Barcode scanning in histopathology laboratory sample tracking

Abstract

A system and method for scanning data from items such as histopathology cassettes 1 or histopathology slides 4. Each item is provided with both a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and with an

Description

[0001] This invention relates to histopathology laboratory sample tracking systems, and in particular to sample tracking systems including histopathology cassettes and optionally other components incorporating radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the field of histopathology, it is common for tissue specimens to be taken from a patient and treated in various ways so as to preserve the tissue specimens and to prepare them in a manner that facilitates study and diagnosis. For example, a tissue specimen obtained by way of a biopsy may first undergo fixation, for example in a solution of formalin, so as to immobilise and preserve the tissue specimen in as life-like a state as possible. The fixated tissue specimen is then dehydrated, for example by replacing water in the fixated tissue specimen with ethanol, and optionally treated with further chemical solutions as required. The dehydrated, fixated tissue specimen is then embedded in a paraffin wax embedding medium and the paraffin wax embedding medium is allowed to cool and solidify, resulting in a solid wax block containing the fixated tissue specimen. Subsequently, thin sections of the embedded tissue specimen can be cut from the block using a microtome, and the thin sections of the embedded tissue specimen can be mounted on microscope slides, hereinafter histopathology slides, for examination by a medical professional. Histopathology slides can be retained for many years, as can the paraffin wax block containing the embedded tissue specimen. This allows further sections of the embedded tissue specimen to be cut at a later date for further examination. Moreover, there are stringent regulations in place regarding the proper preservation and storage of human tissue specimens, and it is important to be able to take new sections of a previously-obtained tissue specimen for diagnostic and monitoring purposes. Indeed, in some instances it may not be possible or may be undesirable to obtain a new tissue specimen from a patient, so it is important that the various tissue specimens are properly stored and easily retrievable at a later date.

[0003] During various of the processing steps outlined above, a tissue specimen, whether in its fresh state, fixated state, dehydrated state or embedded state, will be contained in a specialised cassette. The cassette typically takes the form of a generally rectangular tray with a slatted or perforated base and a perimetral sidewall. A slatted or perforated lid member can be removably fitted to the top of the perimetral sidewall so as to define a parallelepiped storage volume within the cassette. A front portion of the perimetral sidewall may have a sloped outer face configured to receive a label that identifies the cassette and optionally its contents. The slatted or perforated configuration of the base and the lid member allow fluids to enter into and exit from the storage volume, thus allowing treatment of a tissue specimen held within the storage volume.

[0004] Histopathology cassettes are generally provided in several different standardised sizes, adapted for different sizes of tissue specimen. The standardised sizes mean that the cassettes can easily be stored in standardised storage racksortrays, whether for temporary storage and transport, or for more permanent archive storage. The cassettes are typically made of plastics materials and may come in different colours for different types of tissue samples. The materials from which the cassettes are made need to be able to withstand harsh chemicals such as formalin and other organic solvents, as well as organic and inorganic acids and alkalis. The cassettes also need to be able to withstand heat due to molten paraffin wax and remain stable for many years.

[0005] It will be appreciated that histopathology cassettes, with their tissue sample contents, will pass through a number of different processing steps in a histopathology laboratory. It is vitally important to be able to keep track of each cassette and its contents at all stages of processing, otherwise cassettes and their contents may be lost or misplaced, or a tissue sample from one patient may accidentally become associated with the medical records of a different patient, which could have disastrous consequences.

[0006] Accordingly, in a known histopathology laboratory, each histopathology cassette is provided with a label in the form of a 1D or 2D barcode, as well as a human-readable identification number. The barcode needs to be scanned with a barcode scanner at each processing step so as to maintain a record of the location of the cassette and its contents, and to link diagnostic images and data obtained from the contents of the cassette with the correct patient record.

[0007] Problems can arise because the label with the barcode and human-readable number may become separated from the cassette due to the various harsh chemicals that are used to treat the tissue specimen. In addition, the adhesive used to stick the label to the cassette may weaken over time, allowing the label to fall off when the cassette is in archive storage. Another problem is that the use of barcodes requires a laboratory technician manually to scan each cassette as it arrives at or leaves a processing station, and if the technician accidentally does not scan a barcode on a cassette, its location may become unknown until the barcode is next scanned. Moreover, the location of the cassette is only established to the point of the most recent barcode scan. If a cassette is subsequently moved to a new location and not scanned, its location will remain unknown until such time as the cassette is next scanned. Accordingly, if a cassette falls off a laboratory bench or goes missing in transit, it may be impossible to find the cassette again.

[0008] More recently, attempts have been made to improve on the use of barcode labels by employing RFID tags in histopathology cassettes. Examples are known from US2010 / 0127067 and US2013 / 0022518. However, there remain a number of shortcomings with these prior art arrangements.

[0009] Moreover, in tracking systems using RFID tags, each RFID tag is provided with a unique identifier. This is typically a 24 digit alphanumeric sequence, for example in the form of an Electronic Product Code (EPC), that is programmed into the RFID tag during manufacture of the RFID tag. In most instances, EPCs are encoded on RFID tags which can be used to track all kinds of objects including: trade items, fixed assets, documents, or reusable transport items. An EPC typically comprises a header, and EPC manager number, an object class and a serial number. The specifics of EPC syntax will be understood by those skilled in the art, and will not be described further in the present application.

[0010] In a hospital and / or histopathology laboratory setting, it is also known to assign a unique internal identifier to each patient sample. This enables tracking of patient cases through a complex series of processing steps in preparation for sample analysis and diagnosis. The histopathology department at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, for example, uses a Leeds Histology number (LH number). This unique identifier comprises the letters LH, followed by the year the case was created, and then a 5-digit unique identifier, e.g., LH23-99999.

[0011] Given that a patient case may contain multiple samples (bits of tissue), there is also a secondary level or sub-identifier which captures these additional tissue samples. This takes the form of a letter i.e. ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, etc. which is tagged onto the end of the Leeds Histology number, for example LH23-99999_A.

[0012] The tissue sample is then embedded in wax within a histopathology cassette. At this stage, an additional sub-identifier is used, for example LH23-99999_A_1.

[0013] Any slides sectioned from this sample cassette may be identified by a unique 3-digit number identifier, for example LH23-99999_1_1_1.

[0014] Other internal identifier schemas may be used. What is important is that in each schema, there is an overarching identifier in a first format that identifies a particular patient case, with a first subset in a second format that identifies a particular tissue sample relating to the patient record, a second subset (a subset of the first subset) in a second format that identifies individual cassettes containing tissue from the particular tissue sample, and a third subset (a subset of the second subset) in a third format that identifies individual slides bearing tissue sections taken from an individual cassette.

[0015] Typically, the second and third formats will include the overarching identifier of the first format, but with additional data elements identifying the cassette and / or slide as appropriate.

[0016] The identifier data, whether in the first format, second format or third format, is typically encoded in the form of an optically-readable 1D or 2D barcode applied to a container holding the tissue sample, or to a histopathology cassette, or to an individual slide, as appropriate.

[0017] The nomenclature used by the histopathology laboratory therefore contains important process information that enables a robust, trackable and above all, safe system for patient tissue sample production, identification, and analysis.

[0018] Deploying an RFID-based, real-time tracking system raises an important problem. Each RFID tag has its own unique identifier (usually made up of a 24-digit alpha-numeric sequence, often referred to as an EPC or Electronic Product Code value), which is used to enable tracking and identification of each RFID-tagged patient sample, but this is not natively linked to the process logic in the histopathology laboratory and needs to be linked to both the Histology number and the patient identifiers.

[0019] Current RFID tracking systems, which can track and locate RFID signals, have the ability to match an asset identification to an RFID tag. What is not apparent in current systems is how the two identifiers can be linked with respect to a histopathology laboratory environment and histological workflow pathways. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0020] Viewed from a first aspect, there is provided a system for scanning data from items, wherein each item is provided both with a radio frequency identification, RFID, tag and with an optically-readable identifier, wherein the system comprises a scanner configured to read first data from the RFID tag by way of an RFID reader and to read second data from the optically-readable identifier by way of an optical reader, wherein the second data comprises data having a data format selected from a group of different predetermined data formats, wherein the scanner is configured to communicate at least the first data and the second data to a signal splitter, wherein the signal splitter is configured to inspect the second data so as to determine whether or not the data format of the second data matches a given one of the predetermined data formats, and wherein the signal splitter is configured to direct the first data and the second data in the given one of the predetermined data formats to a first computer database in the event that the data format of the second data matches the data format of the given one of the predetermined data formats, and wherein the signal splitter is configured to direct the second data but not the first data to a second computer database in the event that the data format of the second data matches any one of the predetermined data formats.

[0021] In this way, it is possible to direct all data matching any one of the predetermined data formats scanned by the optical reader of the scanner to a legacy second computer database, while at the same time directing only optically-readable data matching a predetermined data format relevant to the first data of the RFID tag to the first computer database. The first computer database may operate alongside the legacy second computer database, and be focussed on maintaining a record of RFID tag first data (for example, EPC values) correlated with individual optically-readable histopathology cassette identifiers or individual optically-readable histopathology slide identifiers.

[0022] Accordingly, a single integrated scanner can be used in a histopathology laboratory that uses both optically-readable identifiers and RFID tags for tracking tissue samples, histopathology cassettes, and histopathology slides, automatically directing all optically-readable identifiers to the legacy second computer database and only relevant optically-readable identifiers matching a predetermined data format, for example a data format corresponding to individual histopathology cassettes, or a data format corresponding to individual histopathology slides, to the first computer database, together with RFID tag first data.

[0023] The optically-readable identifier may comprises a barcode. The barcode may comprise a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode.

[0024] The RFID tag may comprise a chip programmed with a unique identification code.

[0025] The scanner may communicate with the signal splitter by way of a cable.

[0026] Alternatively, the scanner may communicate with the signal splitter by way of a wireless communication protocol.

[0027] The signal splitter may comprise a first output configured for connection to a first computing device hosting or linked to the first computer database, and a second output configured for connection to a second computing device hosting or linked to the second computer database.

[0028] The items may be histopathology cassettes or histopathology slides.

[0029] The second data may have a data format selected from a list of predetermined data formats comprising: case identification data format, tissue sample identification data format, histopathology cassette identification data format, and histopathology slide identification data format.

[0030] The items may be histopathology cassettes, in which case the given one of the predetermined data formats is histopathology cassette identification data format.

[0031] The items may be histopathology slides, in which case the given one of the predetermined data formats is histopathology slide identification data format.

[0032] The signal splitter may comprise a switch configured to select which of the predetermined data formats is the given one of the predetermined data formats. The switch may be user-operated depending on whether the scanner is being used to scan histopathology cassettes or histopathology slides.

[0033] The signal splitter may be configured to apply an input mask to the second data in order to determine whether or not the data format of the second data matches a given one of the predetermined data formats. The input mask may be configured to allow passage of second data having a data format that matches the given one of the predetermined data formats, and to block passage of second data having a data format that does not match the given one of the predetermined data formats.

[0034] The scanner may comprise the RFID reader and the optical reader in an integrated unit.

[0035] The scanner may be configured to read the first data and the second data in single scanning operation.

[0036] Viewed from a second aspect, there is provided a method of scanning data from items, wherein each item is provided both with a radio frequency identification, RFID, tag and with an optically-readable identifier, the method comprising the steps of: providing a scanner comprising both an RFID reader and an optical reader; reading first data from the RFID tag by way of the RFID reader; reading second data from the optically-readable identifier by way of the optical reader; and communicating at least the first data and the second data from the scanner to a signal splitter; wherein the second data comprises data having a data format selected from a group of different predetermined data formats; wherein the signal splitter inspects the second data so as to determine whether or not the data format of the second data matches a given one of the predetermined data formats; wherein the signal splitter directs the first data and the second data in the given one of the predetermined data formats to a first computer database in the event that the data format of the second data matches the data format of the given one of the predetermined data formats; and wherein the signal splitter directs the second data but not the first data to a second computer database in the event that the data format of the second data matches any one of the predetermined data formats.

[0037] The various options outlined above in relation to the first aspect may also apply to the second aspect.

[0038] The first data and the second data may be read from the item by the scanner at substantially the same time.

[0039] The first data may be read by the scanner first, and the second data may be read by the scanner second.

[0040] Alternatively, the second data may be read by the scanner first, and the first data may be read by the scanner second.

[0041] The first computer database is configured to associate the unique identification code of the scanned RFID tag (the first data) with the second data that matches the given one of the predetermined data formats (e.g. second data matching histopathology cassette data format or second data matching histopathology slide data format).

[0042] The first database may optionally associate the unique identification code of the RFID tag with a unique patient identifier so as to identify the patient from whom the tissue specimen has been obtained. The unique patient identifier may comprise a portion of the second data that matches the given one of the predetermined data formats.

[0043] The scanners of embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided or mounted at processing stations, for example on or above laboratory benches, or incorporated into processing station equipment such as fixation stations, dehydration stations, wax stations, microtomes, microscopes, staining stations and the like.

[0044] In the context of the present application, the term “RFID reader” is used to denote a device comprising at least one antenna configured to transmit an RFID interrogation signal and to receive an RFID response signal from an RFID tag. An RFID reader may additionally comprise circuitry to control the RFID interrogation signal or to interpret the received RFID response signal.

[0045] It will be noted that a single wax-embedded tissue sample from a single histopathology cassette will typically generate a plurality of histopathology slides each comprising a different slice or section of the same tissue block. Accordingly, the plurality of histopathology slides may be assigned individual identifiers as a subset of a higher level identifier of the histopathology cassette containing the tissue block in question. In turn, the higher level identifier of the histopathology cassette is associated with a patient record identifier to link everything together with the hospital or laboratory records for a given patient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a scanner being used to scan items bearing both an optically-readable identifier and an RFID tag; Figure 2 shows the scanner of Figure 1 connected to a signal splitter that, in turn, is connected to two different computer systems; Figure 3 shows data being processed by one computer system; Figure 4 shows data being processed by another computer system; Figure 5 shows a front view of the signal splitter of Figure 2; Figure 6 shows a rear view of the signal splitter of Figure 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Figure 1 shows, in schematic view, a histopathology cassette 1 provided with an integral RFID tag 2 and an optically-readable identifier 3. Figure 1 also shows, in schematic view, a histopathology slide 4, also provided with an RFID tag 2 and an optically-readable identifier 3. Specific constructional details of the histopathology cassette 1 and RFID tag 2 are outside the scope of the present application, but examples are disclosed in more detail in earlier-filed UK patent application no. 2309789.2. There is also shown a scanner 20 comprising both an optical reader 5 and an RFID reader 6. The optical reader 5 is operable to read the optically-readable identifier 3, while the RFID reader is configured to read the RFID tag 2. The scanner 20 is operable such that the optically-readable identifier 3 and the RFID tag 2, where present, may be read at substantially the same time.

[0048] The optically-readable identifier 3 may take the form of a 1D or a 2D barcode, and the optical reader 5 may comprise an optical barcode scanner. The RFID tag 2 includes a chip programmed with a unique identification code, such as an EPC value, that is readable by the RFID reader 6 in the scanner 20.

[0049] As shown in Figure 2, the scanner 20 is connected to a signal splitter 7, in this particular embodiment by way of a cable 8. The cable 8 allows transmission of data, for example relating to the optically-readable identifier 3 and the RFID tag 2, from the scanner 20 to the signal splitter 7.

[0050] Also as shown in Figure 2, the signal splitter 7 is connected to two separate computer systems, PC-A and PC-B, by way of respective interface connections 9 and 10. Computer system PC-A is a legacy computer system configured for tracking assets provided only with optically-readable identifiers 3. Computer system PC-B is a computer system configured fortracking assets provided with RFID tags 2.

[0051] Computer system PC-B, in addition to maintaining a database of scanned RFID tags 2, need to associate each scanned RFID tag 2 with data that links the scanned RFID tag 2 with a particular patient record. This is made possible by way of the signal splitter 7 being programmed to inspect the optically-readable identifiers 3 that are read by the optical reader 5 and to pass optically-readable identifier data read by the optical reader 5 that matches a predetermined data format to computer system PC-B together with the unique identification code read by the RFID reader 6. For example, if the optically-readable identifier 3 is in a data format that corresponds to a data format used to identify histopathology cassettes 1, then the optically readable identifier data will be passed by the signal splitter 7 to computer system PC-B along with the unique code of the RFID tag 2. Likewise, if the optically-readable identifier 3 is in a data format that corresponds to a data format used to identify histopathology slides 4, then the optically readable identifier data will be passed by the signal splitter 7 to computer system PC-B along with the unique code of the RFID tag 2. However, if the optically-readable identifier 3 is in a different data format, for example a data format used to identify a particular tissue sample or a particular patient, but not a specific histopathology cassette 1 or histopathology slide 4, then the optically-readable identifier 3 is not sent to computer system PC-B.

[0052] The signal splitter 7 may be provided with a switch 19 (see Figure 5) that configures the signal splitter 7 selectively to look for and allow passage of optically-readable identifier data in different data formats depending on a mode of operation or depending on a location of the scanner 20. For example, when the scanner 20 is being used in a dissection room of a histopathology laboratory, the switch 19 can be set to allow passage to computer system PC-B of optically-readable identifier data matching a data format that is used for histopathology cassettes 1. This is because histopathology cassettes 1 will be prepared in the dissection room. When the scanner 20 is being used, for example, at a microtomy station in a histopathology laboratory, then the switch 19 can be set to allow passage to computer system PC-B of optically-readable identifier data matching a data format that is used for histopathology slides 4. This is because histopathology cassettes 4 will be prepared at the microtomy station.

[0053] Figure 4 shows, in schematic form, how the optically-readable identifier data in a data format that matches histopathology cassette data format 100 or histopathology slide data format 200 is linked in a computer database of computer system PC-B with the unique code 12 of the RDID tag 2.

[0054] Figure 3 shows, in schematic form, how optically-readable identifier data in any relevant data format is passed by the signal splitter 7 to legacy computer system PC-A. The data formats include patient identifier format 13, tissue sample identifier format 14, histopathology cassette identifier format 100, and histopathology slide identifier format 200. The signal splitter 7 is configured to pass optically-readable identifier data in all of these data formats, but not the unique code 12 of the RFID tag 2, to computer system PC-A.

[0055] In this way, it is possible for a histopathology laboratory to continue using a legacy tracking system based on optically-readable identifiers (on computer system PC-A) while enjoying the benefits of a new tracking system for histopathology cassettes 1 and histopathology slides 4 employing both optically-readable identifiers and RFID tags (on computer system PC-B), without interference or process change in relation to existing tracking protocols.

[0056] Tables 1 and 2 below show examples of the types of optically-readable identifier data format and unique codes of the RFID tags and how these are handled by the signal splitter 7 for sending to respective computer systems PC-B and PC-A. Table 1 - Block (Cassette) RFID Name Input Mask Examples Output to PC-B Output to PC-A Case identification LL00-00000 LH23-12345 LH24-23456 No J ? Case part identification LL00-00000_L LH23-12345_A LH24-23456_B No Case block identification LL00-00000_L_0nn LH23-12345_A_1 LH24-23456_B_12 LH25-34567_C_123 Case slide identification LL00-00000_0nn_0nn_0nn LH23-12345_A_1_1_1 LH23-12345_A_1_12_1 LH23-12345_A_1_12_12 LH23-12345_A_1_12_123 LH23-12345_A_1_123_1 LH23-12345_A_1_123_12 LH23-12345_A_1_123_123 LH24-23456_B_12_1_1 LH25-34567_C_12_12_1 LH26-45678_D_12_12_12 LH27-56789_E_123_1_1 LH28-67890_F_123_12_1 LH29-78901_G_123_12_12 No Cassette labelled RFID L00000000000000L0LLLL000 A12345678901234A1ABCD123 No

[0057] Table 2 - Slide RFID Name Input Mask Examples Output to PC-B Output to PC-A Case identification LL00-00000 LH23-12345 LH24-23456 No Y sS Case part identification LLOO-OOOOO_L LH23-12345_A LH24-23456_B No Case block identification LL00-00000_L_0nn LH23-12345_A_1 LH24-23456_B_12 LH25-34567_C_123 No Case slide identification LL00-00000_0nn_0nn_0nn LH23-12345_A_1_1_1 LH23-12345_A_1_12_1 LH23-12345_A_1_12_12 LH23-12345_A_1_12_123 LH23-12345_A_1_123_1 LH23-12345_A_1_123_12 LH23-12345_A_1_123_123 LH24-23456_B_12_1_1 LH25-34567_C_12_12_1 LH26-45678_D_12_12_12 LH27-56789_E_123_1_1 LH28-67890_F_123_12_1 LH29-78901_G_123_12_12 Slide labelled RFID LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLOLLLLOOO A12345678901234A1ABCD123 No

[0058] In each can be seen that application of an input mask in the signal splitter 7 can be used to allow or prevent passage of optically-readable identifiers matching different predetermined data formats.

[0059] Figures 5 and 6 show, respectively, a front view and a rear view of a signal splitter 7. The signal splitter 7 comprises an input port 17 for connection to the scanner 20 by way of the cable 8 (shown in Figures 1 and 2). The switch 19 is operable to cause the signal splitter 7 to apply a different input mask to the optically-readable identifier data that is captured by the optical reader 5 of the scanner 20. In this way, the signal splitter 7 may be configured to direct only optically-readable identifier data relevant of a predetermined data format to computer system PC-B together with unique RFID tag data 12 as previously described. The signal splitter 7 further comprises a first output port 18 for connection to computer system PC-A and a second output port 21 for connection to computer system PC-B.

[0060] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0061] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0062] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A system for scanning data from items, wherein each item is provided both with a radio frequency identification, RFID, tag and with an optically-readable identifier, wherein the system comprises a scanner configured to read first data from the RFID tag by way of an RFID reader and to read second data from the optically-readable identifier by way of an optical reader, wherein the second data comprises data having a data format selected from a group of different predetermined data formats, wherein the scanner is configured to communicate at least the first data and the second data to a signal splitter, wherein the signal splitter is configured to inspect the second data so as to determine whether or not the data format of the second data matches a given one of the predetermined data formats, and wherein the signal splitter is configured to direct the first data and the second data in the given one of the predetermined data formats to a first computer database in the event that the data format of the second data matches the data format of the given one of the predetermined data formats, and wherein the signal splitter is configured to direct the second data but not the first data to a second computer database in the event that the data format of the second data matches any one of the predetermined data formats.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the optically-readable identifier comprises a barcode.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the barcode comprises a one-dimensional barcodeor a two-dimensional barcode.

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the RFID tag comprises a chip programmed with a unique identification code.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the scanner communicates with the signal splitter by way of a cable.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the scanner communicates with the signal splitter by way of a wireless communication protocol.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the signal splitter comprises a first output configured for connection to a first computing device hosting or linked to the first computer database, and a second output configured for connection to a second computing device hosting or linked to the second computer database.

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the items are histopathology cassettes or histopathology slides.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the second data has a data format selected from a list of predetermined data formats comprising: case identification data format, tissue sample identification data format, histopathology cassette identification data format, and histopathology slide identification data format.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the items are histopathology cassettes, and wherein the given one of the predetermined data formats is histopathology cassette identification data format.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the items are histopathology slides, and wherein the given one of the predetermined data formats is histopathology slide identification data format.

12. The system of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the signal splitter comprises a switch configured to select which of the predetermined data formats is the given one of the predetermined data formats.

13. The system of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the signal splitter is configured to apply an input mask to the second data in order to determine whether or not the data format of the second data matches a given one of the predetermined data formats.

14. The system of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the scanner comprises the RFID reader and the optical reader in an integrated unit.

15. The system of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the scanner is configured to read the first data and the second data in single scanning operation.

16. A method of scanning data from items, wherein each item is provided both with a radio frequency identification, RFID, tag and with an optically-readable identifier, the method comprising the steps of:providing a scanner comprising both an RFID reader and an optical reader;reading first data from the RFID tag by way of the RFID reader;reading second data from the optically-readable identifier by way of the optical reader; andcommunicating at least the first data and the second data from the scanner to a signal splitter;wherein the second data comprises data having a data format selected from a group of different predetermined data formats;wherein the signal splitter inspects the second data so as to determine whether or not the data format of the second data matches a given one of the predetermined data formats;wherein the signal splitter directs the first data and the second data in the given one of the predetermined data formats to a first computer database in the event that the data format of the second data matches the data format of the given one of the predetermined data formats; andwherein the signal splitter directs the second data but not the first data to a second computer database in the event that the data format of the second data matches any one of the predetermined data formats.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the optically-readable identifier comprises a barcode.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein the barcode comprises a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode.

19. The method of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the RFID tag comprises a chip programmed with a unique identification code.

20. The method of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the scanner communicates with the signal splitter by way of a cable.

21. The method of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the scanner communicates with the signal splitter by way of a wireless communication protocol.

22. The method of any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the items are histopathology cassettes or histopathology slides.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the second data has a data format selected from a list of predetermined data formats comprising: case identification data format, tissue sample identification data format, histopathology cassette identification data format, and histopathology slide identification data format.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the items are histopathology cassettes, and wherein the given one of the predetermined data formats is histopathology cassette identification data format.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein the items are histopathology slides, and wherein the given one of the predetermined data formats is histopathology slide identification data format.

26. The method of any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the signal splitter is switchable so as to select which of the predetermined data formats is the given one of the predetermined data formats.

27. The method of any one of claims 16 to 26, wherein the signal splitter applies an input mask to the second data in order to determine whether or not the data format of the second data matches a given one of the predetermined data formats.

28. The method of any one of claims 16 to 27, wherein the first data and the second data are read from the item by the scanner at substantially the same time.

Images