Systems and methods for determining reagent kit usage, and traceable reagent kits.

Abstract

A system for automatically determining the use of a reagent kit includes: an instrument having a near-field communication (NFC) reader / writer unit; a memory; and one or more processors coupled to the memory. The instrument is configured to contain the reagent kit to perform one or more tests. The reagent kit includes an NFC tag, and the NFC reader / writer unit is configured to update the NFC tag based on the number of tests performed using the reagent kit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to reagent kits, and more particularly to systems and methods for automatically determining the use of reagent kits, and a traceable reagent kit device for performing tests in an instrument. Background Technology

[0002] The topics discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art simply because they are mentioned in the background section. Similarly, problems mentioned in or related to the topics in the background section should not be assumed to have been previously known in the prior art. The topics in the background section merely represent different solutions, which themselves may correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.

[0003] Currently, when a reagent kit is not used in a single load, loading the kit onto a laboratory diagnostic instrument may not accurately identify the number of tests remaining on the kit. Users can unload the kit, refrigerate it, and reload it. During this time, manual interaction with the kit can set the possible number of tests available in the kit. There is a risk that the number of tests might be entered incorrectly, as this is a user-input value.

[0004] In the current scenario, when any reagent kit is loaded onto the system, the operator can manually enter the remaining quantity to be tested, based on values ​​from previous usage details of the system that loaded the kit. The operator will then either read an exact value from another instrument or enter an approximate value. In both scenarios, the possibility of human error exists.

[0005] A solution is needed that enables the secure identification and updating of data about reagent kits, as well as other properties that can be used to more efficiently track reagent consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention is provided to describe aspects related to systems and methods for automatically determining the use of reagent kits, and these aspects are further described below in the detailed description. This invention is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to define or limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] The object of one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to provide an improved system and method for determining reagent kit usage in order to efficiently track reagent kit consumption.

[0008] Another object of one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to provide a trackable reagent kit device for performing tests and dynamically storing information about the number of tests being performed and the number of remaining tests in the reagent kit.

[0009] Another object of one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to provide a system and method for securely storing information about additional information stored in a reagent package.

[0010] One aspect of one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention relates to a system for automatically determining the use of a reagent kit. The system may include: an instrument having a near-field communication (NFC) reader / writer unit; a memory; and one or more processors coupled to the memory. The instrument may be configured to contain the reagent kit to perform one or more tests. The reagent kit may have an NFC tag. The NFC reader / writer may be configured to update the NFC tag based on the number of tests performed using the reagent kit.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the instrument's NFC reader / writer unit can be communicatively coupled to an NFC tag on the reagent pack. The NFC reader / writer unit can be configured to read the NFC tag attached to the reagent pack, identify the number of tests performed by the instrument from the reagent pack, and update the NFC tag to identify the number of remaining tests that can be performed.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an NFC tag may be configured to store information about a reagent kit, including the type and identification of the reagent, the volume of the reagent, and the number of remaining tests that can be performed using the remaining amount of reagent.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the NFC reader / writer unit of the instrument can encrypt the information stored in the NFC tag.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the invention, the instrument can track the volume and onboard stability of the reagent pack to identify the number of remaining tests that can be performed.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the NFC reader unit recognizes the number of remaining tests as zero, the value of the NFC tag can be set to zero.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the system further includes a display unit for displaying the number of tests that can be performed from the reagent kit when scanning an NFC tag.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the system further includes: an inventory storage device configured to read NFC tags on reagent kits and display the remaining tests that can be performed by the reagent kits.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the invention, the instrument can be configured to read details of the stock storage device and track the use of reagent kits.

[0019] Another aspect of one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention relates to a traceable reagent kit device for performing tests in an instrument. The traceable reagent kit device may include: a reagent kit configured to be loaded into the instrument to perform one or more tests; and an NFC tag attached to the reagent kit. The NFC tag may be configured to be read by an NFC reader / writer mounted on the instrument to identify the number of tests that can be performed using the reagent kit. The NFC tag may also be configured to be updated by an NFC reader / writer mounted on the instrument to identify the remaining number of tests that can be performed using the reagent kit.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the NFC tag can be reprogrammed and encrypted by an NFC reader / writer.

[0021] Another aspect of one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention relates to a method for determining the use of a reagent kit. The method may include: providing an instrument with an NFC reader / writer unit, the instrument including a memory and one or more processors coupled to the memory; providing a reagent kit configured to be loaded into the instrument to perform one or more tests, the reagent kit having an NFC tag that can be updated by the instrument's NFC reader / writer unit; performing the one or more tests when the reagent kit is loaded into the instrument; and updating the NFC tag by the NFC reader / writer unit to identify the remaining number of tests that can be performed using the reagent kit.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, updating the NFC tag to identify the remaining number of tests may include: reading the NFC tag attached to the reagent kit to determine the number of tests that can be performed from the reagent kit; identifying the number of one or more tests being performed from the reagent kit; and updating the NFC tag by the NFC reader / writer unit to identify the remaining number of tests that can be performed using the reagent kit based on the number of tests that can be performed from the reagent kit and the number of one or more tests being performed from the reagent kit.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include: encrypting the information stored in the NFC tag.

[0024] According to embodiments of the present invention, the method may further include: tracking the volume and onboard stability of the reagent pack; and identifying the remaining number of tests that can be performed.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include setting the value of the NFC tag to zero when the remaining quantity of tests in the reagent kit is zero.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include: displaying the number of tests that can be performed from the reagent kit when scanning the NFC tag.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include: using an NFC tag attached to the reagent kit to track the use of the reagent kit.

[0028] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description, which is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the principles of the invention as examples. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings form part of the description and are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. These drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention to depict the principles of the invention. In the illustrations in the drawings, examples are given rather than intended to limit the illustrated embodiments, and reference numerals indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references to "an" or "one" embodiments in this invention do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, and each implies at least one. In the drawings: Figure 1 The illustration shows an exemplary view of a traceable reagent kit device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 The illustration shows an exemplary view of a system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 The illustration is a flowchart of a method for reading and updating NFC tags on a trackable reagent kit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 The illustration shows an exemplary view of an inventory storage device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Individuals who are male or female are included in the term, independent of grammatical usage.

[0031] Some detailed exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein. However, for the purpose of describing some exemplary embodiments, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative. Exemplary embodiments may be embodied in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.

[0032] Therefore, although exemplary embodiments can have various modifications and alternative forms, their exemplary embodiments are shown as examples in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed, but rather, the exemplary embodiments should cover all modifications, combinations, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Similar figures throughout the description of the accompanying drawings refer to similar elements.

[0033] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as "located on another element or layer," "connected to another element or layer," "coupled to another element or layer," or "covering another element or layer," it may be directly located on, connected to, coupled to, or cover said other element or layer, or an intermediary element or layer may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as "directly located on another element or layer," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, no intermediary element or layer is present. Similar figures throughout the specification refer to similar elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0034] It should be understood that while the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, region, layer, or segment from another. Therefore, the first element, region, layer, or segment discussed below can be referred to as a second element, region, layer, or segment without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0035] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to also include the plural forms. It will also be understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, and / or elements, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or groups thereof.

[0036] When the terms “approximately” and “substantially” are used in conjunction with numerical values ​​in this specification, it is intended that, unless expressly defined otherwise, the associated numerical value includes a tolerance of ±10% around the stated numerical value. Furthermore, when the terms “usually” or “substantially” are used in conjunction with geometry, it is intended that, rather than requiring precision in the geometry, the latitude of the shape falls within the scope of this disclosure. Additionally, regardless of whether a numerical value or shape is modified with “approximately,” “usually,” or “substantially,” it will be understood that these values ​​and shapes should be interpreted as including manufacturing or operational tolerances (e.g., ±10%) around the stated numerical value or shape.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments pertain. It will also be understood that terms (including those defined in common dictionaries) shall be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0038] Figure 1 The illustration shows a traceable reagent pack device 100 for performing tests in an instrument according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The traceable reagent pack device 100 may include a reagent pack 102 and a near-field communication (NFC) tag 104 provided on the reagent pack 102. The traceable reagent pack device 100 may include a reagent pack 102 configured to be loaded into an instrument to perform one or more tests.

[0039] A reagent is a compound or mixture that can be added to a system to initiate or test a chemical reaction. A reagent can combine with certain substances to trigger a chemical reaction, and thus, the reagent can be used to determine the presence or absence of a chemical substance. Therefore, reagent kit 102 can be developed and used in field or laboratory environments to test and detect the presence of various substances. In other words, reagent kit 102 can be a testing kit that can be used in a laboratory or in the field to analyze or detect certain substances. Reagent kit 102 can include a quantity of substance that can be used to perform one or more tests. When reagent kit 102 is mounted on a machine, a certain volume of substance is used from the reagent kit to perform the test. The number of tests that can be performed is determined based on the volume of remaining substance in the reagent kit.

[0040] In at least one exemplary embodiment, reagent kit 102 may be fitted with an NFC tag 104, which provides information about the reagents stored in the device. The information stored on the NFC tag 104 may include at least one of the following: a) the volume of the reagents, b) the number of tests that can be performed, c) the number of tests that have been performed, d) the number of tests remaining to be performed, e) reagent identification information, or (f) instrument identification details that can be used with reagent kit 102.

[0041] The NFC tag 104, mounted on the reagent kit 102, operates based on wireless radio communication standards. In the field of wireless communication, NFC works in a manner similar to Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). However, compared to RFID, the communication range for NFC may be limited. Specifically, NFC technology operates within a 4- to 6-inch range. Compared to other wireless communication technologies, NFC technology enables personal and secure wireless communication. Therefore, NFC tags can be used in various applications to store information in highly secure environments. The NFC tag 104 may include a storage memory, a radio chip, and an antenna attached to the radio chip. The NFC tag allows for the rapid and secure exchange of large amounts of information. The NFC tag 104 can be rewritten. For example, information can be rewritten n times on the NFC tag. Furthermore, the information on the NFC tag 104 can be encrypted to prevent tampering or corruption of the merged data / information. Additionally, the NFC tag 104 is intelligent and can pair with other wireless communication technologies.

[0042] The NFC tag 104 can be configured to be read by an instrument that is configured to read and write information stored on the NFC tag 104 when the reagent kit 102 is installed in the instrument. The instrument can be configured to perform one or more tests.

[0043] Before loading reagent kit 102 onto a diagnostic machine in a laboratory or field environment, the amount of reagent remaining on reagent kit 102 should be determined to ensure efficient use of reagent kit 102 and avoid unnecessary delays in test completion. In the example, reagent kit 102 may be loaded onto a diagnostic machine to run a test, and after the test is completed, a certain volume of reagent may remain in reagent kit 102. Based on the type of test performed, the volume of reagent consumed can be determined, and the remaining volume can be updated.

[0044] In at least one exemplary embodiment, reagent kit 102 may be provided with NFC tag 104 to store reagent data and other attributes. NFC tag 104 may store information about the number of remaining tests on reagent kit 102, as well as additional information, in encrypted form.

[0045] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the NFC tag 104 may be integrated with the reagent pack 102, allowing the information to be dynamically stored and updated in a secure environment. The NFC tag 104 can be attached to the reagent pack 102 as an integral part. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the NFC tag 104 on the reagent pack 102 may store or retain information regarding reagent volume tracking. This reagent volume tracking information can be used to check and determine the number of tests remaining in the reagent pack 102. The NFC tag 104 may also store or retain information about the unique identifier of the reagent pack 102, as well as the composition and volume information of the reagent pack 102. Additionally, the NFC tag 104 may include inventory details and storage location to track the availability of the reagent pack 102 with high accuracy.

[0046] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the NFC tag 104 may be embedded as part of the reagent kit 102. Alternatively or additionally, the NFC tag 104 for tracking the reagent kit device 100 may be a detachable tag.

[0047] The NFC tag 104 can be read and rewritten by one or more NFC reader / writer units to track updated consumption information of the reagent kit 102 and to update the NFC tag 104 using the updated consumption information of the reagent kit 102. The NFC reader / writer unit can be configured to read the NFC tag 104 attached to the reagent kit 102 and determine the number of tests that can be performed using the reagent kit 102. Additionally, the NFC reader / writer unit can identify the number of tests performed by an instrument including the reagent kit 102 and update the NFC tag 104 to identify the number of remaining tests that can be performed.

[0048] Figure 2 The illustration shows a system 200 for automatically determining the use of a reagent kit 102 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system includes an instrument 202, which includes one or more chambers for placing the reagent kit. The instrument 202 may also include an NFC reader / writer unit 206, a memory 208, and one or more processors 210 coupled to the memory 206. The reagent kit 102 may be configured to be loaded into the instrument 202 to perform one or more tests. When the reagent kit 102 is loaded into the instrument 202, the NFC tag 104 of the reagent kit 102 may be located near the NFC reader / writer unit 206 of the instrument 202. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the NFC tag 104 may be read and updated by the NFC reader / writer unit 206 of the instrument 202 based on the number of tests performed using the reagent kit 102.

[0049] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the NFC tag 104 on the reagent pack 102 of system 200 may store the remaining number of tests on the reagent pack 102 and additional information in encrypted form. Because the information on the NFC tag 104 can be rewritten, it can be updated and synchronized with the information on system 200. When the reagent pack 102 is loaded onto different diagnostic machines, instrument 202 can retrieve the information from the NFC tag 104 on the reagent pack 102. In a laboratory or field environment, there may be n machines performing tests, and these machines may be linked to a public server. When the reagent pack 102 is loaded and a test is performed, information about the reagent pack 102 and the test can be updated on the public server connected to system 200, and system 200 updates the NFC tag 104 on the reagent pack 102 accordingly.

[0050] The NFC reader / writer unit 206 of instrument 202 can be communicatively coupled to the NFC tag 104 on reagent kit 102. The NFC reader / writer unit 206 can be configured to read the NFC tag 104 of reagent kit 102 and determine the number of tests that can be performed using reagent kit 102 when reagent kit 102 is brought into the vicinity of the NFC reader / writer unit 206. Additionally, when reagent kit 102 is loaded into instrument 202, the NFC reader / writer unit 206 can identify the number of tests performed by instrument 202 from reagent kit 102. The NFC reader / writer unit 206 can also be configured to update the NFC tag 104 to identify the remaining number of tests that can be performed. The information stored in the NFC tag 104 can be encrypted, and any incorrect / corrupted data can be identified and processed by system 200.

[0051] The NFC tag 104 can be reprogrammed and encrypted by the NFC reader / writer unit 206. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the NFC reader / writer unit 206 of the instrument 202 can encrypt the information stored in the NFC tag 104. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the NFC tag 104 may be located on the reagent kit 102, and it may be able to store the remaining tests and additional information on the reagent kit 102 as encrypted text. Because the data on the NFC tag 104 can be rewritten, the data will be updated and synchronized with the data on the system 200. When the reagent kit 102 is loaded onto a different system, the instrument on that different system can retrieve the data from the NFC tag 104 without relying on user input.

[0052] Instrument 202 can track the volume and onboard stability (OBS) of reagent kit 102 to identify the number of remaining tests that can be performed using reagent kit 102. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the value of NFC tag 104 can be set to zero when NFC reader / writer unit 206 identifies the number of remaining tests for reagent kit 102 as zero. When reagent kit 102 is empty / depleted, NFC tag 104 may include a value indicating that reagent kit 102 should not be reused to avoid reusing an empty reagent kit. The condition of reagent kit 102 can be checked before loading reagent kit 102 into the device and before performing any tests.

[0053] In at least one exemplary embodiment, system 200 may further include a display unit 214 to display the number of tests that can be performed from reagent kit 102 when NFC tag 104 is scanned. System 200 may also include an inventory storage device 216 configured to read NFC tag 104 on reagent kit 102 and display the number of remaining tests that can be performed by reagent kit 102.

[0054] In at least one exemplary embodiment, memory 208 may include various special-purpose program code, including computer-executable instructions that cause the one or more processors 210 to perform one or more methods or functions according to the exemplary embodiments described herein. It will be understood that, depending on the implementation of system 200, system 200 may include additional components. However, not all of these generally conventional components are necessarily shown in order to disclose illustrative exemplary embodiments. For illustrative purposes, system 200 has been discussed above with respect to the one or more processors 210. However, it should be understood that system 200 may include one or more processors or other processing circuitry systems, such as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0055] The one or more processors 210 may include, but are not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application processor (AP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcomputer, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) and a programmable logic unit, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a neural network processing unit (NPU), an electronic control unit (ECU), a quantum computer, etc. In some exemplary embodiments, the processing circuitry system may include: a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or device (e.g., memory), such as a solid-state drive (SSD), storing a program of instructions; and a processor (e.g., CPU) configured to execute the program of instructions to implement functions and / or methods performed by some or all of the systems in the system according to any exemplary embodiment of the exemplary embodiments.

[0056] Memory 208 may be a computer-readable storage medium, which typically includes random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and / or permanent mass storage devices, such as disk drives. Memory 208 may also store an operating system and any other routines / modules / applications to be executed by the one or more processors 210 to provide functionality for system 200. These software components may also be loaded into the at least one memory from a separate computer-readable storage medium using a drive mechanism (not shown). Such a separate computer-readable storage medium may include a disk, magnetic tape, DVD / CD-ROM drive, memory card, or other similar computer-readable storage medium (not shown). In some exemplary embodiments, software components may be loaded into memory 208 via at least one communication interface, rather than via a computer-readable storage medium.

[0057] The one or more processors 210 or other processing circuitry systems may be configured to execute instructions of a computer program by performing arithmetic, logical, and input / output operations of the system. Instructions may be provided to the one or more processors 210 by the at least one memory 208.

[0058] As disclosed herein, the terms "storage medium," "computer-readable storage medium," or "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium" can represent one or more means for storing data, including read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, magnetic core memory, magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, and / or other tangible machine-readable media for storing information. The term "computer-readable medium" may include, but is not limited to, portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, and various other media capable of storing, containing, or carrying one or more instructions and / or data.

[0059] Additionally, exemplary embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware, or microcode, program code or code segments for performing necessary tasks may be stored in a machine or computer-readable medium (such as a computer-readable storage medium). When implemented in software, one or more processors will perform the necessary tasks. For example, as described above, according to one or more exemplary embodiments, at least one memory may include or store a computer program or computer program code, and the at least one memory and computer program code may be configured to perform the methods described herein using at least one processor. Furthermore, the processor, memory, and exemplary algorithms encoded as computer program code serve as means for providing or causing execution of the operations discussed herein. At least one other exemplary embodiment may include a computer program comprising program segments or instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of the system, cause the system to perform the functions and methods described herein.

[0060] A code segment of a computer program can represent a procedure, function, subroutine, program, routine, subroutine, module, software package, class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment can be coupled to another code segment or hardware circuit by passing and / or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc., can be passed, forwarded, or transmitted using any suitable technology (including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.).

[0061] Figure 3 The illustration shows a method 300 for determining the use of a reagent kit according to at least one exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 The reagent kit can be Figure 1 reagent kit 102 or Figure 2 Reagent pack 102. Figure 2 The system 200 is used to describe the method 300, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited to this example.

[0062] Reference Figure 3 In S301, instrument 202 is provided with an NFC reader / writer unit 206. Instrument 202 includes a memory 208 and one or more processors 210, as described above. In S302, a reagent kit 102 is provided. The reagent kit 102 can be configured to be loaded into instrument 202 to perform one or more tests. The reagent kit 102 may include an NFC tag 104, as described above. The NFC tag 104 can be updated by the NFC reader / writer unit 206 of instrument 202.

[0063] In S303, when reagent kit 102 is loaded into instrument 202, the NFC tag 104 attached to reagent kit 102 is read by NFC reader / writer 206 of instrument 202. From NFC tag 104, the one or more processors 210 can determine the number of tests that can be performed from reagent kit 102.

[0064] In S304, after reagent pack 102 is loaded into instrument 202, the test can be performed. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the test may involve drawing a volume of reagent from reagent pack 102. The volume of reagent pack 102 may be used to determine one or more tests being performed by instrument 202.

[0065] In S305, based on the volume of reagent consumed in each test and the number of tests performed by instrument 202, NFC reader / writer 206 may update NFC tag 104 to identify the number of remaining tests that can be performed by reagent kit 102. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the information stored in NFC tag 104 may optionally be encrypted. In at least one exemplary embodiment, NFC reader / writer 206 may encrypt the information stored in NFC tag 104.

[0066] In at least one exemplary embodiment, S305 may further include: tracking the volume and onboard stability of the reagent kit 102, and identifying the number of remaining tests that can be performed using the reagent kit 102. In at least this example, method 300 may further include: setting the value of the NFC tag 104 to zero when the number of remaining tests in the reagent kit 102 is zero. Method 300 may further include: displaying the number of tests that can be performed from the reagent kit 102 when the NFC tag 104 is scanned. Method 300 may further include: tracking the use of the reagent kit 102 using the NFC tag 104 attached to the reagent kit 102.

[0067] Figure 4 The illustration shows a front view of an inventory storage device 216 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The inventory storage device 216 may include a scanning module 402 configured to read reagent package data when scanning a reagent package (such as reagent package 102). The scanning module 402 may include an NFC reader that allows the scanning module 402 to scan and read information on the reagent package 102 having an NFC tag 104. When the reagent package 102 is within a desired proximity (such as a threshold distance) of the scanning module 402, the scanning module 402 may scan and read information on the NFC tag 104 of the reagent package 102. Additionally, the inventory storage device 216 may include a display screen 404 configured to display reagent package information by scanning with the inventory storage device 216.

[0068] The storage device 216 may also include reagent container sections for accommodating reagent kits. Additionally, the storage device 216 may include a controller that receives information about the number of reagent kits to be stored in the storage device 216, the available volume of the reagent kits, and the number of remaining tests that can be performed by the reagent kits.

[0069] The display screen 404 of the storage device 216 can be communicatively coupled to the controller of the storage device 216. Therefore, upon user request, information about the total capacity of the storage device 216 (including the number of reagent packs and their corresponding volumes) can be displayed on the display screen 404.

[0070] System 200 is configured to read details of the inventory storage device 216 and track the use of reagent kit 102. System 200 can be connected to the inventory storage device 216 via a wireless communication network with a public service unit or a wired connection.

[0071] In at least one exemplary embodiment, because the information is dynamically stored in the reagent pack 102, inventory details can be read from the instrument 202 (including the location of the inventory storage device) to track the availability of one or more reagent packs with high accuracy.

[0072] One or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention are configured to enable the identification of a repository that can be used to efficiently track reagent consumption.

[0073] Illustrative Example 1. A system for automatically determining the use of a reagent kit, the system comprising: an instrument having a near-field communication (NFC) reader / writer unit; a memory; and one or more processors coupled to the memory, wherein the instrument is configured to contain a reagent kit to perform one or more tests, the reagent kit having an NFC tag, and the NFC reader / writer unit is configured to update the NFC tag based on the number of tests performed using the reagent kit.

[0074] Illustrative Example 2. The system as described in Illustrative Example 1, wherein the NFC reader / writer unit is configured to: read an NFC tag attached to the reagent kit and determine the number of tests that can be performed using the reagent kit; identify the number of tests performed by the instrument from the reagent kit; and update the NFC tag to identify the number of remaining tests that can be performed.

[0075] Illustrative Example 3. The system as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein the NFC tag is configured to store information about the reagent pack, including the type and identifier of the reagent, the volume of the reagent, and the number of remaining tests that can be performed using the remaining amount of reagent.

[0076] Illustrative Example 4. A system as described in any of Illustrative Examples 2-3, wherein the NFC reader / writer unit is configured to encrypt information stored in the NFC tag.

[0077] Illustrative Example 5. A system as described in any of Illustrative Examples 2-4, wherein the instrument is configured to track the volume and onboard stability of the reagent pack to identify the number of remaining tests that can be performed.

[0078] Illustrative Example 6. A system as described in any of Illustrative Examples 2-5, wherein the value of the NFC tag is set to zero when the NFC reader / writer unit identifies that the number of remaining tests is zero.

[0079] Illustrative Example 7. The system as described in any of the preceding claims further includes: a display unit configured to display the number of tests that can be performed from the reagent kit when the NFC tag is scanned.

[0080] Illustrative Example 8. The system as described in any of the preceding claims further includes: an inventory storage device configured to read the NFC tag on the reagent kit and display the number of remaining tests that can be performed by the reagent kit.

[0081] Illustrative Example 9. The system as described in Illustrative Example 8, wherein the instrument is configured to read details of the stock storage device and track the use of the reagent kit.

[0082] Illustrative Example 10. A traceable reagent kit device for performing tests in an instrument, the traceable reagent kit device comprising: a reagent kit configured to be loaded into the instrument to perform one or more tests; and a near field communication (NFC) tag attached to the reagent kit, wherein the NFC tag is configured to be read by an NFC reader / writer on the instrument to identify the number of tests performed using the reagent kit, and to be updated by the NFC reader / writer to identify the number of remaining tests that can be performed using the reagent kit.

[0083] Illustrative Example 11. The traceable reagent kit device as described in Illustrative Example 10, wherein the NFC tag is configured to be reprogrammed and encrypted by the NFC reader / writer.

[0084] Illustrative Example 12. A method for determining the use of a reagent kit, the method comprising: providing an instrument with a near-field communication (NFC) reader / writer unit, the instrument having a memory and one or more processors coupled to the memory; providing a reagent kit configured to be loaded into the instrument to perform one or more tests, the reagent kit having an NFC tag configured to be updated by the NFC reader / writer unit of the instrument; performing the one or more tests when the reagent kit is loaded into the instrument; and updating the NFC tag by the NFC reader / writer unit to identify the remaining number of tests that can be performed using the reagent kit.

[0085] Illustrative Example 13. The method as described in Illustrative Example 12, wherein updating the NFC tag to identify the remaining number of tests includes: reading the NFC tag attached to the reagent kit and determining the number of tests that can be performed from the reagent kit; identifying the number of one or more tests being performed from the reagent kit; and updating the NFC tag by the NFC reader / writer unit to identify the remaining number of tests that can be performed using the reagent kit based on the number of tests that can be performed from the reagent kit and the number of one or more tests being performed from the reagent kit.

[0086] Illustrative Example 14. The method as described in Illustrative Example 13 further includes: encrypting the information stored in the NFC tag.

[0087] Illustrative Example 15. The method described in any of Illustrative Examples 13-14 further includes: tracking the volume and onboard stability of the reagent pack; and identifying the remaining number of tests that can be performed.

[0088] Illustrative Example 16. The method as described in Illustrative Example 15 further includes: setting the value of the NFC tag to zero when the remaining quantity of tests in the reagent kit is zero.

[0089] Illustrative Example 17. The method as described in Illustrative Example 16 further includes: displaying the number of tests that can be performed from the reagent kit when the NFC tag is scanned.

[0090] Illustrative Example 18. The method described in any of Illustrative Examples 13-17 includes: using an NFC tag attached to the reagent kit to track the use of the reagent kit.

[0091] In light of this disclosure describing embodiments of the invention, all changes, modifications, and variations within the meaning and scope of equivalents are considered to fall within the scope of the invention. It should be understood that aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be used together in any combination. Several aspects and embodiments may be combined to form another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A system for automatically determining the use of a reagent kit, the system comprising: The instrument has a near field communication (NFC) reader / writer unit; Memory; and One or more processors are coupled to the memory, wherein The instrument is configured to contain reagent kits for performing one or more tests, the reagent kits having NFC tags, and The NFC reader / writer unit is configured to update the NFC tag based on the number of tests performed using the reagent kit.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the NFC reader / writer unit is configured as follows: Read the NFC tag attached to the reagent kit and determine the number of tests that can be performed using the reagent kit; Identify the number of tests performed by the instrument from the reagent kit; and Update the NFC tag to identify the number of remaining tests that can be performed.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the NFC tag is configured to store information about the reagent pack, the information including the type and identifier of the reagent, the volume of the reagent, and the number of remaining tests that can be performed using the remaining amount of reagent.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the NFC reader / writer unit is configured to encrypt information stored in the NFC tag.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the instrument is configured to track the volume and onboard stability of the reagent pack to identify the number of remaining tests that can be performed.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein the value of the NFC tag is set to zero when the NFC reader / writer unit identifies that the number of remaining tests is zero.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising: The display unit is configured to display the number of tests that can be performed from the reagent kit when the NFC tag is scanned.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising: An inventory storage device is configured to read the NFC tag on the reagent kit and display the number of remaining tests that can be performed by the reagent kit.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the instrument is configured to read details of the inventory storage device and track the use of the reagent kit.

10. A traceable reagent kit device for performing tests in an instrument, the traceable reagent kit device comprising: The reagent kit is configured to be loaded into the instrument to perform one or more tests; and A near field communication (NFC) tag is attached to the reagent kit. The NFC tag is configured as follows The number of tests performed using the reagent kit is read by the NFC reader / writer on the instrument to identify the quantity of tests performed using the reagent kit, and The NFC reader / writer updates the number of remaining tests that can be performed using the reagent kit.

11. The traceable reagent kit device of claim 10, wherein the NFC tag is configured to be reprogrammed and encrypted by the NFC reader / writer.

12. A method for determining the use of a reagent kit, the method comprising: The instrument provides a near-field communication (NFC) reader / writer unit, the instrument having a memory and one or more processors coupled to the memory; A reagent kit is provided, the reagent kit being configured to be loaded into the instrument to perform one or more tests, the reagent kit having an NFC tag configured to be updated by the NFC reader / writer unit of the instrument; The one or more tests are performed while the reagent package is loaded into the instrument; and The NFC reader / writer unit updates the NFC tag to identify the remaining number of tests that can be performed using the reagent kit.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein updating the NFC tag to identify the remaining number of tests comprises: Read the NFC tag attached to the reagent kit and determine the number of tests that can be performed from the reagent kit; Identify the number of the one or more tests being performed from the reagent kit; and The NFC reader / writer unit updates the NFC tag to identify the remaining number of tests that can be performed using the reagent kit based on the number of tests that can be performed from the reagent kit and the number of one or more tests being performed from the reagent kit.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: The information stored in the NFC tag is encrypted.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising: Monitor the volume and onboard stability of the reagent kit; and Identify the remaining number of tests that can be performed.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: When the remaining quantity of tests in the reagent kit is zero, the value of the NFC tag is set to zero.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: When the NFC tag is scanned, the number of tests that can be performed from the reagent kit is displayed.

18. The method of claim 13, comprising: The use of the reagent kit is tracked using an NFC tag attached to the kit.

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