Blood collection management system, laboratory testing management method, and blood collection kit

Abstract

To ensure that test samples generated from patient-administered blood draws are stored reliably in an appropriate environment, and to provide technology that facilitates patients' own health management. [Solution] The blood collection management system 1 comprises an information processing device 200 located in association with a pharmacy 2 where blood collection is performed, and an information processing device 400 located in association with a hygiene testing laboratory 4 where testing is performed. The information processing device 200 transmits an identification code corresponding to the blood collection tube 38 to a database in association with a patient 10 using the blood collection tube 38. The information processing device 400 transmits the test results corresponding to the blood collection tube 38 to the database in association with the identification code.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a blood sampling management system, a test management method, and a blood sampling kit.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a service has been provided in which patients themselves perform blood sampling for blood tests at home, mail it to a test facility, and then the tests desired by the patients are performed at the test facility and the test results are fed back to the patients. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-15713 (Patent Document 1) describes a blood test kit for mailing a small amount of self-collected blood, which includes a diluent for diluting a blood sample, a separation means for recovering a plasma component, and a container for containing the plasma component.

[0003] International Publication No. 2019 / 188908 (Patent Document 2) describes a method for determining whether a subject using a specimen test kit is reliably performing a specimen acquisition operation in order to perform high-precision analysis of self-collected blood.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-90466 (Patent Document 3) describes a health examination system in which if a user purchases a test kit can at a vending machine, collects blood or the like, and mails the collected blood to a test center, the test results can be obtained using a network.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-157332 (Patent Document 4) describes a remote test method in which a patient's own specimen is mailed to a test facility and the patient can obtain the test results via the Internet.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0007] This invention constructs a system that allows patients to easily learn about their own health condition by drawing blood themselves, without having to visit a medical institution and receive a doctor's examination. Conventional methods, in which patients draw blood for blood tests at home and mail it to a testing facility, had the problem that there was no guarantee that the test samples generated by the blood draw would be stored in an appropriate environment during transport from home to the testing facility.

[0008] Proper storage of specimens leads to accurate test results, and sharing those results appropriately with patients enables them to manage their own health and well-being.

[0009] This invention was conceived in view of the circumstances described herein, and its purpose is to provide a technology that ensures that test samples generated by blood collection by patients are stored in an appropriate environment, and that facilitates patients' own health management. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A blood collection management system according to certain aspects of this disclosure comprises a first terminal located in association with a first facility where blood collection is performed, a second terminal located in association with a second facility where tests are performed, and a database for storing and transmitting test results. The first terminal transmits an identification code corresponding to the blood collection tube to the database, associated with the patient using the blood collection tube, and the second terminal transmits the test result corresponding to the blood collection tube to the database, associated with the identification code. The database transmits the test result to the patient's personal terminal, which is associated with the identification code corresponding to the blood collection tube.

[0011] A method for managing a blood collection test according to a certain aspect of this disclosure is a method for managing a blood collection test, comprising the steps of: a first terminal located in association with a first facility where blood collection is performed, transmitting an identification code corresponding to a blood collection tube to a database, associating it with a patient using the blood collection tube; a second terminal located in association with a second facility where the test is performed, transmitting a test result corresponding to a blood collection tube to a database, associating it with the identification code; and the database sending the test result to the patient corresponding to the identification code.

[0012] A blood collection kit according to a certain aspect of this disclosure is a blood collection kit used in a blood collection management system comprising a first terminal located in association with a first facility where blood collection is performed, and a second terminal located in association with a second facility where testing is performed, the kit comprising a recording medium that records an identification code for identifying a blood collection tube, which is used by the first terminal and the second terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] In accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure, a technology is provided that ensures that test samples generated by blood collection by patients are stored in an appropriate environment, and that accurate blood test results can be obtained, thereby facilitating patients to manage their own health. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a blood collection management system. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the blood collection kit 30. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the hardware configuration of the information processing device 200. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart for the process of scheduling a blood draw. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart of the procedures performed in relation to blood collection at Pharmacy 2. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart of the process for registering test results. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart of a process for managing overall information in the blood sampling management system 1. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart of a process for allowing patient 10 to confirm the progress of the examination in the blood sampling management system 1.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail while referring to the drawings. In the figures, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0016] [Blood Sampling Management System] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the blood sampling management system. As shown in FIG. 1, the blood sampling management system 1 includes a pharmacy 2, a sanitary inspection office 4, a transportation company 5, and a general facility 6. Among the lines connecting two elements in FIG. 1, solid lines represent communication of information, and broken lines represent movement of physical objects (patients or blood sampling instruments). In this example, the blood sampling management system further includes a reservation management company 3 for reserving a visit to the pharmacy 2 in advance.

[0017] In the blood collection management system 1, patient 10 goes to pharmacy 2 and performs blood collection by himself / herself at pharmacy 2. Patient 10 may receive an explanation from staff 20 at pharmacy 2 during blood collection. Pharmacy 2 is an example of a facility where patient 10 performs blood collection. As long as there is staff familiar with blood collection methods and the like, the facility where blood collection is performed may be a medical facility, convenience store or store. During blood collection, blood is collected into blood collection tube 38. Blood collection tube 38 is transported from pharmacy 2 to hygiene laboratory 4. At pharmacy 2, blood collection tube 38 containing the collected blood is preferably stored at a low temperature (for example, 2 to 10 °C). Also, at pharmacy 2, reagents necessary for inspection or blood storage may be added to blood collection tube 38 in advance / after blood collection. When reagents are mixed after blood collection in blood collection tube 38, for example, after standing for, for example, 10 minutes after mixing of the reagent and blood, centrifugation (for example, at 200 rpm for 10 minutes) is performed using a centrifuge and then stored at a low temperature as described above. At hygiene laboratory 4, inspection of the blood collected in blood collection tube 38 is performed. As staff 20, pharmacists, registered sellers, doctors, clinical laboratory technicians, dietitians, nurses, MRs (medical information staff) and / or sales employees of blood collection kit 30, etc. can be considered.

[0018] Pharmacy 2 is equipped with an information processing device 200 for managing information in pharmacy 2 and a code reader 210 for reading a recognition code corresponding to blood collection tube 38. The recognition code may be a character string, a barcode or a two-dimensional code as long as it can identify each blood collection tube 38. That the recognition code corresponds to blood collection tube 38 means, for example, that a recording medium (for example, a seal 37 described later with reference to FIG. 2) on which the recognition code is recorded is attached to blood collection tube 38 and / or that the recognition code is printed directly or indirectly on blood collection tube 38. Information processing device 200 is an example of a first terminal.

[0019] Patient 10 may make an appointment in advance for the date and time of blood collection at pharmacy 2. Patient 10 may use the information processing device 100 to make the appointment. The information processing device 100 is an example of a third terminal.

[0020] The reservation management company 3 has an information processing device 300 that provides a network reservation system such as AirReserve (https: / / airregi.jp / reserve / ). Patient 10 uses this reservation system to reserve a date and time for blood collection. The reservation management company 3 provides the reservation information to pharmacy 2. At pharmacy 2, the information processing device 200 manages the reservation information.

[0021] Pharmacy 2 may request transportation company 5 to transport the blood collection tubes 38 to the hygiene testing laboratory 4. Transportation company 5 may collect and transport the blood collection tubes 38 at the request of pharmacy 2. Transportation company 5 has an information processing device 500 for managing personnel and / or means of transport (e.g., vehicles) for the collection and transport of the blood collection tubes 38.

[0022] The hygiene testing laboratory 4 is equipped with an information processing device 400 for managing information within the hygiene testing laboratory 4, and a code reader 410 for reading the recognition code corresponding to the blood collection tube 38. When a blood test is performed on the blood collected in the blood collection tube 38 at the hygiene testing laboratory 4, the result is associated with the recognition code corresponding to the blood collection tube 38 and input into the information processing device 400. The information processing device 400 is an example of a second terminal.

[0023] The central facility 6 is equipped with an information processing device 600 that manages information within the central facility 6. The memory of the information processing device 600 stores a database related to blood collection.

[0024] The information processing device 400 of the hygiene inspection laboratory 4 may transmit an identification code and the inspection result associated with the identification code to the information processing device 600 of the central facility 6. The information processing device 600 stores the identification code and the inspection result in the database.

[0025] When the test results are registered in the database stored in the information processing device 600, a notification that the test is complete or the test results are sent to the contact person of patient 10 (who is registered in the database in advance) corresponding to the recognition code. In one example, patient 10 is notified of the recognition code corresponding to the blood collection tube 38 that patient 10 used for blood collection. Patient 10 may use this recognition code to search for their test results in the database.

[0026] [Blood collection kit] In one implementation example, the seal 37 is provided to the patient 10 as an essential component of the blood collection kit. That is, the patient 10 may obtain the blood collection kit, remove the seal 37 from the blood collection kit to be attached to the blood collection tube 38, and use it for blood collection.

[0027] Patient 10 may obtain a blood collection kit before going to pharmacy 2, or may be provided with a blood collection kit at pharmacy 2 (for example, by staff 20).

[0028] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of a blood collection kit 30. The blood collection kit 30 includes an attached document 31, a lancet 33, a blood collection device 32, a disinfectant wipe 34, a blood collection support tape 35, a bandage 36, a seal 37, and a blood collection tube 38. In the blood collection kit 30, the attached document 31, the lancet 33, the blood collection device 32, the disinfectant wipe 34, the blood collection support tape 35, the bandage 36, the seal 37, and the blood collection tube 38 may be housed in a case (for example, made of vinyl). A small knife may also be included in case blood collection is insufficient with the lancet. A container for mailing the collected blood may also be included.

[0029] In the blood collection kit 30, only one seal 37 is included in one kit, but the number of each of the other elements (attachment 31, lancet 33, blood collection device 32, disinfectant wipe 34, blood collection support tape 35, adhesive bandage 36, seal 37, and / or blood collection tube 38) may be one or more, and the number of all elements does not have to be the same. For example, the blood collection kit 30 may consist of a combination of one seal 37, one attachment 31, and two or more sets of other elements (lancet 33, blood collection device 32, disinfectant wipe 34, blood collection support tape 35, adhesive bandage 36, and blood collection tube 38).

[0030] The blood collection kit includes one seal 37 and one accompanying document 31, while other components (lancet 33, blood collection device 32, disinfectant wipe 34, blood collection support tape 35, adhesive bandage 36, or blood collection tube 38) may be procured separately from the kit.

[0031] The seal 37 has an identification code printed on it, either directly or indirectly, that identifies the blood collection tube 38 (from other blood collection tubes). When the seal 37 is affixed to the blood collection tube 38, the blood collection tube 38 is integrated with the information that identifies the blood collection tube 38. The identification code may be pre-printed on the blood collection tube 38, or the seal 37 may be pre-affixed to the blood collection tube 38, thus pre-integrating the identification code with the blood collection tube, or the contents of the seal 37 may be pre-printed directly on the blood collection tube 38, thus pre-integrating the identification code with the blood collection tube.

[0032] The identification code printed on the seal 37 may be a string of characters, a barcode, or a two-dimensional code, as long as it can identify the blood collection tube 38.

[0033] Lancet 33 is not limited to any needle used for puncture, but 21 gauge, 25 gauge, 28 gauge, or 30 gauge needles are acceptable. More preferably, 25 gauge or 21 gauge needles are preferred, and more preferably, 25G needles are preferred. For example, the Nipro LS Lancet 25G manufactured by Nipro Corporation is acceptable.

[0034] The blood collection device 32 is a device for collecting blood from a puncture site, such as a capillary or dropper. The blood collection device 32 may be capable of measuring the desired amount of blood simultaneously with aspiration. It may also be usable as a storage container or a storage and mailing container after blood collection. It may be a Minivette blood collection tube from Sarsstat.

[0035] The disinfectant sheet 34 can be any material used to disinfect the puncture site and is not particularly limited. For example, it may be a sticky note cloth, gauze, cotton, etc. of a predetermined size containing an appropriate amount of ethanol, isopropanol, hypochlorous acid, or iodine. For example, it may be NiproClean (70% isopropanol-containing sticky note cloth, 70mm x 35mm) manufactured by Nipro Corporation.

[0036] The blood collection support tape 35 is a tape with a predetermined shape of hole cut out, and is used to create a barrier around the blood collection site to prevent the squeezed blood from flowing out of the fingertip. It is positioned to surround the blood collection site, and the material of the blood collection support tape is a water-repellent material such as polyurethane nonwoven fabric, and adhesive is attached to one side so that it adheres to the skin. The hole cut out of the blood collection support tape has a diameter of 2 mm to 8 mm, and is particularly preferably 5 mm to 6 mm. The thickness of the blood collection support tape is 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, and is particularly preferably 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0037] The adhesive bandage 36 can be any bandage that covers and protects the puncture site after puncture. For example, it can be a nonwoven fabric tape with adhesive attached, such as Nipro Enpad manufactured by Nipro Corporation, with a layer of absorbent cotton nonwoven fabric smaller than the tape portion laminated on top, or, for example, an adhesive bandage manufactured by Ribatape Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

[0038] The blood collection tube 38 is not limited in type, as long as it is capable of containing the collected blood. For example, the blood collection tube 38 may be NeoVit® manufactured by Nipro Corporation. If the blood collection device 32 is composed of blood collection tubes, the blood collection tube 38 does not need to be included in the kit. In addition, the blood collection tube may already contain reagents necessary for blood testing (e.g., anticoagulants).

[0039] Attachment 31 may be included in the box that packages the blood collection kit 30, or it may be provided by scanning the QR code (registered trademark) printed on the box. Furthermore, Attachment 31 may be managed separately from the blood collection kit 30 and provided attached to the blood collection kit 30 at the blood collection facility when the blood collection kit 30 is sold.

[0040] The blood collection kit 30 may further include a stand for stably holding the blood collection device at a certain angle, antiseptic swabs, adhesive bandages, blood collection support tape, and / or a blood storage container.

[0041] In the blood collection kit 30, the shape of the blood collection device 32 is not limited to a bottomed cylindrical shape. The shape of the blood collection device 32 may be a plate shape as described in International Publication No. 2022 / 050350, or a strip shape (a strip-shaped sheet).

[0042] The components of the blood collection kit 30 do not necessarily need to be housed in a case. However, if the components are housed in a case and handed to the patient 10 at the pharmacy 2, contamination of components such as the lancet 33 and blood collection device 32 by the patient 10 opening the case in an unsanitary environment is reliably avoided, thereby increasing the reliability of the blood test results.

[0043] When the blood collection kit 30 is handed to the patient 10 at pharmacy 2, the seal 37 is affixed to the blood collection tube 38 at pharmacy 2. Alternatively, instead of the seal 37 being housed in a case as a component of the blood collection kit 30, the identification code may be directly or indirectly printed on the blood collection tube 38, or the seal 37 may be pre-affixed to the blood collection tube 38 before being included in the blood collection kit 30. In other words, the seal 37 and the blood collection tube 38 may be a single unit. Furthermore, the seal 37 may be issued on the spot at pharmacy 2.

[0044] In the blood collection kit 30, the lancet 33 (an example of a puncture device) is not an essential component and may be provided to the patient 10 separately from the blood collection kit 30, such as by purchase. However, by providing the lancet 33 to the patient 10 as part of the blood collection kit 30, along with the blood collection device 32, seal 37, and blood collection tube 38, storage of the lancet 33 becomes easier, and the lancet 33 can be reliably provided to the patient 10.

[0045] In the blood collection kit 30, the blood collection tube 38 is not an essential component and may be provided to the patient 10 separately from the blood collection kit 30, such as by purchase, and the seal 37 included in the blood collection kit 30 may be affixed to it. However, by providing the blood collection tube 38 to the patient 10 as part of the blood collection kit 30 along with the lancet 33, blood collection device 32, and seal 37, storage of the blood collection tube 38 becomes easier, and the blood collection tube 38 can be reliably provided to the patient 10.

[0046] [Information Processing Device] In the blood collection management system 1, each of the information processing devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 can be implemented as a general-purpose information processing device, such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet terminal, or smartphone, and their hardware configurations can be common. Below, the hardware configuration of information processing device 200 will be described as a representative example of these information processing devices.

[0047] Figure 3 shows the hardware configuration of the information processing device 200. The information processing device 200 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a display 202, a microphone 203, a speaker 204, a camera 205, an input device 206, a communication interface 207, and memory 208. The memory 208 includes a program area 2081 for storing various programs and a data area 2082 for storing various data. The CPU 201 executes various programs as an example of an electrical circuit configuration.

[0048] The input device 206 is, for example, a touch panel, a keyboard, and / or a mouse. The user inputs information to the information processing device 200 by operating the input device 206. The information processing device 200 may have an application program for speech recognition installed, and the user may input information corresponding to the speech by inputting speech into the microphone 203. The information processing device 200 may also have an application program for image recognition installed, and the user may input information corresponding to the image by having the camera 205 capture an image.

[0049] The display 202 displays the calculation results of the CPU 201. The calculation results of the CPU 201 may also be output as sound via the speaker 204.

[0050] [Process Flow] In the blood collection management system 1, blood is collected at pharmacy 2, the blood test results are registered at hygiene testing laboratory 4, the information is managed overall at the central facility 6, and the test results are notified to the patient 10. The following describes the processing flow performed by the information processing device at each stage. The appointment for blood collection at pharmacy 2 may be made over the network from a location other than pharmacy 2, or it may be made at pharmacy 2 immediately before blood collection.

[0051] <Reservation Stage> Figure 4 is a flowchart of the process for scheduling a blood collection appointment. In one implementation, the process in Figure 4 may be realized by the CPU of the information processing device 300 (corresponding to CPU 201 in Figure 3) executing a given program. In another implementation, the process in Figure 4 may be started when the information processing device 300 of the appointment management company 3 receives an appointment request via the appointment system. In another implementation, the information processing device 300 may receive an appointment request when the patient 10 uses the information processing device 100 to perform a given operation on the appointment system.

[0052] Referring to Figure 4, in step S100, the information processing device 300 generates a new patient ID for patient 10.

[0053] In step S102, the information processing device 300 obtains the patient name entered by patient 10 on the reservation system.

[0054] In step S104, the information processing device 300 obtains the reservation date and time entered by patient 10 on the reservation system. The information processing device 300 may also provide available reservation dates and times on the reservation system. Patient 10 may select a reservation date and time from the available dates and times and enter it on the reservation system.

[0055] In step S106, the information processing device 300 obtains the email address of patient 10, which was entered by patient 10 on the reservation system. The email address is an example of a recipient for notifications to the patient. The recipient may be other types of information, such as an account name on a social networking service. Patient 10 can cause the information processing device 100 to output notifications sent to patient 10's recipient. This allows patient 10 to confirm the recipient entered, and notifications directed to patient 10's recipient are sent to the information processing device 100.

[0056] In step S108, the information processing device 300 retrieves the test order (one or more test items to be performed) entered on the reservation system. Patient 10 can specify one or more test items that they wish to have performed on their blood as a test order.

[0057] Examples of test items are listed below, but are not limited to these. For example, red blood cell count, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht), white blood cell count, platelet count, total protein, albumin, blood glucose level, HbA1c, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), uric acid, AST (GOT), ALT (GPT), gamma-GT (γ-GTP), creatinine (Cr), eGFR, etc. Tumor markers, various antigen levels (e.g., HBs antigen), antibody levels (e.g., HCV antibody) may also be included as test items as needed. If the test order is predetermined for specific items, a group of test items can be selected. Also, if the test items are fixed in advance, step S108 may be omitted.

[0058] In step S110, the information processing device 300 transmits the patient ID generated in step S100 and the four types of information obtained in steps S102 to S108 (patient name, reservation date and time, email address, and examination order) to the managing facility 6 as reservation information. Alternatively, in step S110, the information processing device 300 may also notify the patient 10 of the patient ID on the reservation system.

[0059] In another example, the information processing device 300 in the above-mentioned <reservation stage> may be implemented as the information processing device 200 in the pharmacy 2.

[0060] <Blood collection stage> Figure 5 is a flowchart of the process performed in relation to blood collection at pharmacy 2. In one implementation, the process in Figure 5 may be realized by the CPU 201 of the information processing device 200 executing a given program. In another implementation, the process in Figure 5 may be started when the information processing device 200 of pharmacy 2 receives an operation from staff 20 to start the process. Staff 20 prompts patient 10 to start blood collection at pharmacy 2.

[0061] Referring to Figure 5, in step S200, the information processing device 200 obtains the patient ID. In one implementation example, patient 10 may tell staff 20 their patient ID. Staff 20 may input the patient ID provided by patient 10 into the information processing device 200, thereby obtaining the patient ID. Any information that identifies the patient, such as the patient's name, could be used instead of the patient ID.

[0062] In step S202, the information processing device 200 acquires the recognition code. In one implementation example, staff member 20 hands a blood collection kit 30 to patient 10 and inputs the recognition code written on the sticker 37 included in the blood collection kit 30 into the information processing device 200. Alternatively, staff member 20 may have a code reader 210 read the recognition code, and the code reader 210 may transmit the recognition code to the information processing device 200.

[0063] In step S204, the information processing device 200 can record the date on which the recognition code was obtained in step S202 as the blood collection acceptance date corresponding to the recognition code obtained in step S202. The date and time recognized by the information processing device 200 at the time the recognition code was obtained can be automatically registered in association with the recognition code, or it can be entered manually.

[0064] In step S206, the information processing device 200 acquires consent form data. In one implementation example, patient 10 creates a consent form by hand (or signs the consent form), and staff 20 inputs image data of the form (for example, data in PDF (Portable Document Format) format) into the information processing device 200, thereby acquiring the consent form data. In another implementation example, the information processing device 200 acquires the consent form data by having patient 10 sign a document containing the agreed-upon contents and generating an electronic file of the signed document. The electronic file may also be an image file generated by camera 205 taking a picture of the consent form.

[0065] In another embodiment, the information processing device 200 obtains whether a consent form has been obtained as input for a Yes or No selection in step S206. Instead of, or in addition to, obtaining the consent form data in step S206, the consent form may be stored on paper at the pharmacy 2 or the like.

[0066] The consent form for the test may include information about conditions that may affect the results of blood tests, such as the time when the patient last consumed food or drink other than water or tea, and whether or not they are taking anticoagulant medication.

[0067] In step S208, the information processing device 200 determines whether guidance has been requested. Guidance includes content to explain the blood collection procedure. In one implementation example, staff member 20 inputs information to the information processing device 200 indicating whether guidance is needed. When the information processing device 200 receives information indicating that guidance is needed, it determines that guidance has been requested. When the information processing device 200 receives information indicating that guidance is not needed, it determines that guidance has not been requested. If the information processing device 200 determines that guidance has been requested (YES in step S208), it proceeds to step S210; otherwise (NO in step S208), it proceeds to step S212.

[0068] Patient 10 may request guidance from staff 20 regarding blood collection. Staff 20 may input information requesting guidance into the information processing device 200 in response to the request from patient 10, or if staff 20 deems it necessary.

[0069] In step S210, the information processing device 200 outputs guidance for blood collection. One example of guidance output is the playback of guidance content. Another example is the display of a guidance web page. The guidance content and web page may be stored in the memory 208 of the information processing device 200, or in a storage device other than the information processing device 200 that is accessible by the CPU 201.

[0070] Patient 10 performs blood collection while referring to the guidance displayed when blood collection guidance is issued. During blood collection, blood is collected in the blood collection device 32. Patient 10 transfers the blood from the blood collection device 32 to the blood collection tube 38 and submits the blood collection tube 38 to staff 20. Staff 20 confirms that the blood collection has been completed without any problems and stores the blood collection tube 38 in a predetermined manner.

[0071] In step S212, after confirming the completion of blood collection, the information processing device 200 transmits the patient ID obtained in step S200, the recognition code obtained in step S202, the blood collection acceptance date identified in step S204, and the consent form data obtained in step S206 to the management facility 6 as blood collection information. In one implementation example, the information processing device 200 recognizes the completion of blood collection when staff member 20 inputs an indication of completion of blood collection to the information processing device 200.

[0072] In step S212, the information processing device 200 waits for instructions for a transport request from staff 20. When staff 20 inputs instructions for transporting the blood collection tubes 38 to the transport company 5, the information processing device 200 sends the transport request to the transport company 5 in step S214. The transport company 5 may mail the blood collection tubes 38 to the hygiene testing laboratory 4. In another embodiment, the mailing request may be made through a separate delivery system, or a pickup request may be made by telephone to the transport company, in which case S214 may be omitted.

[0073] Furthermore, at the pharmacy 2, before the blood collection tubes 38 are transported to the hygiene testing laboratory 4 by the transport company 5, it is preferable that the reagents and blood in the blood collection tubes 38 are mixed, left to stand for, for example, 30 minutes, then centrifuged in a centrifuge (for example, at 200 rpm for 10 minutes), and then stored at a low temperature (for example, 2 to 10°C).

[0074] In one embodiment, at pharmacy 2, staff 2 can use information processing device 200 to register the association between the blood collection tube 38 and the unit mailed by the transport company 5 (for example, a box with a barcode printed on it that identifies the box). Whether or not the blood collection tube 38 has been removed from pharmacy 2 can be determined by the recognition code corresponding to the barcode registered by the transport company 5.

[0075] In one implementation example, when transporting the blood collection tubes 38 from the pharmacy 2, the worker of the transport company 5 may, for example, use a barcode reader to obtain the recognition code of the blood collection tubes 38 and transmit the obtained recognition code to the information processing device 200. The information processing device 200 may determine that the blood collection tubes 38 associated with the recognition code have been transported from the pharmacy 2, upon receiving the recognition code from the barcode reader of the worker of the transport company 5.

[0076] In step S216, the information processing device 200 transmits to the management facility 6 the date on which it determined that the blood collection tube 38 was removed from the pharmacy 2, as the removal date. The removal date is transmitted in association with the recognition code obtained in step S202. The removal date and other information may be entered manually by the staff 20 or the patient 10.

[0077] In summary, the patient ID of a particular patient and the recognition code corresponding to the blood collection tube 38 used by that patient are associated and transmitted to the supervising facility 6. As will be described later with reference to Figure 7, the supervising facility 6 registers the blood collection information, including the patient ID and recognition code, in its database. Therefore, the transmission of the recognition code to the supervising facility 6 in association with the patient ID is equivalent to the transmission of the recognition code to the database in association with the patient ID.

[0078] <Registration of test results> Figure 6 is a flowchart of the process for registering inspection results. In one implementation example, the process in Figure 6 may be initiated when an employee in the hygiene inspection laboratory 4 performs an operation to start the process for registering inspection results in the information processing device 400 of the hygiene inspection laboratory 4. In another implementation example, the process in Figure 6 may be realized by the CPU of the information processing device 400 (corresponding to CPU 201 in Figure 3) executing a given program.

[0079] Referring to Figure 6, in step S300, the information processing device 400 acquires the recognition code of the blood collection tube 38 removed from the pharmacy 2. In one implementation example, a worker at the hygiene testing laboratory 4 inputs the recognition code of the blood collection tube 38 removed from the pharmacy 2 into the information processing device 400. Alternatively, the worker may have the code reader 410 read the recognition code, and the code reader 410 may transmit the recognition code to the information processing device 400.

[0080] In one embodiment, a worker at the hygiene testing laboratory 4 may receive a box containing blood collection tubes 38 from a transportation company and read the barcode on the box to retrieve the recognition code corresponding to the received box from the database.

[0081] In step S302, the information processing device 400 identifies the date on which the recognition code was acquired in step S300 as the inspection acceptance date and transmits the said inspection acceptance date to the management facility 6. The inspection acceptance date is transmitted in association with the recognition code acquired in step S300.

[0082] In step S304, the information processing device 400 requests the central facility 6 to send an inspection order associated with the recognition code acquired in step S300. The request for the inspection order is sent to the central facility 6, associated with the recognition code acquired in step S300. The information processing device 600 of the central facility 6 sends the inspection order associated with the recognition code to the information processing device 400 in response to the request from the information processing device 400. If the inspection order is a fixed one, steps S304 and steps S306 and S308 described later may be omitted.

[0083] In step S306, the information processing device 400 obtains the inspection order associated with the above recognition code by receiving it from the information processing device 600.

[0084] In step S308, the information processing device 400 outputs the inspection order acquired in step S306. The output of the inspection order may be printed on paper, displayed on a screen, or output as a corresponding voice message. This allows the workers at the hygiene testing laboratory 4 to confirm the inspection items to be performed on the blood collection tube 38 from which the recognition code was acquired in step S300.

[0085] In step S310, the information processing device 400 obtains the test results for the blood collection tube 38 corresponding to the recognition code acquired in step S300. At the hygiene testing laboratory 4, the worker performs tests on the blood collected in the blood collection tube 38 for items identified as test orders associated with the recognition code. The worker then inputs the results of these tests into the information processing device 400. The information processing device 400 obtains the above test results based on the worker's input.

[0086] In step S312, the information processing device 400 may identify the date on which the inspection results were obtained in step S310 as the inspection date, corresponding to the recognition code obtained in step S300, and register it in the database, or it may be manually entered by an employee at the hygiene inspection laboratory 4.

[0087] In step S314, the information processing device 400 transmits the recognition code obtained in step S300, the inspection results obtained in step S310, and the inspection date identified in step S312 to the central facility 6 as inspection information.

[0088] In the process described above with reference to Figure 6, the identification code corresponding to the blood collection tube 38 used by a patient for blood collection and the test results of the blood collected in that blood collection tube 38 are associated as test information and transmitted to the central facility 6. As will be described later with reference to Figure 7, the central facility 6 registers the test information, including the identification code and the test results, in its database. Thus, the transmission of the test results associated with the identification code to the central facility 6 is equivalent to the transmission of the test results associated with the identification code to the database.

[0089] When the test results are sent to the database, they are, for example, sent to an information processing device 100 owned by patient 20 corresponding to the recognition code.

[0090] <Overall Information Management> Figure 7 is a flowchart of the process for managing overall information in the blood collection management system 1. In one implementation, the process in Figure 7 may be initiated when an application program for managing the blood collection management system 1 is launched in the information processing device 600 of the central facility 6. In another implementation, the process in Figure 7 may be realized by the CPU of the information processing device 600 (corresponding to CPU 201 in Figure 3) executing a given program.

[0091] First, referring to Figure 7, in step S400, the information processing device 600 determines whether or not it has received reservation information (step S110 in Figure 4) from the information processing device 300 of the reservation management company 3. If the information processing device 600 determines that it has received the reservation information (YES in step S400), it proceeds to step S402; otherwise (NO in step S400), it proceeds to step S404.

[0092] In step S402, the information processing device 600 registers the reservation information received in step S400 into the database.

[0093] In step S404, the information processing device 600 determines whether or not it has received blood collection information (step S212 in Figure 5) from the information processing device 200 of pharmacy 2. If the information processing device 600 determines that it has received the blood collection information (YES in step S404), it proceeds to step S406; otherwise (NO in step S404), it proceeds to step S408.

[0094] In step S406, the information processing device 600 registers the blood collection information received in step S404 into the database.

[0095] In step S408, the information processing device 600 determines whether or not it has received the date of removal from the information processing device 200 of pharmacy 2 (step S216 in Figure 5). If the information processing device 600 determines that it has received the date of removal (YES in step S408), it proceeds to step S410; otherwise (NO in step S408), it proceeds to step S412.

[0096] In step S410, the information processing device 600 registers the delivery date received in step S408 into the database.

[0097] In step S412, the information processing device 600 determines whether or not it has received the inspection acceptance date (step S302 in Figure 6) from the information processing device 400 of the hygiene inspection laboratory 4. If the information processing device 600 determines that it has received the inspection acceptance date (YES in step S412), it proceeds to step S414; otherwise (NO in step S412), it proceeds to step S416.

[0098] In step S414, the information processing device 600 registers the inspection acceptance date received in step S412 into the database.

[0099] In step S416, the information processing device 600 determines whether or not it has received the inspection order request transmitted from the information processing device 400 of the hygiene inspection laboratory 4 in step S304. If the information processing device 600 determines that it has received the inspection order request (YES in step S416), it proceeds to step S418; otherwise (NO in step S416), it proceeds to step S420.

[0100] In step S418, the information processing device 600 transmits an inspection order to the information processing device 400. The transmitted inspection order is associated in the database with the instrument ID to which the request determined to have been received in step S416 is linked. Note that if the content of the inspection order is fixed, steps S416 and S418 may be omitted.

[0101] In step S420, the information processing device 600 determines whether or not it has received inspection information (step S314 in Figure 6) from the information processing device 400 of the hygiene inspection laboratory 4. If the information processing device 600 determines that it has received the inspection information (YES in step S420), it proceeds to step S422; otherwise (NO in step S420), it proceeds to step S426.

[0102] In step S422, the information processing device 600 registers the inspection information received in step S420 into the database.

[0103] Steps S400 to S422 register the following 11 types of information, each containing the recognition code, in the database.

[0104] ·Patient ID ·Patient name • Reservation date and time ·email address • Inspection order • Recognition code • Blood collection acceptance date • Removal date • Inspection acceptance date • Test results • Date of inspection If necessary, consent form data may be registered.

[0105] More specifically, the 11 types of information do not have values ​​before they are registered. Steps S400 to S422 register the above values ​​in the database.

[0106] The "recognition code," "blood collection acceptance date," and "consent form data" values ​​included in the blood collection information are associated with the "patient ID" included in that blood collection information and registered in the database.

[0107] The value of "Delivery Date" may be registered in the database in association with the "Recognition Code" transmitted from the information processing device 200 in connection with that delivery date.

[0108] The value of "Inspection Acceptance Date" is registered in the database in association with the "Recognition Code" transmitted from the information processing device 400 in connection with that inspection acceptance date.

[0109] The "test result" and "test date" values ​​included in the test information are associated with the "recognition code" included in the test information and registered in the database.

[0110] In step S424, the information processing device 600 notifies the patient 10 of the test results included in the test information registered in step S422. This notification may be achieved by sending the test results to the patient 10's address, or by uploading them to a given website associated with an identification code or patient ID. If the test results are uploaded to a given website, a password may be required to view the test results. The information processing device 600 may notify the patient 10 of the password. The patient 10 can access the website using the information processing device 100 and enter the password to display the patient 10's test results on the information processing device 100.

[0111] In step S426, the information processing device 600 determines, with reference to Figure 8, whether or not it has received a request for date information from the information processing device 100, as described later. If the information processing device 600 determines that it has received a request for date information (YES in step S426), it proceeds to step S428; otherwise (NO in step S426), it returns control to step S400 (Figure 7). The date information may be automatically registered from the date information of the information terminal at the time of the staff operation.

[0112] In step S428, the information processing device 600 sends the date information associated in the database with the patient information to which the date information request is associated to the information processing device 400. The patient information includes, for example, the patient name and / or patient ID. The date information includes the blood collection acceptance date, the delivery date, the test acceptance date, and the test execution date. For date information associated with the patient information in the database for which no value is registered, information indicating that there is no value is sent. For example, if the values ​​for the blood collection acceptance date, delivery date, and test acceptance date are registered, but the value for the test execution date is not registered, the date information sent will include the respective values ​​for the blood collection acceptance date, delivery date, and test acceptance date, as well as information indicating that the value for the test execution date is not registered. The information processing device 600 then returns control to step S400 (Figure 7).

[0113] According to the processing of the blood collection management system 1 described above, the recognition code of the patient's blood collection device 32 is transmitted to the central facility 6 by the information processing device 100 of the pharmacy 2, associated with the patient ID, etc., and is also used by the information processing device 100 of the hygiene testing laboratory 4 to obtain test orders and to transmit test information. In other words, a common piece of information, the recognition code, is used by both the pharmacy 2 and the hygiene testing laboratory 4. This allows patient 10 to have blood collected at the pharmacy 2 for testing at the hygiene testing laboratory 4. After the blood is collected at the pharmacy 2, the transport of the blood collection tube 38 is managed using the recognition code corresponding to the blood collection tube 38. Therefore, the blood collection management system 1 can realize a system that ensures that the samples for testing generated by blood collection by patients are stored in an appropriate environment.

[0114] Furthermore, it becomes possible to reliably contact and / or send the test results to the patient themselves, corresponding to the identification code.

[0115] Furthermore, with the blood collection management system 1, since test results are managed as electronic information within the system, it becomes possible for patients to link and integrate them with other healthcare data themselves, compared to when patients previously received test results on paper. In addition, since patients can send their own blood to the hygiene testing laboratory 4 without going through a doctor, even if they are not feeling unwell, it is expected that health management will become easier for patients, leading to the early detection of diseases and the prevention of serious illnesses.

[0116] <Checking the progress of the inspection> The processing flow for each stage of blood testing in the blood collection management system 1 has been explained above with reference to Figures 4 to 7. The blood collection management system 1 may also be configured to allow patient 10 to monitor the progress of the tests.

[0117] Figure 8 is a flowchart of the process for allowing patient 10 to check the progress of the test in the blood collection management system 1. In one implementation example, the process in Figure 8 may be initiated when an operation for checking the progress is performed on the information processing device 100 used by patient 10. In another implementation example, the process in Figure 8 may be implemented by the CPU of the information processing device 100 (corresponding to CPU 201 in Figure 3) executing a given program.

[0118] Referring to Figure 8, in step S500, the information processing device 100 requests date information from the management facility 6. This request is transmitted along with patient information (information that can identify patient 10). The patient information may be the patient's name or patient ID, as long as it can identify the patient.

[0119] In step S502, the information processing device 100 identifies the status of the examination based on the patient ID and date information (step S428) transmitted from the management facility 6. Requesting date information in step S500 and obtaining the date information transmitted in response to that request constitutes an example of referring to a database.

[0120] In one example, the situation is "before blood collection," "awaiting transport," "in transport," "awaiting testing," or "testing completed." "Before blood collection" indicates that blood collection has not yet been performed. "Awaiting transport" indicates that the blood collection tube 38 remains at pharmacy 2 after blood collection has been completed. "In transport" indicates that the blood collection tube 38 is in transit from pharmacy 2 to hygiene testing laboratory 4 after blood collection has been completed. "Awaiting testing" indicates that the blood collection tube 38 has been transported to hygiene testing laboratory 4, but the blood in the blood collection tube 38 has not yet been tested at hygiene testing laboratory 4. "Testing completed" indicates that the blood in the blood collection tube 38 has been tested at hygiene testing laboratory 4.

[0121] In one implementation example, if the date information indicates that none of the values ​​for the blood collection acceptance date, the delivery date, the test acceptance date, and the test execution date have been registered, the information processing device 100 identifies "before blood collection" as the status of the test.

[0122] If the date information indicates that the value for the blood collection acceptance date is registered, but the values ​​for the dispatch date, test acceptance date, and test execution date are not registered, the information processing device 100 identifies the test status as "awaiting transport".

[0123] If the date information indicates that the values ​​for the blood collection acceptance date and the transport date are registered, but the values ​​for the test acceptance date and the test execution date are not registered, the information processing device 100 identifies "in transit" as the status of the test.

[0124] If the date information indicates that the values ​​for the blood collection acceptance date, the dispatch date, and the test acceptance date are registered, but the value for the test execution date is not registered, the information processing device 100 identifies the test status as "awaiting test".

[0125] If the date information indicates that all values ​​for the blood collection acceptance date, the shipment date, the test acceptance date, and the test execution date have been registered, the information processing device 100 identifies "Test Completed" as the status of the test.

[0126] In step S504, the information processing device 100 outputs the status of the inspection identified in step S502. The output may be displayed on a screen or output as sound via a speaker. In step S504, the information processing device 100 may also output the date information transmitted from the central facility 6.

[0127] In this system, the time on the information terminal may be used as date information, and the timing (date and time) of each operation related to the recognition code may be recorded in conjunction with the operation record. In particular, the timing of registration of the recognition code at pharmacy 2, the timing of when the blood collection tube 38 is removed from pharmacy 2, the timing of when the blood collection tube 38 is delivered to the hygiene testing laboratory 4, the timing of acceptance of the test at the hygiene testing laboratory, the timing of when the test is performed, and the timing of registration of the test results may be recorded.

[0128] [Modified form (1)] The configuration of the blood collection management system 1 is not limited to that shown in Figure 1.

[0129] For example, the information processing device 600 of the central facility 6 may also be used in conjunction with the information processing device 200 of the pharmacy 2 or the information processing device 400 of the hygiene inspection laboratory 4. In other words, the database managed by the information processing device 400 may be managed by either the information processing device 200 or the information processing device 400. That is, data may be registered in the database by the CPU of the information processing device 200 or the CPU of the information processing device 400.

[0130] Furthermore, the information processing device 300 of the reservation management company 3 may also be used in conjunction with the information processing device 200 of the pharmacy 2 or the information processing device 400 of the hygiene testing laboratory 4. In other words, blood sampling reservations may be managed by the information processing device 200 or the information processing device 400.

[0131] [Modified form (2)] In the blood collection management system 1, some of the processing in each device may be performed by other devices.

[0132] As explained with reference to step S202 in Figure 5, the information processing device 200 of pharmacy 2 obtains an identification code. Here, the information processing device 200 may obtain an identification code from the information processing device 100 of patient 10.

[0133] For example, at pharmacy 2, patient 10 may input a recognition code corresponding to the blood collection tube 38 that patient 10 will use for blood collection into the information processing device 100, and have the information processing device 100 transmit the recognition code to the information processing device 200. Input of the recognition code into the information processing device 100 may be achieved by taking a picture of the seal 37 with the camera of the information processing device 100 (equivalent to camera 205 in Figure 3). In this case, the information processing device 100 obtains the recognition code by converting the image of the seal 37 into a recognition code.

[0134] Furthermore, as explained with reference to step S108 in Figure 4, the test order is entered by patient 10 on the reservation system. Alternatively, the test order may be entered at pharmacy 2.

[0135] In this case, the information processing device 200 acquires the examination order. In one implementation example, the staff 20 identifies the examination order based on the required examination items communicated by the patient 10 and inputs the identified examination order into the information processing device 200. At this time, the staff 20 may advise the patient 10 on determining the required examination items. The examination items may be selected as a pattern of one or more predetermined examination items, or the patient 10 may not select any examination items and only certain predetermined examination items may be measured.

[0136] If the patient 10 has a pattern of one or more predetermined test items, the blood collection information sent to the supervising facility 6 in step S212 includes the test order selected by the pattern.

[0137] If patient 10 does not select any test items and only certain test items are measured, the control in step S108 is omitted in the process shown in Figure 4, and the reservation information sent to the central facility 6 in step S110 does not include the test order.

[0138] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. Furthermore, each technology in the embodiments is intended to be practiced individually or, as far as possible, in combination with other technologies in the embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0139] 1. Blood collection management system, 2. Pharmacy, 3. Appointment management company, 4. Hygiene testing laboratory, 5. Transportation company, 6. Coordinating facility, 10. Patient, 20. Staff, 30. Blood collection kit, 31. Attached documents, 32. Blood collection equipment, 33. Lancet, 34. Disinfectant wipe, 35. Blood collection support tape, 36. Adhesive bandage, 37. Seal, 38. Blood collection tube, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600. Information processing equipment, 210, 410. Code reader.

Claims

1. The first terminal is located in association with the first facility where blood collection is performed, It comprises a second terminal located in association with the second facility where the inspection is conducted, The first terminal is, Associating the blood collection tube with the patient using the blood collection tube, the recognition code corresponding to the blood collection tube is sent to the database. The aforementioned second terminal is, A blood collection management system that transmits the test results corresponding to the blood collection tube to the database in association with the aforementioned recognition code.

2. A first code reader is positioned in association with the first facility, The system further comprises a second code reader arranged in association with the second facility, The first terminal acquires the recognition code via the first code reader, The blood collection management system according to claim 1, wherein the second terminal acquires the recognition code via the second code reader.

3. The first terminal is, Obtain a test order corresponding to the aforementioned blood collection tube, The inspection order is sent to the database. The blood collection management system according to claim 1, wherein the second terminal outputs the test order by referring to the database.

4. The device further comprises a third terminal associated with the aforementioned patient, The test results from the second facility are stored in the database. The blood collection management system according to claim 1, wherein the database notifies the third terminal of the test results.

5. A method for managing blood sampling tests, The first terminal, which is located in association with the first facility where blood collection is performed, transmits an identification code corresponding to the blood collection tube to the database, associating it with the patient using the blood collection tube. A test management method comprising the step of a second terminal, which is located in association with a second facility where the test is performed, transmitting the test result corresponding to the blood collection tube to the database in association with the recognition code.

6. The first terminal obtains the recognition code via a first code reader that is arranged in association with the first facility, The inspection management method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of the second terminal acquiring the recognition code via a second code reader arranged in association with the second facility.

7. The first terminal obtains a test order corresponding to the blood collection tube, The first terminal transmits the inspection order to the database, The inspection management method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of the second terminal outputting the inspection order by referring to the database.

8. The test management method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of notifying the patient in response to the test results being stored in the database.

9. The inspection management method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of outputting a request to a transportation company for the transportation of the blood collection tube, for which the recognition code has been transmitted to the database, from the first facility to the second facility.

10. The inspection management method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of the first terminal outputting guidance for blood collection.

11. The inspection management method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of outputting the inspection results of the database to a third terminal that has been previously associated with an identification code.

12. The first terminal transmits to the database the timing at which the blood collection tube was transported from the first facility to the second facility, The second terminal transmits to the database the timing at which the second facility accepted the blood collection tube, The second terminal transmits to the database the timing at which the test corresponding to the blood collection tube was performed, The third terminal associated with the patient obtains the status of the blood test in the blood collection tube by referring to the database, The inspection management method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of the third terminal outputting the situation.

13. A blood collection kit used in a blood collection management system comprising a first terminal located in association with a first facility where blood collection is performed, and a second terminal located in association with a second facility where testing is performed, blood collection tube and A blood collection kit comprising a recording medium that identifies the blood collection tube and stores an identification code, which is used by the first terminal and the second terminal.

14. The blood collection kit according to claim 13, wherein the recognition code is a two-dimensional code.

15. The blood collection kit according to claim 13, wherein the recognition code is integrally configured with the blood collection tube.

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