Identifying and processing pre-analytical samples in disposable holders

Abstract

A method for identifying disposable holders intended for human samples obtained during pre-analytical sample collection, wherein the method comprises: providing the disposable holders, wherein the holders are of more than one type, wherein holders of a same type are configured to hold a same type of sample; assigning a unique identifier to each holder, wherein the identifier is unique, and wherein the identifier includes a portion that is identical for all identifiers assigned to holders of a same type; encoding the unique identifiers to unique machine-readable codes for read-out of the identifiers; and, at least for a subset of the holders, providing the holders with labels with the corresponding machine-readable codes; such that each collected pre-analytical sample is uniquely identifiable based on the identifier of the holder and such that collected pre-analytical samples can be grouped based on the identical portion of the identifier of the corresponding holders.

Description

[0001] IDENTIFYING AND PROCESSING PRE-ANALYTICAL SAMPLES IN DISPOSABLE HOLDERS

[0002] Technical Field

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to holders for holding pre- analytical samples, more specifically to identifying such holders and corresponding samples and processing sample collection data obtained during pre-analytical sample collection.

[0004]

[0002] Pre-analytical sample collection is carried out in the medical sector, for example in a hospital or a general medical practice. During such sample collection, a specimen or sample is taken from a patient, for example a blood sample or a urine sample. This is performed using appropriate laboratory equipment, for example a swab to collect saliva from the mouth. After sample collection, the sample collection item including the sample is sent to a laboratory to undergo one or more tests for the purpose of medical diagnostics.

[0005]

[0003] During sample collection, certain information needs to be linked to the sample in order to identify it, for example to link laboratory results to the sample collection afterwards. For this purpose, a label is provided to the item during or after the sample collection. An authorised person, for example a doctor or nurse, can, for example, stick a blank tag on the sampling item and write the necessary information on it. As another example, the authorised person can generate a tag using a label printer. Such information may comprise, for example, the identity of the patient, the date of sample collection, the type of sample et cetera.

[0006]

[0004] This process of sample identification can be error-prone due to manually providing the information for the tags. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a method to make sample identification and processing of sample collection data less error-prone. Summary

[0007]

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the above-identified objective is achieved by a method for identifying disposable holders intended for holding human samples obtained during pre-analytical sample collection for the purpose of medical diagnostics. The method comprises the following steps: providing the disposable holders, wherein the holders are of more than one type, wherein holders of a same type are configured to hold a same type of sample; assigning a unique identifier to each holder, wherein the identifier is unique across all holders, and wherein the identifier comprises a portion that is identical for all identifiers assigned to holders of a same type; encoding the unique identifiers to unique machine-readable codes for read-out of the identifiers; and, at least for a subset of the holders, providing the holders with labels with the corresponding machine-readable codes; such that each collected pre-analytical sample is uniquely identifiable based on the identifier of the holder and such that collected pre-analytical samples can be grouped based on the identical portion of the identifier of the corresponding holders.

[0008]

[0006] The disposable holders are intended as a tool for taking and storing samples. A holder may also be referred to as 'sample collection item, 'pre- analytical laboratory material', 'item', 'means', 'tool', 'container', 'carrier', 'instrument' or 'preservation item'. Examples of such holders comprise, among others: sleeves, e.g. tubes, trays, e.g. receptacles, and swabs. The holders are disposable in the sense that they are intended for single use. Samples held by such holders may, for example, comprise: tissue, urine, faeces, sputum, puncture fluid, earwax, tear fluid, nasal fluid, a hair, a piece of a nail.

[0009]

[0007] In the context of this disclosure, pre-analytical sample collection refers to the collection of human samples for the purpose of medical diagnostics. The samples are, in a later step, after the sample collection, examined and / or tested in a laboratory for the purpose of pathology or diagnosis.

[0008] The method comprises providing or bringing together disposable holders of different types, i.e. varieties. Different types may comprise, for example: tubes for storing blood samples, trays for storing urine samples and swabs for storing saliva samples.

[0010]

[0009] The identifier may comprise a series of letters and / or numbers. The identifier may additionally, or alternatively, comprise other characters. A machine-readable code may be a code readable by a scanner device.

[0011]

[0010] A label is a physical mark applied to a disposable holder. A label may comprise ink. For example, a label may be a sticker or tag. Alternatively, a label may be printed directly on or into a wall of the disposable holder. Labels may also occur in other forms.

[0012]

[0011] By labelling the holders prior to the sample collection, labelling can be carried out in a centralised manner. This reduces the risk of errors. Furthermore, by labelling all holders together, labelling can be done in an automated manner, thereby circumventing the intervention of medical staff and thereby introduced duplicates. Because all holders of different types are brought together first, it is possible to choose identifiers that are unique across all holders of all types. This allows to ensure that each sample is individually identifiable by its corresponding holder. Each sample can be uniquely recognised by the holder holding it. The unique identification guaranteed by the method can provide a reduction of errors. Moreover, by providing a portion of the identifier common to holders of the same type, the type of each holder can be easily identified. This also further allows efficient grouping of holders according to type.

[0013]

[0012] According to further embodiments, the identifier further comprises a second portion that is identical for all identifiers assigned to holders produced by a same manufacturer.

[0014]

[0013] By adding the second portion to the identifier, holders can be grouped based on other relevant parameters, besides the type of holder. This makes holders identifiable based on manufacturer. This allows, for example, in case of a defect, to check all holders originating from the related manufacturer to avoid using other defective holders.

[0015]

[0014] According to further embodiments, the identifier further comprises a third portion that is identical for all identifiers assigned to holders produced during a same time period.

[0016]

[0015] The time period may, for example, comprise a year. By providing the third portion in the identifier, holders can be easily classified by age. This can help prevent the misuse of holders that are no longer suitable for use due to age.

[0017]

[0016] According to further embodiments, the machine-readable codes comprise at least one of the following: a barcode, a QR code, a GS1 code, a GS1 data matrix and an RFID tag.

[0018]

[0017] Any machine-readable code is suitable for the method. The use of a barcode makes the method easily implementable. QR codes are also easily implementable. A GS1 code is a code according to a standard of the international organisation Global Standards 1. For example, an EAN, European Article Number, barcode is a GS1 code. A GS1 data matrix, or GS1 DataMatrix, is also a type of GS1 code and offers the advantage that a larger amount of data can be stored in a single code. For example, information concerning the first, second and third identifier can be advantageously encoded into a GS1 data matrix. The GS1 data matrix allows storing additional information as an addition to the identifier.

[0019]

[0018] According to further embodiments, the holders comprise at least a type of holder configured to hold blood as the type of sample.

[0020]

[0019] According to further embodiments, the holders comprise at least a type of holder configured to hold one of the following types of sample: tissue, urine, faeces, sputum, and puncture fluid.

[0021]

[0020] According to further embodiments, the holders comprise at least a type of holder having one of the following embodiments: tubes, trays and swabs.

[0021] For example, a sleeve can be a tube. A tray can be, for example, a receptacle. A swab is a rod with a textured end configured to collect a sample, for example, from the mouth, the ear or the nose. For example, a cotton swab is an example of a swab, where the textured end is a fabric end. Another example of a swab is a stick with a plastic end with small protruding parts that constitute the textured end.

[0022]

[0022] According to further embodiments, the holders of the same type have a same size.

[0023]

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

[0024]

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

[0025]

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

[0026]

[0026] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a computer- implementable method for processing sample collection data obtained during a pre-analytical sample collection is provided. The method comprises: obtaining an identifier from a holder according to the second aspect; obtaining the sample collection data associated with a sample in the holder; and relating the sample collection data to the identifier in a database.

[0027]

[0027] For example, in a doctor's office, a labelled disposable holder according to the second aspect can be used to collect a sample from a patient. Obtaining the identifier of the holder may be performed, for example, by means of a scanner. For example, in case the label of the holder includes a machine- readable code that is a barcode, this can be performed by means of a barcode scanner. Sample collection data may comprise, for example: the identity of the patient, the date of sample collection, the location of sample collection and other information. Linking the sample collection data to the identifier in the database is done based on the machine-readable code on the scanned label.

[0028]

[0028] According to further embodiments, the method further comprises: obtaining lab order information that defines one or more tests that are to be performed on the sample in the holder; and relating the lab order information to the identifier in the database.

[0029]

[0029] For the purpose of making a medical diagnosis, a doctor may specify one or more relevant tests for a given sample collection that should be performed on the sample in question, for example in a laboratory. This lab order information, test information, or test list intended for a person who will perform the tests, can be stored in the database, similar to the sample collection data. Here, the lab order information is linked to the same identifier as the sample collection data.

[0030]

[0030] Any other relevant information related to the sample and / or the sample collection can also be related to the identifier, e.g. doctor's notes.

[0031]

[0031] According to further embodiments, the method further comprises: obtaining the identifier of the holder; retrieving and displaying the lab order information related to the identifier from the database; obtaining test results from the one or more tests; and relating the test results to the identifier in the database.

[0032]

[0032] For example, a sample in a labelled disposable holder can be examined according to the second aspect in a medical laboratory. To this end, a user can obtain the identifier of the holder by examining the label of the holder, for example using a scanner. This allows the user to obtain the lab order information to determine which tests to perform on the sample. After performing the one or more tests, a user can again relate the test results found by means of the tests to the identifier in the database.

[0033] Thus, the database can store, for each sample, via the identifier of its corresponding holder: sample collection data, lab order information, test results, and / or other relevant data.

[0033]

[0034] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server / processor configured to perform a method according to the third aspect.

[0034]

[0035] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer programme product including instructions executable on a computer to carry out a method according to the third aspect when said programme is executed on a computer.

[0035]

[0036] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium including the computer programme product according to the fifth aspect.

[0036] Brief Description of the Figures

[0037]

[0037] Fig. 1 illustrates a method for identifying disposable holders according to example embodiments;

[0038]

[0038] Fig. 2 illustrates a method for identifying disposable holders according to example embodiments:

[0039]

[0039] Fig. 3 illustrates a method for processing sample collection data, according to example embodiments;

[0040]

[0040] Fig. 4 illustrates a method for processing sample collection data, according to example embodiments; and

[0041]

[0041] Fig. 5 shows a computer system configured to execute one or more steps of a method according to example embodiments.

[0042] Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0042] Pre-analytical sample collection is a part of medical diagnostics and is typically performed, for example, in a hospital or general medical practice. During sample collection, a sample, also called specimen, is taken from a patient, for example a saliva sample by means of a disposable laboratory tool. The sample needs to be examined to make a diagnosis based on the test results afterwards. After the pre-analytical sample collection, the lab material with the sample is taken to a laboratory or medical research centre where the sample can be tested.

[0043]

[0043] Figure 1 illustrates a distribution system 100 of disposable holders and a method 110 for identifying disposable holders according to example embodiments. For example, the method 110 may be implemented by a distributor of lab material. Alternatively, the method may be partially or entirely carried out by a lab material manufacturer.

[0044]

[0044] A distributor provides disposable holders of different types in a first step by accumulating them. For example, de holders of more than one kind may be purchased from different manufacturers. For example, a first manufacturer 1001 may provide holders of two types: receptacles 101 , 102, 103 of a first size for holding urine samples and receptacles 111 , 112, 113 of a second size for holding urine samples. A second manufacturer 1002 may provide holders of a third type: receptacles 121 , 122, 123 of a third size intended for holding urine samples. A third manufacturer 1003 may provide holders of a fourth type: swabs 131 , 132, 133, 134 for taking and holding earwax samples. A fourth manufacturer 1004 and a fifth manufacturer 1005 may both provide holders of a fifth type: tubes 141 , 142, 143, 144, 145 and tubes 151 , 152, 153, 154, 155 for holding blood samples. It will be apparent that Figure 1 shows only a limited number of holders and manufacturers for the sake of clarity and concise description. In practice, the numbers of holders may be orders of magnitude larger, for example, at any given point in time, there may be accumulated as many as tens of thousands of holders or more. Many more different types of holders may also be provided, e.g. hundreds.

[0045] After performing the steps of the method 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 labelled with a uniquely identifiable machine- readable code. This is illustrated in Figure 1 as the labelled collection of holders 160 comprising a labelled tube 161 for a blood sample, a labelled receptacle 162 of the second size for a urine sample, a labelled swab 163 for an ear wax sample, a labelled receptacle 164 of the first size for a urine sample, a labelled container 165 of the third size for a urine sample and respective machine- readable codes 171 , 172, 173, 174, 175. The method 110 takes care of providing respective labels with the respective codes 171 , 172, 173, 174, 175.

[0045]

[0046] Labelled holders 160 can be provided directly to a hospital, doctor's office or other medical centre 180 where pre-analytical sample collection can take place. Afterwards, the filled holders are provided to laboratory or medical research centre 190. This is illustrated in Figure 1 by arrows 1008.

[0046]

[0047] Alternatively, labelled holders 160 can first be provided to a laboratory 190, which itself further provides the labelled containers 160 to hospitals 180. This is illustrated in Figure 1 by arrows 1009. Thereafter, the holders can be again provided to the laboratory 190 after pre-analytical sample collection in hospitals 180.

[0047]

[0048] Figure 2 illustrates the steps of method 110 according to an example embodiment. In a first step, holders 201 , 202, 203, 204, 205 of different types are provided, as illustrated in Figure 1 . For a brief description, only five holders 201 -205 are shown in Figure 2, while in practice many more holders can be processed.

[0048]

[0049] In step 210, each holder 201 , 202, 203, 204, 205 is assigned an identifier 211 , 212, 213, 214, 215 respectively. The identifiers 211 -215 are unique across all holders 201 -205. Thus, there are no holders with the same identifier.

[0049]

[0050] The identifiers 211 , 212, 213, 214, 215 each comprise a first portion 241 , 242, 243, 244, 245 respectively that is identical for all identifiers assigned to holders of the same type. For example, in Figure 2, the holders 202 and 203 are of the same type, being receptacles of the first size intended for collecting urine samples. Thus, the first portions 242, 243 of the corresponding identifiers 212, 213 are the same. In Figure 2, this is indicated by the same oblique stripe pattern. The horizontal stripe pattern of first portion 241 indicates the type of holder 201 , being receptacles of the third size intended for collecting urine samples. The checkerboard pattern of first portion 244 indicates the type of holder 204, being swabs for example intended for collecting and holding saliva samples. The dot pattern of first portion 245 indicates the type of holder 205, being tubes intended for collecting and holding blood samples.

[0050]

[0051] The identifiers 211 , 212, 213, 214, 215 each comprise a second portion 251 , 252, 253, 254, 255 respectively that is identical for all identifiers assigned to holders produced by a same manufacturer. For example, the holders 201 , 202, 203 originate from a same manufacturer and holders 204, 205 originate from a second manufacturer. In Figure 2, the chequered pattern with solid line indicates the manufacturer of holders 201 , 202, 203. The chequered pattern with dotted line indicates the manufacturer of holders 204, 205.

[0051]

[0052] The identifiers 211 , 212, 213, 214, 215 each comprise a third portion 261 , 262, 263, 264, 265 respectively that is identical for all identifiers assigned to holders produced during a same time period. For example, the third portion may be identical for all holders produced during the same year. In Figure 2, all third portions 261 -265 are marked with the same dashed pattern to indicate that holders 201 -205 were produced during the same year. By year, for example, can be meant a calendar year, e.g. 2024, or a one-year time period, e.g. from 1 March 2023 up to and including 29 February 2024.

[0052]

[0053] Identifiers 211 , 212, 213, 214, 215 further comprise portions 271 , 272, 273, 274, 275, respectively, that make each identifier unique. Sections 271 -275 ensure that each holder is uniquely identifiable.

[0053]

[0054] For example, according to an example embodiment, the portions 271-

[0054] 275 may be unique across all holders 201 -205. Thus, the method 210 may further comprise assigning, for each identifier, a portion unique with respect to all other identifiers. For example, to provide uniqueness, the unique portions 271 -275 may be ascending characters. A number of characters of the unique portion is large enough to uniquely name all holders. Such a character may be, for example, a number or a letter. Thereby, a number of possibilities provided by one such character is taken into account. For example, a counter may be kept, which goes up with each new holder, e.g. by 1 , taking the value of the counter as its unique portion. Preferably, the counter has as many digits as the unique portion. The number of digits available in such a counter should be large enough to uniquely identify all the holders. For example, in Figure 2, there are 5 holders, where such a counter needs 1 digit to uniquely name the 5 holders, since 1 digit can provide 10 possibilities from 'O' to '9'.

[0055]

[0055] Alternatively, according to an example embodiment, the portions 271 -275 may be unique within a group of identifiers having the same first, second and third portions. For example, holders 202, 203 form such a group because they have the same first 242, 243, second 252, 253 and third portions 262, 263. Thereby, they receive different unique portions 272, 273. The other holders 201 , 204, 205 may be assigned the same portion 271 , 274, 275 because they are already uniquely identifiable based on their combination of first, second and third portions in the identifier. Thus, the method 210 may further comprise assigning, for each group of identifiers where the predefined portions, i.e. the first, second and third portions, are the same, a unique portion to the identifier of the group.

[0056]

[0056] It will be apparent that within an identifier, the first, second, third and unique portions can be swapped. The portions can even be split up within the identifier, for example to prevent fraud. In any case, the portions are arranged in the same way for all identifiers, so that all identifiers have the same structure. This ensures that the process applied to holders can be carried out efficiently.

[0057]

[0057] In a further step 220, the unique identifiers 211 -215 are coded to unique machine-readable codes, i.e. respective barcodes 221 , 222, 223, 224, 225 and respective QR codes 281 , 282, 283, 284, 285, for read-out of the identifiers. It is possible to omit the barcodes or the QR codes and / or to provide other codes.

[0058] In a further step 230, at least some of the holders 201 -205 are labelled. For example, in Figure 2, all holders 201 , 202, 203, 204, 205 are provided with respective labels 231 , 232, 233, 234, 235 with the corresponding machine- readable codes 221 ,281 ; 222,282; 223,283; 224,284; 225,285. For example, all labels 231 -235 may be created by a distributor. Such a distributor may himself also provide the labels on holders 201-205. Alternatively, the labels 231 -235, or part of the labels, may be created by a manufacturer, after providing the machine-readable codes by a distributor performing the method. For example, the manufacturer supplying the holders 201 , 202, 203 may himself generate the labels 231 , 232, 233 based on the codes 221 ,281 ; 222,282; 223,283 and physically link these to the holders, for example by attaching a tag to the holders.

[0058]

[0059] Steps 210, 220, 230 can be done continuously for new incoming holders each time. Since knowledge of already applied unique identifiers can be maintained in step 210, the uniqueness of the identifiers can be further guaranteed for new holders.

[0059]

[0060] According to example embodiments, the first portion 241 -245 may serve by itself as a type identification feature, i.e. it makes a type uniquely identifiable with respect to all other types. The first portion 241 -245 may then be part of the unique identifier and additionally used separately as a feature for all holders of the same type. For example, the first portion 241 , 242, 243, 244, 245 may be individually transformed into a machine-readable code and a corresponding label provided on the holders 201 , 202, 203, 204, 205. After performing the steps of the method 110, all holders are then provided with two labels: a first label based on the unique identifier and a second label based on the first portion. The second label may be applied, for example, to a package in which holders of the same type are grouped together.

[0060]

[0061] After making each holder unambiguously identifiable, each collected pre- analytical sample is uniquely identifiable based on the identifier of the corresponding holder. In addition, collected pre-analytical samples can be grouped based on the identical portion of the identifier of the corresponding holders. That unique portion may include, for example, the unique portion according to an embodiment, or may include, for example, the entire identifier according to another embodiment.

[0061]

[0062] It will be apparent that the method 110 is suitable for uniquely identifying holders that will be filled with matter at a later point in time. For example, in particular, holders filled with samples in other contexts, e.g. for uniquely identifying soil samples. Alternatively, method 110 can also be applied to identify food items, instead of pre-analytical samples, based on their packaging (holder).

[0062]

[0063] Figure 3 illustrates a computer-implementable method for processing sample collection data 310 obtained during a pre-analytical sample collection according to example embodiments. The method steps shown in Figure 3 can be implemented, for example, in a hospital 180. In a first step, a user, e.g. a nurse, can scan a barcode 321 on a label of a holder, e.g. tube 301 , for example with a portable barcode scanner 300 or by means of a static barcode scanner. This allows the identifier 311 of the tube 301 to be obtained. In this example, the identifier 311 comprises a first portion 341 , a second portion 351 , a third portion 361 and a portion 371 in accordance with the steps of Figure 2. Furthermore, a user may obtain sample collection data associated with a blood sample in the tube 301 , for example, the patient's state registration number, the date of sample collection and the type of sample collected by the pre-analytical sample collection in / with the tube 301 . Optionally, a user can further obtain lab order information 320, for example, by creating a list of tests to be performed on the blood sample. Thereafter, a user may relate the sample collection data 310 and the lab order information 320 to the identifier 311 in a database 330. At a later time, when a user queries the identifier 311 of the tube 301 in the database 330, they can access the sample collection data 310 and the lab order information 320.

[0063]

[0064] Figure 4 illustrates a computer-implementable method for processing sample collection data 420 obtained during a pre-analytical sample collection according to example embodiments. For example, the steps shown in Figure 4 can be performed in a diagnostic research centre 190.

[0065] Subplot 401 illustrates obtaining the identifier 41 1 of a holder, e.g. tube 405 for holding a blood sample, by a user. To this end, a user may scan a barcode 421 on a label of the tube 405, for example with a portable barcode scanner 400 or by means of another type of barcode scanner. In this example, the identifier 411 comprises a first portion 441 , a second portion 451 , a third portion 461 and a portion 471 in accordance with the steps of Figure 2. After obtaining the identifier 411 , a user may retrieve the lab order information 420 from the database 430 and display it in order to determine which tests are to be performed on the sample in tube 405. This is possible because the lab order information 420 was related to the identifier in the database 430 in a previous step, for example in a doctor's office 180.

[0064]

[0066] Subplot 402 illustrates a step 480 of performing the one or more tests prescribed by the lab order information 420. Thereby, test results 490 are obtained, which can again be linked to the identifier 411 in the database 430.

[0065]

[0067] In a further step at a later date, a user, for example a doctor in a hospital 180, can again retrieve the test results 490 from the database 430 and display them to diagnose the patient from whom the blood sample was collected into tube 405.

[0066]

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

[0067]

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

[0068]

[0070] Although the present invention was illustrated by means of specific embodiments, it will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the preceding illustrative embodiments, and that the present invention can be implemented with various modifications and adaptations without leaving the scope of the invention. Therefore, the present embodiments are to be considered illustrative and non-restrictive in all respects, whereby the scope of the invention is described by the appended claims and not by the foregoing description, and all modifications falling within the meaning and scope of the claims are therefore included herewith. In other words, it is understood to include 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. Moreover, the reader of this patent application will understand that the words "comprise" or "include" do not exclude other elements or steps, that the word "a" or “an” does not exclude plural. Any references in the claims should not be construed as limiting the claims in question. The terms "first", "second", "third", "a", "b", "c" and the like, when used in the description or in the conclusions, are used to distinguish between similar elements or steps and do not necessarily describe a sequential or chronological order. Similarly, the terms "top", "bottom", "up", "under" and the like are used for the purpose of description and do not necessarily refer to relative positions. It should be understood that those terms are interchangeable under appropriate conditions and that embodiments of the invention are capable of functioning according to the present invention in sequences or orientations other than those described or illustrated in the above.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A method (110) for identifying disposable holders (101 -103, 111 -113, 121- 123, 131-134, 141-145, 151 -155) intended for holding human samples obtained during pre-analytical sample collection for the purpose of medical diagnostics, wherein the method comprises the following steps:- providing the disposable holders, wherein the holders are of more than one type, wherein holders of a same type are configured to hold a same type of sample;- assigning a unique identifier (211 -215) to each holder (201-205), wherein the identifier is unique across all holders, and wherein the identifier comprises a portion (241 -245) that is identical for all identifiers assigned to holders of a same type;- encoding the unique identifiers to unique machine-readable codes (221 -225, 281 -285) for read-out of the identifiers; and- at least for a subset of the holders, providing the holders with labels (231 -235) with the corresponding machine-readable codes; such that each collected pre-analytical sample is uniquely identifiable based on the identifier of the holder and such that collected pre-analytical samples can be grouped based on the identical portion of the identifier of the corresponding holders.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the identifier further comprises a second portion (251 -255) that is identical for all identifiers assigned to holders produced by a same manufacturer.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the identifier further comprises a third portion (261 -265) that is identical for all identifiers assigned to holders produced during a same time period.

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the machine- readable codes comprise at least one of the following: a barcode, a QR code, a GS1 code, a GS1 data matrix and an RFID tag.

5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the holders comprise at least a type of holder configured to hold blood as the type of sample.

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the holders comprise at least a type of holder configured to hold one of the following types of sample: tissue, urine, faeces, sputum, and puncture fluid.

7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the holders comprise at least a type of holder having one of the following embodiments: tubes, trays and swabs.

8. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein holders of the same type have a same size.

9. Disposable holders (201-205) with a label (231 -235) obtained by the method according to any of the preceding claims.

10. Computer-implementable method for processing sample collection data (310) obtained during a pre-analytical sample collection, the method comprising:- obtaining an identifier (311 ) from a holder (301 ) according to claim 9;- obtaining the sample collection data associated with a sample in the holder; and- relating the sample collection data to the identifier in a database (330).11 . The method according to claim 10, further comprising:- obtaining lab order information (320) that defines one or more tests to be performed on the sample in the holder; and- relating the lab order information to the identifier in the database.

12. The method according to claim 11 , further comprising:- obtaining the identifier (411 ) of the holder (401 );- retrieving and displaying the lab order information (420) related to the identifier from the database (430);- obtaining test results (490) from the one or more tests; and - relating the test results to the identifier in the database.

13. A server / processor configured to perform the method according to any of claims 10-12.

14. A computer programme product including instructions executable on a computer to carry out the method according to any one of the claims 10-12 when said programme is executed on a computer.

15. A computer-readable storage medium including the computer programme product according to claim 14.

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