Identification and processing of pre-analytical samples in disposable containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for identifying disposable containers for human samples obtained during pre-analytical sampling, the method comprising: providing disposable containers, the containers being of more than one type, the containers of the same type being adapted to contain the same type of sample; assigning a unique identification characteristic to each container, the identification characteristic being unique and the identification characteristic comprising a portion which is identical for all identification characteristics assigned to the containers of the same type; encoding the unique identification characteristics into a unique machine-readable code for reading the identification characteristics; and, at least for a subset of containers, providing the containers with labels having the corresponding machine-readable codes;such that each pre-analytical sample collected is uniquely identifiable on the basis of the identification characteristic of the container and such that the pre-analytical samples collected can be grouped on the basis of the identical part of the identification characteristic of the corresponding containers. Figure for abstract: Figure 1;

Description

Title of the invention: Identification and treatment of pre-analytical samples in disposable containers Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to containers intended to contain pre-analytical samples, more particularly to the identification of such containers and associated samples and to the processing of sampling data obtained during the collection of pre-analytical samples. Technical background

[0002] Pre-analytical sampling is carried out in the medical sector, for example in a hospital or in a general practitioner's office. During such sampling, a specimen or sample is taken from a patient, for example a blood sample or a urine sample. This is carried out using laboratory equipment suitable for this purpose, for example a swab for collecting saliva from the mouth. After sampling, the sampling item comprising the sample is sent to a laboratory to undergo one or more tests for the purpose of medical diagnosis.

[0003] During sampling, certain information must be coupled to the sample in order to be able to identify it, for example to be able to later link laboratory results to the sample. For this purpose, a label is applied to the item during or after sampling. A qualified person, for example a doctor or a nurse, can for example stick a blank label on the sampling item and write the necessary information on it. As another example, the qualified person can generate a label using a label printer. This information may for example include: the identity of the patient, the date of sampling, the type of sample and the like.

[0004] This sample identification process can be subject to errors due to the manual provision of information for the labels. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for making sample identification and sampling data processing less error-prone. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the object identified above is achieved by a method for identifying disposable containers for containing human samples obtained during pre-analytical sampling for the purpose of medical diagnosis. The method comprises the following steps: providing disposable containers, the containers being of more than one type, the containers of the same type being designed to contain the same type of sample; assigning a unique identifying characteristic to each container, the identifying characteristic being unique for all containers and the identifying characteristic comprising a portion that is identical for all identifying characteristics assigned to containers of the same type; encoding the unique identifying characteristics into unique machine-readable codes for reading the identifying characteristics; and, at least for a subset of containers, providing the containers with labels having the corresponding machine-readable codes;such that each pre-analytical sample taken is uniquely identifiable on the basis of the identifying characteristic of the container and such that the pre-analytical samples taken can be grouped on the basis of the identical part of the identifying characteristic of the corresponding containers. ;

[0006] Disposable containers are intended to serve as an accessory for collecting and storing samples or specimens. A container may also be referred to as a 'collection item', 'pre-analytical laboratory material', 'item', 'means', 'accessory', 'receptacle', 'support'; 'instrument' or 'storage item'. Examples of such containers include, but are not limited to: test tubes, e.g., tubes, jars, e.g., containers, and swabs. The containers are disposable in that they are intended for single use only. Samples contained by such containers may, for example, include: tissue, urine, stool, sputum, puncture fluid, earwax, tear fluid, nasal secretion, hair, and a piece of nail.

[0007] In the context of the present disclosure, pre-analytical sampling means the collection of human samples for the purpose of medical diagnosis. The samples are analyzed and / or tested at a later stage, after collection, in a laboratory for the purpose of detecting pathology or diagnosis.

[0008] The method comprises providing or gathering disposable containers of different types. The different types may for example include: tubes for storing blood samples, pots for storing urine samples and swabs for storing saliva samples.

[0009] The identification feature may comprise a series of letters and / or numbers. The identification feature may additionally or alternatively also comprise other signs. A machine-readable code may be a code that is readable by a scanner.

[0010] A label is a physical mark applied to a disposable container. A label may include ink. For example, a label may be a sticker or a tag. Alternatively, a label may be printed directly onto or into a wall of the disposable container. Labels may also have other shapes.

[0011] By marking the containers before sampling, the marking can be carried out centrally. This reduces the risk of errors. Furthermore, by marking all containers together, the marking can be carried out automatically, which avoids the intervention of medical personnel and the resulting duplication. By first gathering all containers of different types, it is possible to choose identification characteristics that are unique for all containers of all types. This ensures that each sample is individually identifiable using the associated container. Each sample can be uniquely recognized using the container that contains the sample. The unique identification provided by the method can ensure a reduction in errors.By providing a part of the identification characteristic in common for containers of the same type, the type of each container can also be identified in a simple manner. This also allows the efficient grouping of containers by type.

[0012] According to other embodiments, the identification characteristic then comprises a second part which is identical for all the identification characteristics assigned to containers produced by the same manufacturer.

[0013] By adding the second part to the identification feature, the containers can be grouped on the basis of other relevant parameters, in addition to the container type. The containers thus become identifiable on the basis of the manufacturer. This makes it possible, for example, in the event of a defect, to check all containers from the manufacturer in question in order to prevent further defective containers from being used.

[0014] According to other embodiments, the identification characteristic then comprises a third part which is identical to all the identification characteristics assigned to containers produced during the same period.

[0015] The period may for example comprise one year. By providing the third part in the identification feature, the containers can be classified simply on the basis of age. This can help to avoid the misuse of containers that are no longer suitable for use due to age.

[0016] According to other embodiments, the machine-readable codes comprise at least one of the following: a barcode, a QR code, a GSI code, a GSI data matrix, and an RFID tag.

[0017] Any machine-readable code is suitable for the process. The use of a barcode allows for simple application of the process. QR codes are also easy to implement. A GS1 code is a code according to a standard of the international organization Global Standards 1. For example, an EAN barcode, European Article Number, is a GSI code. A GSI data matrix, or GSI DataMatrix, is also a type of GSI code and offers the advantage that a larger quantity of data can be recorded in a single code. For example, advantageously, information concerning the first, second and third identification characteristics can be coded in a GSI data matrix. The GSI data matrix allows additional information to be recorded as an addition to the identification characteristic.

[0018] According to other embodiments, the containers comprise at least one type of container adapted to contain blood as a type of sample.

[0019] According to other embodiments, the containers comprise at least one type of container adapted to contain one of the following sample types: tissue, urine, stool, sputum and puncture fluid.

[0020] According to other embodiments, the containers comprise at least one type of containers which have the following embodiment: test tubes, pots and swabs.

[0021] A test tube may for example be a tube. A jar may for example be a container. A swab is a stick having a textured end designed to take a sample, for example from the mouth, ear or nose. For example, a cotton bud is an example of a swab, the textured end being a fabric end. Another example of a swab is a stick having a plastic end with small protruding portions that form the textured end.

[0022] According to other embodiments, the containers of the same type have the same size.

[0023] According to other embodiments, the containers of the same type are of the same material, for example glass or plastic.

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment, the different types comprise for example: test tubes of a first size made of glass, test tubes of a second size made of glass and test tubes of a third size made of plastic.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the disposable containers are provided with a label, the labels being obtained according to the method according to the first aspect.

[0026] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a method implementable on a computer for processing sampling data obtained during pre-analytical sampling. The method comprises: obtaining an identification characteristic of a container according to the second aspect; obtaining sampling data associated with a sample in the container and linking the sampling data to the identification characteristic in a database.

[0027] For example, in a medical office, a disposable container marked according to the second aspect may be used to collect a sample from a patient. Obtaining the identifying characteristic of the container may, for example, be performed using a scanner. For example, if the container label includes a machine-readable code that is a barcode, this can be performed using a barcode scanner. Sample data may include, for example: patient identity, collection date, collection location, and other information. The link between the sample data and the identifying feature in the database is based on the machine-readable code on the scanned label.

[0028] According to other embodiments, the method then comprises: obtaining laboratory task information that defines one or more tests that are to be performed on the sample in the container; and linking the laboratory task information to the identifying characteristic in the database.

[0029] In order to be able to make a medical diagnosis, a doctor can indicate, for a given sample, one or more relevant tests which must be carried out on the sample in question, for example in a laboratory. This laboratory task information, this test information or this list of tests, intended for a person who will carry out the tests, can, just like the sampling data, be recorded in the database. A link is established between the laboratory task information and the identification characteristic identical to that of the sampling data.

[0030] Any other relevant information regarding the sample and / or collection may also be attached to the identifying characteristic, for example, notes from a doctor.

[0031] According to other embodiments, the method then comprises: obtaining the identification characteristic of the container; retrieving and displaying the laboratory task information attached to the identification characteristic from the database; obtaining the test results of one or more tests and attaching the test results to the identification characteristic in the database.

[0032] For example, in a medical laboratory, a sample in a disposable container marked according to the second aspect may be analyzed. For this purpose, a user may obtain the identification characteristic of the container by analyzing the label of the container, for example using a scanner. The user may thus obtain the laboratory task information to determine the tests that are to be performed on the sample. After performing the one or more tests, a user may again link the test results found using the tests to the identification characteristic in the database.

[0033] Accordingly, sampling data, laboratory task information, test results and / or other relevant data may be recorded in the database for each sample, through the identification characteristic of its associated container.

[0034] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a server / processor adapted to carry out a method according to the third aspect.

[0035] A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to a computer program product comprising instructions executable on a computer for carrying out a method according to the third aspect when this program is executed on a computer.

[0036] A sixth aspect of the present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium comprising the computer program product according to the fifth aspect. Brief description of the figures

[0037] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] illustrates a method of identifying disposable containers according to exemplary embodiments;

[0038] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] illustrates a method of identifying disposable containers according to exemplary embodiments;

[0039] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] illustrates a method of processing sampling data according to exemplary embodiments;

[0040] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] illustrates a method of processing sampling data according to exemplary embodiments; and

[0041] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] shows a suitable computer system for carrying out a or more steps of a method according to exemplary embodiments. Description of embodiment(s)

[0042] Pre-analytical sampling is a part of medical diagnosis and is, for example, usually carried out in a hospital or a general practitioner's office. During sampling, a sample, also called a specimen, is taken from a patient, for example a saliva sample using a disposable laboratory accessory. The sample must be analyzed so that a diagnosis can subsequently be made based on the analysis results. After pre-analytical sampling, the laboratory material is transported, together with the sample, to a laboratory or medical research center where the sample can be tested.

[0043] [Fig.l] illustrates a system 100 for dispensing disposable containers and a method 110 for identifying disposable containers according to exemplary embodiments. The method 110 may for example be carried out by a laboratory equipment distributor. Alternatively, the method may be carried out in part or completely by a laboratory equipment manufacturer.

[0044] A distributor provides, in a first step, disposable containers of different types by gathering them together. Containers of more than one type may, for example, be purchased from different manufacturers. For example, a first manufacturer 1001 may deliver containers of two types: containers 101, 102, 103 of a first size, intended to contain urine samples, and containers 111, 112, 113 of a second size intended to contain urine samples. A second manufacturer 1002 may deliver containers of a third type: containers 121, 122, 123 of a third size intended to contain urine samples. A third manufacturer 1003 may deliver containers of a fourth type: swabs 131, 132, 133, 134 intended to collect and contain earwax samples.A fourth manufacturer 1004 and a fifth manufacturer 1005 may both supply containers of a fifth type: tubes 141, 142, 143, 144, 145 and tubes 151, 152, 153, 154, 155 for containing blood samples. It will be clear that [Fig.l] shows only a limited number of containers and manufacturers for reasons of clarity and succinct description. In practice, the numbers of containers may be several orders of magnitude higher, for example, at a certain point in time, tens of thousands of containers or more may be gathered. A much larger number of different containers may also be provided, for example, hundreds.

[0045] After carrying out the steps of the method 110, all the containers 101, 102, 103, 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, 133, 134, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155 are provided with a label having a uniquely identifiable machine-readable code. This is illustrated in [Fig.l] as the marked collection of containers 160 comprising a marked tube 161 for a blood sample, a marked container 162 of the second size for a urine sample, a marked swab 163 for an earwax sample, a marked container 164 of the first size for a urine sample, a marked container 165 of the third size for a urine sample and the respective machine-readable codes 171, 172, 173, 174, 175. The method 110 ensures the provision of the respective labels with the respective codes 171, 172, 173, 174, 175.

[0046] The marked containers 160 may be supplied directly to a hospital, doctor's office or other medical center 180, where pre-analytical sampling may take place. Then, the filled containers are supplied to a laboratory or medical research center 190. This is illustrated in [Fig.l] by the arrows 1008.

[0047] Alternatively, the containers marked 160 may first be supplied to a laboratory 190, which will then itself supply the containers marked 160 to the hospitals 180. This is illustrated in [Fig.l] by the arrows 1009. Then, the containers, after the pre-analytical sampling in hospitals 180, can be provided again to the laboratory 190.

[0048] [Fig.2] illustrates the steps of the method 110 according to an embodiment as example. In a first step, containers 201, 202, 203, 204, 205 of different types are provided, as illustrated in [Fig.l]. For a brief description, [Fig.2] shows only five containers 201-205 while in practice a much higher number of containers can be processed.

[0049] In step 210, a respective identification characteristic 211, 212, 213, 214, 215 is assigned to each container 201, 202, 203, 204, 205. The identification characteristics 211-215 are unique for all the containers 201-205. There are therefore no containers that carry the same identification characteristic.

[0050] The identification features 211, 212, 213, 214, 215 each comprise a respective first portion 241, 242, 243, 244, 245 which is identical for all identification features assigned to containers of the same type. For example, in [Fig. 2], the containers 202 and 203 are of the same type, i.e., containers of the first size for receiving urine samples. The first portions 242, 243 of the corresponding identification features 212, 213 are therefore the same. In [Fig. 2], this is indicated by the same inclined striped pattern. The horizontal striped pattern of the first portion 241 indicates the type of container 201, i.e., containers of the third size for receiving urine samples. The checkerboard pattern of the first part 244 indicates the type of container 204, i.e. swabs for example intended to collect and contain saliva samples.The dot pattern of the first part 245 indicates the type of container 205, i.e. tubes intended for collecting and containing blood samples.

[0051] The identification features 211, 212, 213, 214, 215 each comprise a respective second portion 251, 252, 253, 254, 255 which is identical for all identification features assigned to containers produced by the same manufacturer. For example, containers 201, 202, 203 come from the same manufacturer and containers 204, 205 come from a second manufacturer. In [Fig. 2], the solid line check pattern indicates the manufacturer of containers 201, 202, 203. The dotted line check pattern indicates the manufacturer of containers 204, 205.

[0052] The identification characteristics 211, 212, 213, 214, 215 each comprise a respective third part 261, 262, 263, 264, 265 which is identical for all identification characteristics assigned to containers produced during the same period. For example, the third part may be identical for all containers produced during the same year. In [Fig. 2], all third parts 261-265 are indicated by the same dot pattern to indicate that containers 201-205 are produced in the same year. A year can for example mean a calendar year, e.g. 2024, or a period of one year, e.g. from March 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024.

[0053] The identification features 211, 212, 213, 214, 215 then respectively comprise a portion 271, 272, 273, 274, 275 which makes each identification feature unique. The portions 271-275 ensure that each container is uniquely identifiable.

[0054] For example, the parts 271-275 according to an exemplary embodiment may be unique for all containers 201-205. The method 210 may therefore then comprise assigning, for each identification characteristic, a part that is unique relative to all other identification characteristics. To provide uniqueness, the unique parts 271-275 may for example be progressive characters. A number of characters of the unique part is large enough to be able to designate all containers uniquely. Such a character may for example be a number or a letter. Account is taken here of the number of possibilities that are provided by such a character. For example, a counter may be managed, which increases for each new container, for example by 1, the value of the counter being considered as a unique part. The counter advantageously has the same number of digits as that of the unique part.The number of available digits of such a counter must be large enough to be able to identify all the containers uniquely. For example, in [Fig.2], there are 5 containers, such a counter needs 1 digit to be able to designate the 5 containers uniquely, given that 1 digit can provide 10 possibilities, from '0' to '9'.

[0055] Alternatively, the portions 271-275, according to an exemplary embodiment, may be unique within a group of identifying features that have the same first, second, and third portions. For example, the containers 202, 203 form such a group because they have the same first 242, 243, second 252, 253, and third 262, 263 portions. They thereby obtain different unique portions 272, 273. The other containers 201, 204, 205 may be assigned a same portion 271, 274, 275 because they are still uniquely identifiable based on their combination of first, second, and third portions in the identifying feature.The method 210 can therefore then comprise the allocation, for each group of identification characteristics whose pre-defined parts, i.e. the first, second and third parts, are identical, of a single part to the identification characteristics of the group.

[0056] It will be clear that within an identification feature, the first, second, third part and the unique part can be swapped. The parts can even be split within the identification feature, for example to prevent fraud. In any case, the parts are classified in the same way for all identification features, so that all identification features have the same structure. This ensures that the method applied to the containers can be carried out efficiently.

[0057] In a subsequent step 220, the unique identification features 211-215 are encoded into unique machine-readable codes, i.e., respective barcodes 221, 222, 223, 224, 225 and respective QR codes 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, for reading the identification features. It is possible to delete the barcodes or QR codes and / or to provide other codes.

[0058] In a subsequent step 230, at least some of the containers 201-205 are provided with labels. For example, in [Fig. 2], all the containers 201, 202, 203, 204, 205 are provided with respective labels 231, 232, 233, 234, 235 having the corresponding machine-readable codes 221, 281; 222, 282; 223, 283; 224, 284; 225, 285. For example, all the labels 231-235 may be generated by a distributor. Such a distributor may also provide the labels on the containers 201-205 itself. Alternatively, the labels 231-235, or part of the labels, may be created by a manufacturer, after the machine-readable codes have been provided by a distributor who carries out the process. Thus, a manufacturer who delivers the containers 201, 202, 203 may, for example, generate the labels 231, 232, 233 himself on the basis of the codes 221, 281; 222, 282; 223, 283 and physically link them to the containers, for example by sticking a label on the containers.

[0059] Steps 210, 220, 230 can take place continuously for new incoming containers each time. Since in step 210 the knowledge of the unique identification characteristics already applied can be retained, the uniqueness of the identification characteristics can be guaranteed for the new containers.

[0060] According to the exemplary embodiments, the first part 241-245 itself can serve as a type identification feature, i.e., it makes a type uniquely identifiable from all other types. The first part 241-245 can be part of the unique identification feature and additionally be used separately as a feature for all containers of the same type. The first part 241, 242, 243, 244, 245 can, for example, itself be transformed into a machine-readable code and a corresponding label that is provided to the containers 201, 202, 203, 204, 205. After carrying out the method steps 110, all containers are in this case provided with two labels: a first label based on the unique identification feature and a second label based on the first part. The second label can, for example, be applied to packaging in which containers of the same type are grouped together.

[0061] After making each container uniquely identifiable, each pre-analytical sample collected is uniquely identifiable based on the identification characteristic of the associated container. In addition, the pre-analytical samples collected may be grouped based on the identical portion of the identification characteristic of the corresponding containers. This unique portion may for example comprise the unique portion according to one embodiment or may for example comprise the complete identification characteristic according to another embodiment.

[0062] It will be clear that the method 110 is suitable for the unique identification of containers that will be filled at a later point in time with material. For example, in particular, containers filled with samples in other contexts, for example for the unique identification of soil samples. Alternatively, the method 110 can also be applied to the identification of foods, instead of pre-analytical samples, on the basis of their packaging (container).

[0063] [Fig. 3] illustrates a method that can be implemented on a computer for processing sampling data 310 obtained during pre-analytical sampling according to exemplary embodiments. The method steps shown in [Fig. 3] can for example be carried out in a hospital 180. A user, for example a nurse, can, in a first step, scan a barcode 321 on a label of a container, for example the tube 301, for example using a handheld barcode scanner 300 or using a static barcode scanner. In this way, the identification characteristic 311 of the tube 301 can be obtained. The identification characteristic 311 comprises in this example a first part 341, a second part 351, a third part 361 and a part 371, in accordance with the steps of [Fig. 2].Furthermore, a user may obtain collection data associated with a blood sample in the tube 301, for example, the national patient registry number, the collection date, and the type of sample that was collected in / using the container 301 by the pre-analytical collection. Optionally, a user may then obtain laboratory task information 320, for example, by himself / herself establishing a list of tests to be performed on the blood sample. A user may then link the collection data 310 and the laboratory task information 320 to the identification characteristic 311 in a database 330. When a user requests at a later time the identification characteristic 311 of the tube 301 in the database 330, he / she may have access to the collection data 310 and the laboratory task information 320.

[0064] [Fig. 4] illustrates a method that can be implemented on a computer for processing sampling data 420 obtained during a pre-analytical sampling according to exemplary embodiments. The steps shown in [Fig. 4] can for example be carried out in a diagnostic research center 190.

[0065] Subpart 401 illustrates obtaining the identification feature 411 of a container, for example, a tube 405 for containing a blood sample, by a user. For this purpose, a user may scan a barcode 421 on a label of the tube 405, for example using a handheld barcode scanner 400 or using another type of barcode scanner. The identification feature 411 in this example comprises a first portion 441, a second portion 451, a third portion 461, and a portion 471, in accordance with the steps of [Fig. 2]. After obtaining the identification feature 411, a user may retrieve the laboratory task information 420 from the database 430 and display it to determine which tests should be performed on the sample in the tube 405.This is possible because the laboratory task information 420 has been linked in a previous step, for example in the medical office 180, to the identification characteristic in the database 430.

[0066] Subpart 402 illustrates a step 480 of performing one or more tests prescribed by the laboratory task information 420. This produces test results 490 which can again be linked to the identification characteristic 411 in the database 430.

[0067] In another step at a later time, a user, for example a doctor in a hospital 180, can again retrieve the test results 490 from the database 430 and display them to be able to make a diagnosis for the patient whose blood sample was taken in the tube 405.

[0068] [Fig. 5] shows a computer system 500 suitable for performing one or more steps in the methods of the above embodiment(s). The computer system 500 may be generally implemented as a computer suitable for general purposes and further include a bus 510, a processor 502, a local memory 504, one or more optional input interfaces 514, one or more optional execution interfaces 516, a communication interface 512, a storage element interface 506, and one or more storage elements 508. The bus 510 may include one or more electrical conductors that enable communication between components of the computer system 500. The processor 502 may include any type of conventional processor or microprocessor, which interprets and executes program instructions. The local memory 504 may include a RAM (Random Access Memory) or other typedynamic storage device that stores information and instructions for execution by a processor 502 and / or a ROM Read-Only Memory or another type of static storage device that stores information and static instructions for use by the processor 502. The input interface 514 may include one or more conventional mechanisms that allow an operator or user to enter information into the computing device 500, e.g., a keyboard 520, a mouse 530, a pen, voice recognition and / or biometric mechanisms, a touch screen, etc. The execution interface 516 may include one or more conventional mechanisms that present information to the operator or user, e.g., a display 540, a printer 550, a speaker, etc.The communication interface 512 may comprise a transmitter / receiver mechanism, such as one or more Ethernet interfaces that enable the computer system 500 to communicate with other devices and / or systems 581, 582, 583. The communication interface 512 of the computer system 500 may be connected to another computer system by means of a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network), such as the Internet. The storage element interface 506 may comprise a storage interface, such as a SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) or SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) interface, for connecting the bus 510 to one or more storage elements 508, for example one or more local disks, for example SATA writing stations, and for controlling the reading and writing of data to and / or from these storage elements 508.Although the storage elements 508 above are described as a local disk, generally any other generally suitable computer-readable media should be usable, such as a removable magnetic disk, optical storage media, such as a CD or DVD, a ROM disk, solid state disks, flash memory cards. The system 500 described above may also operate as a virtual machine on top of the physical hardware.

[0069] The steps presented in the above embodiment(s) may be implemented as program instructions stored in the local memory 504 of the computer system 500 for execution by its processor 502. Alternatively, the instruction may be stored on the storage element 508 or be accessible from another computer system via the communication interface 512.

[0070] Although the present invention has been illustrated using specific embodiments, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the above illustrative embodiments and that the present invention may be embodied with various modifications and adaptations without departing from the scope of the invention. The present embodiments should therefore be considered, in all respects, as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being described by the appended claims and not by the above description and all modifications which fall within the meaning and scope of the claims are therefore included herein. In other words, it is recognized that all modifications, variations or equivalents which fall within the scope of the basic underlying principles and the essential attributes of which are claimed in the present patent application fall within the scope of said appended claims. In addition, the reader of this patent application will understand that the terms "comprising" or "comprise" do not exclude other elements or steps and that the term "a" does not exclude the plural.Any references in the claims shall not be construed as a limitation of the claims in question. The terms "first", "second", "third", "a", "b", "c" and the like, when used in the description or claims, are used to distinguish between like elements or steps and do not necessarily describe a successive or chronological order. Similarly, the terms "top side", "bottom side", "on", "under" and the like are used for the purpose of description and do not necessarily refer to relative positions. It is understood that these terms are interchangeable under appropriate conditions and that embodiments of the invention are capable of operating according to the present invention in sequences or orientations other than those described or illustrated above.

Claims

Claims

1. A method (110) for identifying disposable containers (101-103, 111-113, 121-123, 131-134, 141-145, 151-155) for containing human samples obtained during pre-analytical sampling for the purpose of medical diagnosis, the method comprising the following steps: - providing disposable containers, the containers being of more than one type, the containers of the same type being adapted to contain the same type of samples; - assigning a unique identification characteristic (211-215) to each container (201-205), the identification characteristic being unique for all the containers and the identification characteristic comprising a portion (241-245) which is identical for all identification characteristics assigned to containers of the same type; - encoding the unique identification characteristics into unique machine-readable codes (221-225, 281-285) for reading the identification characteristics;and - at least for a subset of the containers, providing the containers with labels (231-235) having the corresponding machine-readable codes; such that each pre-analytical sample taken is uniquely identifiable on the basis of the identification characteristic of the container and such that the pre-analytical samples taken can be grouped on the basis of the identical part of the identification characteristic of the corresponding containers.;

2. A method according to claim 1, the identification characteristic then comprising a second part (251-255) which is identical for all identification characteristics assigned to containers produced by the same manufacturer.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, the identification characteristic then comprising a third part (261-265) which is identical for all identification characteristics assigned to containers produced during the same period.

4. A method according to any preceding claim, the machine-readable codes comprising at least one of the elements following: a barcode, a QR code, a GSI code, a GSI data matrix and an RFID tag.

5. A method according to any preceding claim, the containers comprising at least one type of container adapted to contain blood as a type of sample.

6. A method according to any preceding claim, the containers comprising at least one type of container designed to contain one of the following sample types: tissue, urine, stool, sputum and puncture fluid.

7. A method according to any preceding claim, the containers comprising at least one type of container which has the following embodiment: test tubes, pots and swabs.

8. A method according to any preceding claim, the containers of the same type having the same size.

9. Disposable containers (201-205) having a label (231-235) obtained according to the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. A computer-implementable method for processing sampling data (310) obtained during pre-analytical sampling, the method comprising: - obtaining an identification characteristic (311) of a container (301) according to claim 9; - obtaining sampling data associated with a sample in the container; and - linking the sampling data to the identification characteristic in a database (330).

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: - obtaining laboratory task information (320) that defines one or more tests that are to be performed on the sample in the container; and - linking the laboratory task information to the identifying characteristic in the database.

12. Method according to claim 11, then comprising: - obtaining the identification characteristic (411) of the container (401); - retrieving and displaying the laboratory task information (420) attached to the identification characteristic from the database (430); - obtaining test results (490) of said one or more tests; and - attaching the test results to the identification characteristic in the database.

13. Server / processor adapted to perform the method according to any one of claims 10-12.

14. A computer program product comprising computer-executable instructions for carrying out the method of any one of claims 10-12 when the program is executed on a computer.

15. A computer-readable storage medium comprising the computer program product of claim 14.

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