enables us to store and access patient data and HLA test results. However, its capabilities are limited as sample tracking and DSA monitoring need to be done manually, and there is an absence of interactive data visualization. By introducing Power BI, a business intelligence service tool, we aim to enable real-time pre- and post-transplant (txp) sample tracking and donor-specific antibodies (DSA) monitoring without user intervention once the Power BI 'report,' known as an interactive visualization tool, has been established.
Methods: Power BI (Microsoft) was connected to the HistoTrac SQL server to retrieve ad hoc query output information. The database for pre-and post-txp sample tracking stores information, including organ category, UNOS status, and serum date. The database for DSA monitoring includes 'DSA test' results comprised of the MFI values for antibodies against all mismatched HLAs.
Results: The Power BI dashboard of sample tracking is designed to present data from a macro overview of sample statuses down to a micro-level detail of individual patients, enabling targeted actions. The pre-transplant serum date tracking report provides a bar-graph overview of sample statuses and links to a list of patients requiring updates, categorizing the data into three groups—beyond, nearly, and within the cutoff-day window—using DAX formulas (Figure A). The post-transplant report tracks the time since the last sample and identifies those requiring follow-up. The DSA monitoring report displays MFI graphs for antibodies against mismatched HLAs, offering interactive ‘tooltips’ for detailed visualization of specific data points, and ‘slicers’ to filter specific DSAs, pairing both diluted and undiluted test results (Figure B). Power BI automatically updates these reports according to the scheduled settings, and sends regular email notifications to keep all users informed.
Conclusion: Power BI fully streamlines data collection, real-time monitoring, and reporting for patient sample tracking and DSA monitoring by creating a seamless flow of information from individual HistoTrac datasets. This revolutionized HLA laboratory system facilitates timely sample collection and testing for accurate virtual crossmatch analysis and prompt DSA identification, keeping the transplant teams informed through real-time data.
