Identification and processing of pre-analytical samples in disposable containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for identifying disposable containers intended for human samples obtained during pre-analytical collection, the method consisting of: 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 identification characteristic to each container, the identification characteristic being unique and the identification characteristic comprising a part that is identical for all the identification characteristics assigned to 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 bearing the corresponding machine-readable codes;such that each pre-analytical sample taken is uniquely identifiable on the basis of the container identification characteristic 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. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1;

Description

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

[0001] The present invention relates generally to containers intended to hold pre-analytical samples, more particularly to the identification of such containers and associated samples and 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 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 done using laboratory equipment appropriate for this purpose, for example a swab for collecting saliva from the mouth. After sampling, the sampling device containing the sample is sent to a laboratory to undergo one or more tests for the purpose of a medical diagnosis.

[0003] During collection, certain information must be linked to the sample to identify it, for example, to allow subsequent linking of laboratory results to the sample. For this purpose, a label is applied to the item during or after collection. A qualified person, such as a doctor or nurse, can, for example, affix a blank label to the sample 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 include, for example: the patient's identity, the collection date, the sample type, and similar information.

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

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the objective identified above is achieved by a method for identifying disposable containers intended to hold human samples obtained during pre-analytical collection for the purpose of medical diagnosis. The method comprises the following steps, consisting of: 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 identification feature to each container, the identification feature being unique for all containers and the identification feature comprising a part that is identical for all identification features assigned to containers of the same type; encoding the unique identification features into unique machine-readable codes for reading the identification features; and, at least for a subset of containers, providing the containers with labels displaying the corresponding machine-readable codes;such that each pre-analytical sample taken is uniquely identifiable on the basis of the container's identification characteristic, 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.

[0006] Disposable containers are intended to serve as accessories for the collection and preservation of samples or specimens. A container may also be called a 'sampling item', 'pre-analytical laboratory material', 'item', 'means', 'accessory', 'receptacle', 'support', 'instrument', or 'preservation item'. Examples of such containers include, among others: test tubes, jars, and swabs. The containers are disposable in the sense that they are intended for single use. Samples contained in such containers may include, for example: tissue, urine, stool, sputum, puncture fluid, earwax, tears, nasal secretions, hair, or a piece of nail.

[0007] In the context of this 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 a pathology or making a diagnosis.

[0008] The process includes the supply or collection of disposable containers of different types. The different types may, for example, include: tubes for storing blood samples, jars 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 further or alternatively also comprise other symbols. 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. A label may, for example, 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 take other forms.

[0011] By marking containers before sampling, the marking process can be carried out centrally. This reduces the risk of errors. Furthermore, by marking all containers in the same way, the marking process can be automated, thus avoiding the need for medical personnel and the resulting duplication. By first gathering all containers of different types, it is possible to choose identification characteristics that are unique to all containers of all types. This ensures that each sample is individually identifiable using its associated container. Each sample can be uniquely identified by the container that holds the sample. The unique identification provided by the process can ensure a reduction in errors.By including a common identifying characteristic for containers of the same type, the type of each container can also be easily identified. This also allows for the efficient grouping of containers by type.

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

[0013] By adding the second part to the identification feature, containers can be grouped based on other relevant parameters, in addition to container type. Containers thus become identifiable based on 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 the use of other defective containers.

[0014] According to other embodiments, the identification feature then includes a third part which is identical to all the identification features attributed to containers produced during the same period.

[0015] The period may, for example, include one year. By including the third part in the identification characteristic, containers can be classified simply based on age. This can help prevent 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 (European Article Number) barcode is a GS1 code. A GS1 DataMatrix is ​​also a type of GS1 code and offers the advantage of a larger quantity Data can be stored in a single code. For example, advantageously, information about the first, second, and third identifying characteristics can be coded in a GSI data matrix. The GSI data matrix allows additional information to be stored as an addition to the identifying characteristic.

[0018] According to other embodiments, the containers include at least one type of container designed to hold blood as a type of sample.

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

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

[0021] A test tube can, for example, be a tube. A jar can, for example, be a container. A swab is a stick with a textured end designed to collect 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 made of fabric. Another example of a swab is a stick with a plastic end having small protruding parts that form the textured end.

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

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

[0024] According to one embodiment by way of example, the different types include for example: test specimens of a first size made of glass, test specimens of a second size made of glass and test specimens 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 process in accordance with the first aspect.

[0026] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a method that can be implemented on a computer for processing sampling data obtained during pre-analytical sampling. The method consists of: obtaining an identification characteristic of a container according to the second aspect; obtaining the 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 doctor's office, a disposable container marked according to the second aspect can be used to collect a sample from a patient. Obtaining the container's identification characteristic can, for example This can be done using a scanner. For example, if the container label includes a machine-readable code, such as a barcode, this can be done using a barcode scanner. Sample data might include, for example, the patient's identity, the collection date, the collection location, and other information. Linking the sample data to the identification characteristic in the database is based on the machine-readable code on the scanned label.

[0028] According to other embodiments, the process then consists of: obtaining laboratory task information that defines one or more tests that must be performed on the sample in the container; and linking the laboratory task information to the identification characteristic in the database.

[0029] In order to make a medical diagnosis, a physician may specify, for a given sample, one or more relevant tests that must be performed 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 perform the tests, can, like the sampling data, be recorded in the database. A link is established between the laboratory task information and the same identifying characteristic as the sampling data.

[0030] Any other relevant information concerning the sample and / or the sampling may also be linked to the identification characteristic, for example notes from a doctor.

[0031] According to other embodiments, the process then consists of: 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 characteristic can be analyzed. To this end, a user can obtain the container's identification characteristic by analyzing the container's label, for example, using a scanner. The user can thus obtain the laboratory task information to determine which tests should be performed on the sample. After performing said test(s), a user can again link the test results obtained using the tests to the identification characteristic in the database.

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

[0034] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a server / processor designed to carry out a process 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 to carry out a process 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] Figure [Fig.1] illustrates a method for identifying disposable containers according to embodiments by way of example;

[0038] [Fig.2] Fig.2 illustrates a method for identifying disposable containers according to embodiments by way of example;

[0039] [Fig.3] Fig.3 illustrates a method for processing sampling data according to examples of implementation methods;

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

[0041] [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 shows a suitable computer system for carrying out a or several stages of a process according to embodiments by way of example. Description of method(s) of implementation

[0042] Pre-analytical sampling is part of medical diagnosis and is usually performed, for example, 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 device. The sample must be analyzed so that a diagnosis can be made later based on the analysis results. After pre-analytical sampling, the laboratory equipment is transported, along with the sample, to a laboratory or medical research center where the sample can be tested.

[0043] Figure 1 illustrates a dispensing system 100 for disposable containers and a method 110 for identifying disposable containers according to exemplary embodiments. The method 110 can, for example, be carried out by a laboratory equipment distributor. Alternatively, the method can be carried out in part or in full by a laboratory equipment manufacturer.

[0044] A distributor supplies, in a first step, disposable containers of different types by assembling them. Containers of more than one type can, for example, be purchased from different manufacturers. For example, a first manufacturer 1001 can supply containers of two types: containers 101, 102, 103 of a first size, intended to hold urine samples, and containers 111, 112, 113 of a second size intended to hold urine samples. A second manufacturer 1002 can supply containers of a third type: containers 121, 122, 123 of a third size intended to hold urine samples. A third manufacturer 1003 can supply containers of a fourth type: swabs 131, 132, 133, 134 intended to collect and hold earwax samples.A fourth manufacturer 1004 and a fifth manufacturer 1005 can both supply containers of a fifth type: tubes 141, 142, 143, 144, 145 and tubes 151, 152, 153, 154, 155 intended to hold blood samples. It will be clear that [Fig. 1] shows only a limited number of containers and manufacturers for the sake of clarity and brevity. In practice, the number of containers may be several orders of magnitude greater; for example, at some point in time, tens of thousands or more containers may be collected. A much larger number of different containers may also be expected, for example, hundreds.

[0045] After the completion of the steps of process 110, all 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 machine-readable code that is uniquely identifiable. This is illustrated in [Fig. 1] as the marked collection of containers 160 comprising a tube marked 161 for a blood sample, a container marked 162 of the second size for a urine sample, a swab marked 163 for an earwax sample, a container marked 164 of the first size for a urine sample, a container marked 165 of the third size for a urine sample and the respective machine-readable codes 171, 172, 173, 174, 175. The method 110 ensures that the respective labels are provided with the respective codes 171, 172, 173, 174, 175.

[0046] The containers marked 160 can be supplied directly to a hospital, doctor's office, or other medical center 180, where pre-analytical sampling can take place. Subsequently, the filled containers are supplied to a laboratory or medical research center 190. This is illustrated in [Fig. 1] by the arrows 1008.

[0047] Alternatively, the containers marked 160 may first be supplied to a laboratory 190, which will then supply the containers marked 160 to the hospitals 180. This is illustrated in [Fig. 1] by the arrows 1009. Then, the containers, after the Pre-analytical samples in hospitals 180, can be provided again to the laboratory 190.

[0048] Figure 2 illustrates the steps of process 110 according to an embodiment as follows: For example, in a first step, containers 201, 202, 203, 204, 205 of different types are planned, as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. For a brief description, [Fig. 2] shows only five containers 201-205, whereas in practice a much larger number of containers can be processed.

[0049] In step 210, an identification feature 211, 212, 213, 214, 215 is assigned to each container 201, 202, 203, 204, 205. The identification features 211-215 are unique for all containers 201-205. Therefore, no containers have the same identification feature.

[0050] The identification features 211, 212, 213, 214, 215 each comprise a respective first part 241, 242, 243, 244, 245 which is identical for all identification features assigned to containers of the same type. For example, in [Fig. 2], containers 202 and 203 are of the same type, i.e., first-size containers for receiving urine samples. The first parts 242, 243 of the corresponding identification features 212, 213 are therefore the same. In [Fig. 2], this is indicated by the same pattern of slanted stripes. The horizontal stripe pattern of the first part 241 indicates the container type 201, i.e., third-size containers 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 samples of saliva.The dot pattern in 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 second part 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 checkered pattern with a solid line indicates the manufacturer of containers 201, 202, 203. The checkered pattern with a dashed line indicates the manufacturer of containers 204, 205.

[0052] The identification features 211, 212, 213, 214, 215 each comprise a respective third part 261, 262, 263, 264, 265 which is identical for all identification features 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 the third parts Containers 261-265 are marked with the same dotted pattern to indicate that containers 201-205 are produced during the same year. A year can refer to a calendar year, such as 2024, or a period within a year, such as 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 renders each identification feature unique. Portions 271-275 ensure that each container is uniquely identifiable.

[0054] For example, parts 271-275 in one exemplary embodiment can be unique for all containers 201-205. The method 210 can therefore then include assigning, for each identifying characteristic, a unique part with respect to all other identifying characteristics. To provide uniqueness, the unique parts 271-275 can, for example, be progressive characters. The number of characters in the unique part is large enough to uniquely identify all containers. Such a character can, for example, be a digit or a letter. The number of possibilities provided by such a character is taken into account here. For example, a counter can be used, which increases for each new container, for example by 1, the value of the counter being considered a unique part. Advantageously, the counter has the same number of digits as the unique part.The number of available digits for such a counter must be large enough to uniquely identify all the containers. For example, in [Fig.2], there are 5 containers; such a counter would need 1 digit to uniquely identify all 5 containers, since 1 digit can provide 10 possibilities, from '0' to '9'.

[0055] Alternatively, parts 271-275, according to an exemplary embodiment, may be unique within a group of identifying features that have the same first, second, and third parts. For example, containers 202, 203 form such a group because they have the same first 242, 243, second 252, 253, and third 262, 263 parts. They therefore obtain different unique parts 272, 273. The other containers 201, 204, 205 may be assigned the same part 271, 274, 275, because they are always uniquely identifiable on the basis of their combination of first, second, and third parts in the identifying feature.Process 210 can therefore then include the assignment, for each group of identification characteristics whose previously 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, and single parts can be interchanged. The parts can even be split within the identification feature, for example, to prevent fraud. In all cases, 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 process 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, namely 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 remove the barcodes or QR codes and / or to provide alternative 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 displaying the corresponding machine-readable codes 221, 281; 222, 282; 223, 283; 224, 284; 225, 285. For example, all the labels 231-235 can be generated by a dispenser. Such a dispenser can also provide the labels on the containers 201-205 itself. Alternatively, labels 231-235, or a portion thereof, can be created by a manufacturer after receiving machine-readable codes from a distributor who carries out the process. Thus, a manufacturer supplying containers 201, 202, 203 can, for example, generate labels 231, 232, 233 based on codes 221, 281; 222, 282; 223, 283 and physically attach them to the containers, for example, by affixing a label to the containers.

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

[0060] According to the exemplary embodiments, the first part 241-245 can itself serve as a type identification characteristic, that is, it makes a type uniquely identifiable in relation to all other types. The first part 241-245 can be part of the unique identification characteristic and, in addition, be used separately as a characteristic 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 the steps of process 110 have been carried out, all the containers are in this case provided with two labels: a first label based on the unique identification characteristic 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 taken is uniquely identifiable based on the identification characteristic of its associated container. Furthermore, the pre-analytical samples taken can 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, for example, comprise the complete identification characteristic according to another embodiment.

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

[0063] Figure 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 process steps shown in Figure 3 can, for example, be carried out in a hospital setting. 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 a stationary barcode scanner. This yields the identification feature 311 of the tube 301. The identification feature 311 in this example comprises a first part 341, a second part 351, a third part 361, and a part 371, in accordance with the steps in Figure 2.Furthermore, a user can obtain collection data associated with a blood sample in tube 301, such as the patient's national registration number, the collection date, and the type of sample collected in / using container 301 by pre-analytical collection. Optionally, a user can then obtain laboratory task information 320, for example, by creating a list of tests to be performed on the blood sample. A user can then link the collection data 310 and the laboratory task information 320 to the identification characteristic 311 in a database 330. When a user later requests the identification characteristic 311 of tube 301 from the database 330, they can access the collection data 310 and the laboratory task information 320.

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

[0065] Subpart 401 illustrates how a user obtains the identification feature 411 of a container, for example, a tube 405 intended to hold a blood sample. To this end, a user can scan a barcode 421 on a label of the tube 405, for example, using a handheld barcode scanner 400 or another type of barcode scanner. The identification feature 411 in this example comprises a first part 441, a second part 451, a third part 461, and a part 471, in accordance with the steps in [Fig. 2]. After obtaining the identification feature 411, a user can 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 was 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 carrying out one or more tests prescribed by the laboratory task information 420. This gives results of tests 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 in order to make a diagnosis for the patient whose blood sample was taken in the tube 405.

[0068] Figure 5 shows a computer system 500 suitable for carrying out one or more steps in the processes of the above embodiment(s). The computer system 500 can be generally implemented as a general-purpose computer and may further comprise a bus 510, a processor 502, 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 the components of the computer system 500. The processor 502 may include any type of conventional processor or microprocessor that interprets and executes program instructions. The local memory 504 may include RAM (Random Access Memory) or another type of memory.A dynamic storage device that stores information and instructions for execution by a processor 502 and / or Read-Only Memory (ROM), or another type of static storage device that stores static information and instructions for use by the processor 502. The input interface 514 may include one or more conventional mechanisms that enable an operator or user to input information into the computing device 500, for example, a keyboard 520, a mouse 530, a pen, speech recognition and / or biometric mechanisms, a touchscreen, etc. The execution interface 516 may include one or more conventional mechanisms that present information to the operator or user, for example, a display 540, a printer 550, a loudspeaker, etc.The communication interface 512 may include a transmitter / receiver mechanism, such as one or more Ethernet interfaces that allow 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 include 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, such as SATA write stations, and for controlling the reading and writing of data to and / or from these storage elements 508.Although the 508 storage elements above are described as a local disk, generally any other suitable computer-readable media should be usable, such as removable magnetic disks, optical storage media like CDs or DVDs, ROMs, solid-state drives, and flash memory cards. The 500 system described above can also operate as a virtual machine on top of the physical hardware.

[0069] The steps presented in the above embodiment(s) can 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 can 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 by means of 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 can be carried out with various modifications and adaptations without leaving 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 attached claims and not by the description above, and all modifications that fall within the meaning and scope of the claims are consequently included herein. In other words, it is accepted that all modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall within the scope of the underlying basic principles and whose essential attributes are claimed in this patent application fall within the scope of said attached claims. Furthermore, the reader of this patent application will understand that the terms "including" or "comprising" 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 similar terms, when used in the description or the claims, are used to distinguish between similar elements or steps and do not necessarily describe a successive or chronological order. Similarly, the terms "top side," "bottom side," "on," "under," and similar terms are used for descriptive purposes 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

Demands

1. A method (110) for identifying disposable containers (101-103, 111-113, 121-123, 131-134, 141-145, 151-155) intended to contain human samples obtained during pre-analytical collection for the purpose of medical diagnosis, the method comprising the following steps, consisting of: - 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 samples; - assigning a unique identification feature (211-215) to each container (201-205), the identification feature being unique for all containers and the identification feature comprising a portion (241-245) which is identical for all identification features assigned to containers of the same type; - encode 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, provide the containers with labels (231-235) displaying the corresponding machine-readable codes; such that each pre-analytical sample taken is uniquely identifiable on the basis of the container's identification characteristic 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. Method according to claim 1, the identification feature then comprising a second part (251-255) which is identical for all identification features assigned to containers produced by the same manufacturer.

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

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

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, the containers comprising at least one type of container designed to hold blood as a type of sample.

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

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

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

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

10. A method that can be implemented on a computer for processing sampling data (310) obtained during a 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 - attaching the sampling data to the identification characteristic in a database (330).

11. A method according to claim 10, further comprising: - obtaining laboratory task information (320) that defines one or more tests that must be performed on the sample in the container; and - linking the laboratory task information to the identification feature in the database.

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

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

14. Product computer program comprising instructions executable on a computer for carrying out the process according to any one of claims 10-12 when this program is executed on a computer.

15. Computer-readable storage medium comprising the computer program product according to claim 14.

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