Biological specimen collection and storage devices

Abstract

A biological sample containment system and method are provided that include a container for storing the biological sample and an indicator affixed to the container for displaying at least one measured characteristics of the container or sample, wherein measurement of the characteristic is commenced by activation of the indicator. In another embodiment of the invention, a biological sample containment system and method are provided that include a container for storing the biological sample and a colored scale affixed to the container, wherein the colored scale facilitates identification of at least one characteristic of the biological sample. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a biological sample containment system and method are provided that include a container for collecting a biological sample and a label affixed to the container, wherein information relating to the biological sample or container is situated on the label.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to systems and methods for providing information relating to vessels for collecting biological fluid samples from a patient.BACKGROUND[0002]Biological sample collection containers, such as blood collection containers, are well-known in the medical arts. Biological sample collection containers are used to store a sample obtained by a healthcare professional from a patient until the sample is ready to be tested or used for other purposes.[0003]When collecting biological samples in collection containers, it is often important that the container and / or sample are not exposed to a temperature that exceeds a certain threshold. In addition, it is sometimes important that the container is used within a certain timeframe upon manufacture, shipment, or some other event. In addition, it may be important to know the amount of time that has transpired after collection of the sample into the container.[0004]In addition, identifying other characte...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]Improved biological specimen containers facilitate the handling of such samples to, for instance, improve sample and container rejection criteria, increase the number and percentage of high quality samples, improve data collection and generation, monitor potential container and sample problems, and improve container and sample quality control procedures.

[0008]In another embodiment of the invention, a biological sample containment system and method are provided that include a container for storing the biological sample and a colored scale affixed to the container, wherein the colored scale facilitates identification of at least one characteristic of the biological sample, such as the level of hemolysis associated with the biological sample.

Problems solved by technology

Such information, however, is often quite limited (such as limited to container type, patient identifiers and container identifiers) and does not effectively address the issues described above in connection with container and / or sample integrity.

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