A system and a method for determining usage of reagent pack and a trackable reagent pack

Abstract

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

Description

A SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR DETERMINING USAGE OF REAGENT PACK AND A TRACKABLE REAGENT PACKFIELD

[0001] Example embodiments of the present invention generally relate to reagent packs, and more particularly, to systems and methods for automatically determining usage of a reagent pack, and a trackable reagent pack device for performing a test in an instrument.BACKGROUND

[0002] The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely because of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.

[0003] Currently, the loading of reagent packs on laboratory' diagnostic instruments may not accurately identify the number of tests remaining on a pack when the pack is not used in single load. A user may unload the pack, refrigerate it, and load the pack again. During that time, a manual interaction with the pack may set the possible number of tests available in the pack. There is a risk that the number of tests is entered incorrectly because this number is a user input value.

[0004] In the present scenario, an operator may manually enter the remaining number of tests, when any reagent pack is loaded onto the system, based on the value of the previous usage details from the system on which the pack was loaded. The operator would read the exact values from the other instrument or input an approximate value. In both the scenarios, there exists a possibility for human error.

[0005] There is need for a solution that enables secure identification and updating of data on the reagents pack and other attributes which can be used for tracking the consumption of the reagents more efficiently.SUMMARY

[0006] The summary' is provided to introduce aspects related to a system and method for automatically determining usage of a reagent pack, and the aspects are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] An object of one or more example embodiments of the present invention is to provide an improved system and method for determining usage of a reagent pack to efficiently track consumption of the reagent pack.

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

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

[0010] An aspect of one or more example embodiments of the present invention relates to a system for automatically determining usage of a reagent pack. The system may include an instrument having a near field communication (NFC) reader / writer unit, a memory, and one or more processors coupled to the memory. The instrument may be configured to receive a reagent pack to perform one or more tests. The reagent pack may have an NFC tag. The NFC reader / writer may be configured to update the NFC tag based on a number of tests performed using the reagent pack.

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

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

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

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the instrument may track volume of and on-board stability of the reagent pack to identify the number of remaining tests which can be performed.

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

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

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the system further includes an inventory7storage configured to read the NFC tag on the reagent pack and display the remaining test which can be performed by the reagent pack.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the instrument may be configured to read details of the inventory' storage and track the usage of the reagent pack.

[0019] Another aspect of one or more example embodiments of the present invention relates to a trackable reagent pack device for performing tests in an instrument. The trackable reagent pack device may include a reagent pack configured to be loaded into the instrument to perform one or more tests and an NFC tag attached to said reagent pack. The NFC tag may be configured to be read by an NFC reader / writer installed on the instrument to identify a number of tests that can be performed with the reagent pack. The NFC tag may also be configured to be updated, by the NFC reader / writer installed on the instrument to identify a number of remaining tests which can be performed with the reagent pack.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the NFC tag may be reprogrammable and encry pted by' the NFC reader writer.

[0021] Another aspect of one or more example embodiments of the present invention relates to a method for determining the usage of a reagent pack. The method may include providing an instrument with a NFC reader / writer unit, said instrument may include a memory and one or more processors coupled to said memory, providing a reagent pack which may be configured to be loaded into the instrument to perform one or more tests, said reagent pack having an NFC tag which can be updated by the NFC reader / writer unit of the instrument, performing the one or more tests upon loading of the reagent pack into the instrument, and updating the NFC tag, by the NFC reader / writer, to identify a remaining number of tests which can be performed wi th the reagent pack.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the updating the NFC tag to identify’ the remaining number of tests may include reading the NFC tag attached to the reagent pack to determine a number of tests which can be performed from the reagent pack, identify ing a number of the one or more test being performed from the reagent pack, and updating the NFC tag. by the NFC reader / writer. to identify’ the remaining number of tests which can be performed with the reagent pack based on the number of tests which can be performed from the reagent pack and the number of the one or more tests being performed from the reagent pack.

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

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include tracking a volume and on-board stability of the reagent pack and identifying the remaining number of tests which can be performed.

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

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

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include tracking the usage of the reagent pack using the NFC tag attached to said reagent pack.

[0028] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example, the principles of the present invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] The accompanying drawings constitute a part of the description and are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. Such accompanying drawings illustrate the embodiments of the present invention used to describe the principles of the present invention. The embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references to “an” or “one” embodiment in the present invention are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and they mean at least one. In the drawings:

[0030] Fig. 1 illustrates an example view of a trackable reagent pack device, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Fig. 2 illustrates an example view of a system, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Fig. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method of reading and updating the NFC tag on the trackable reagent pack, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Fig. 4 illustrates an example view of an inventory storage, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Independent of the grammatical term usage, individuals with male, female or other gender identities are included within the term.

[0035] Some detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing some example embodiments. Example embodiments may, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only example embodiments set forth herein.

[0036] Accordingly, while example embodiments are capable of various modifications and alternative forms, example embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit an example embodiment to the particular forms disclosed, but to the contrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications, combinations, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of an example embodiment. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

[0037] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “covering” another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or covering the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no interv ening elements or layers present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the specification. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0038] It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiment.

[0039] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various example embodiment only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiment. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, and / or elements, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or groups thereof.

[0040] When the words “about” and “substantially” are used in this specification in connection with a numerical value, it is intended that the associated numerical value include atolerance of ±10% around the stated numerical value, unless otherwise explicitly defined. Moreover, when the terms "‘generally” or ‘“substantially” are used in connection with geometric shapes, it is intended that precision of the geometric shape is not required but that latitude for the shape is within the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, regardless of whether numerical values or shapes are modified as “about,” “generally,” or “substantially,” it will be understood that these values and shapes should be construed as including a manufacturing or operational tolerance (e.g.. ±10%) around the stated numerical values or shapes.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiment belong. It will be further understood that terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0042] Fig. 1 illustrates an trackable reagent pack device 100 for performing a test in an instrument, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. The trackable reagent pack device 100 may include a reagent pack 102 and anear field communication (NFC) tag 104 provided thereon. The trackable reagent pack device 100 may include the reagent pack 102 which is configured to be loaded into an instrument to perfonn one or more tests.

[0043] A reagent is a compound or mixture that can be added to a system in order to initiate or test a chemical reaction. Reagents may bind with certain substances to trigger a chemical reaction and thereby, reagents may be used to ascertain the presence or absence of a chemical substance. Accordingly, the reagent pack 102 may be developed and used in a field or laboratory setting to test and detect the presence of a range of substances. In other words, the reagent pack 102 may be a testing kit that can be used in the laboratory or in the field to analyze or detect certain substances. The reagent pack 102 may include a certain amount of a substance that can be used to perform one or more tests. When the reagent pack 102 is installed on a machine, a certain volume of substance is used from the pack to perform the test. Depending upon the volume of remaining substance in the reagent pack, a number of tests that can be performed is determined.

[0044] In at least one example embodiment, the reagent pack 102 may be mounted with the NFC tag 104, which provides information on the reagents stored in the device. Theinformation stored on the NFC tag 104 may include at least one of a) a volume of reagent, b) a number of tests which can be performed, c) a number of tests that have already been performed, d) a number of tests which are remaining to be performed, e) reagent identification infonnation, or (f) instrument identification details in which the reagent pack 102 may be used.

[0045] The NFC tag 104 mounted on the reagent pack 102 operates based on a wireless radio communications standard. In the field of wireless communication, NFC works in a similar manner to radio frequency identification (RFID). However, a range of communication may be restricted for NFC when compared to RFID. Specifically, NFC technology' works in parameters of 4 to 6 inches. NFC technology enables a personal and secured type of wireless commination when compared other wireless communication technology. Thus. NFC tags may be used for a wide variety of applications to store information in a high security environment. The NFC tag 104 may include a storage memory', a radio chip and an antenna attached to the radio chip. The NFC tags may allow an exchange of a high volume of information quickly and in a secured manner. The NFC tag 104 can be rewritable. For example, information can be rewritten n number of times on the NFC tag. Further, the information on the NFC tag 104 may be encrypted to avoid tampering or corruption of data / information incorporated therein. Further, the NFC tag 104 is smart and may be paired with other wireless communication technologies.

[0046] The NFC tag 104 may be configured to be read by an instrument configured to read and write information stored on the NFC tag 104 when the reagent pack 102 is installed in the instrument. The instrument may be configured to perform one or more tests.

[0047] Before loading the reagent pack 102 on a diagnostic machine in a laboratory or in a field setting, a number of tests remaining on the reagent pack 102 should be determined to enable effective usage of the reagent pack 102 and to avoid unwanted delay in completion of a test. In an example, the reagent pack 102 may be loaded onto the diagnostic machine to run a test, and subsequent to completion of the test, a certain volume of the reagent may be remaining in the reagent pack 102. Based on the type of test performed, the volume of the reagent that was consumed may be determined and a remaining volume may be updated.

[0048] In at least one example embodiment, the reagent pack 102 may be provided with the NFC tag 104 to store data and other attributes of the reagent. The NFC tag 104 may store the information regarding the number of remaining tests on the reagent pack 102 along with additional information in an encrypted form.

[0049] In at least one example embodiment, the NFC tag 104 may be incorporated with the reagent pack 102 so that the information can be dynamically stored and updated in a secured environment. The NFC tag 104 can be attached to the reagent pack 102 as an integral part. In at least one example embodiment, the NFC tag 104 on the reagent pack 102 may hold or store information regarding volume tracking of the reagent. The information regarding the volume tracking of the reagent may be used to check and determine a number of tests remaining in the reagent pack 102. The NFC tag 104 may also hold or store information regarding a unique identification code of the reagent pack 102 and composition and volume information of the reagent pack 102. Further, the NFC tag 104 may include inventory details and a storage location to track availability of the reagent pack 102 with high accuracy.

[0050] The NFC tag 104 may be embedded as a part of the reagent pack 102 in at least one example embodiment. Alternatively or additionally, the NFC tag 104 for the trackable reagent pack device 100 may be a detachable tag.

[0051] The NFC tag 104 may be read and re-written by one or more NFC reader / writer units to track and update the NFC tag 104 with updated consumption information of the reagent pack 102. The NFC reader / writer unit may be configured to read the NFC tag 104 attached to the reagent pack 102 and determine the number of tests which can be performed using the reagent pack 102. Further, the NFC reader / writer unit may identify anumber of tests performed by the instrument including the reagent pack 102 and update the NFC tag 104 to identify a number of the remaining tests which can be performed.

[0052] Fig. 2 illustrates a system 200 for automatically determining usage of the reagent pack 102, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. The system includes an instrument 202 that includes one or more compartments for placing a reagent pack. The instrument 202 may also include an NFC reader / writer unit 206, a memory 208 and one or more processors 210 coupled to the memory 206. The reagent pack 102 may be configured to be loaded into the instrument 202 to perform one or more tests. The NFC tag 104 of the reagent pack 102 may be in close proximity with the NFC reader / writer unit 206 of the instrument 202 when the reagent pack 102 is loaded into the instrument 202. In at least one example embodiment, the NFC tag 104 may be read and updated by the NFC reader / writer unit 206 of the instrument 202 based on number of tests performed using the reagent pack 102.

[0053] In at least one example embodiment, the NFC tag 104 on the reagent pack 102 of the system 200 may store a number of remaining tests on the reagent pack 102, along with additional information, in an enciypted form. As the information on the NFC tag 104 may be re-written, the information may be updated and synced with the information on the system 200. When the reagent pack 102 is loaded on a different diagnostic machine, the instrument 202 may fetch the information from the NFC tag 104 on the reagent pack 102. In a laboratory or field setting, there may be n number of machines which perform the tests and the machines may be linked to a common server. When the reagent pack 1 2 is loaded and a test is performed, the information regarding the reagent pack 102 and the test may be updated in a common server connected with the system 200 that updates the NFC tag 104 on the reagent pack 102 accordingly.

[0054] The NFC reader / writer unit 206 of the instrument 202 may be communicably coupled with the NFC tag 104 on the reagent pack 102. The NFC reader / writer unit 206 may be configured to read the NFC tag 104 of the reagent pack 102 when the reagent pack 102 is brought in proximity of the NFC reader / writer unit 206 and determine the number of tests which can be performed using the reagent pack 102. Further, the NFC reader / writer unit 206 may identify the number of tests performed by the instrument 202 from the reagent pack 102 when the reagent pack 102 is loaded into the instrument 202. The NFC reader / writer unit 206 may also be configured to update the NFC tag 104 to identify a number of remaining tests which can be performed. The information stored in the NFC tag 104 may be encrypted, and any incorrect / corrupted data may be identified and dealt with by the system 200.

[0055] The NFC tag 104 may be re-programmable and enciypted by the NFC reader / writer unit 206. In at least one example embodiment, the NFC reader / writer unit 206 of the instrument 202 may encrypt information stored in the NFC tag 104. In at least one example embodiment, the NFC tag 104 may be located on the reagent pack 102 which may enable storing the remaining tests on the reagent pack 102, along with additional information, as an encrypted text. Since the data on the NFC tag 104 can be re-written, the data would be updated and synced with the data on the system 200. When the reagent pack 102 is loaded on a different system, an instrument of the different system may fetch the data from the NFC tag 104 and need not rely on a user input.

[0056] The instrument 202 may track volume of and on-board stability (OBS) of the reagent pack 102 to identify the number of remaining tests which can be performed with thereagent pack 102. In at least one example embodiment, a value of the NFC tag 104 may be set to zero when the NFC reader / writer unit 206 identifies a number of remaining tests of the reagent pack 102 as zero. When the reagent pack 102 is empty / depleted, the NFC tag 104 may include a value indicating that the reagent pack 102 should not be reused to avoid reuse of an empty pack. The status of the reagent pack 102 may be checked before loading the reagent pack 102 into a device and before performing any tests.

[0057] In at least one example embodiment, the system 200 may further include a display unit 214 for displaying a number of tests which can be performed from the reagent pack 102 upon scanning of the NFC tag 104. The system 200 may fiirther include an inventory storage 216 configured to read the NFC tag 104 on the reagent pack 102 and display the number of remaining tests which can be performed by the reagent pack 102.

[0058] In at least one example embodiment, the memory 208 may include various special purpose program code including computer executable instructions which may cause the one or more processors 210 to perform one or more of the methods or functions according to example embodiments described herein. As will be appreciated, depending on the implementation of the system 200, the system 200 may include additional components. However, it is not necessary that all of these generally conventional components be shown in order to disclose the illustrative example embodiment. For example purposes, the system 200 is discussed above with regard to the one or more processors 210. However, it should be understood that the system 200 may include one or more processors or other processing circuitry, such as one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs).

[0059] The one or more processors 210 may include, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application processor (AP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and programmable logic unit, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a neural network processing unit (NPU), an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), a quantum computer, and the like. In some example embodiments, the processing circuitiy may include a non-transitory computer readable storage medium or device (e.g., memory), for example a solid state drive (SSD), storing a program of instructions, and a processor (e.g., CPU) configured to execute the program of instructions to implement the functionality and / or methods performed by some or all of the systems according to any of the example embodiments.

[0060] The memory 208 may be a computer readable storage medium that generally includes a random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), and / or a permanent mass storage device, such as a disk drive. The memory 208 may also store an operating system and any other routines / modules / applications for providing the functionalities of the system 200 to be executed by the one or more processors 210. These software components may also be loaded from a separate computer readable storage medium into the at least one using a drive mechanism (not shown). Such separate computer readable storage medium may include a disc, tape, DVD / CD-ROM drive, memory card, or other like computer readable storage medium (not shown). In some example embodiments, software components may be loaded into the memoiy 208 via at least one communication interface rather than via a computer readable storage medium.

[0061] The one or more processors 210 or other processing circuitry may be configured to carry out instructions of a computer program by performing the arithmetical, logical, and input / output operations of the system. Instructions may be provided to the one or more processors 210 by the at least one memory 208.

[0062] As disclosed herein, the term "storage medium," "computer readable storage medium" or "non-transitory computer readable storage medium” may represent one or more devices for storing data, including read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage mediums, flash memory devices and / or other tangible machine-readable mediums for storing information. The term "computer-readable medium" may include, but is not limited to, portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, and various other mediums capable of storing, containing or carrying instruction(s) and / or data.

[0063] Furthermore, example embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks may be stored in a machine or computer readable medium such as a computer readable storage medium. When implemented in software, a processor or processors will perform the necessary tasks. For example, as mentioned above, according to one or more example embodiments, at least one memory may include or store a computer program or computer program code, and the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with at least one processor, the methodsdescribed herein. Additionally, the processor, memory and example algorithms, encoded as computer program code, serve as means for providing or causing performance of operations discussed herein. At least one other example embodiment may include a computer program including program segments or instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a system, cause the system to perform the functions and methods described herein.

[0064] A code segment of a computer program may represent a procedure, function, subprogram, program, routine, subroutine, module, software package, class, or any combination of instructions, data structures or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and / or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable technique including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.

[0065] Fig. 3 illustrates a method 300 for determining usage of a reagent pack in accordance with at least one example embodiment. The reagent pack of FIG. 3 may be either the reagent pack 102 of FIG. 1 or the reagent pack 102 of FIG. 2. The system 200 of FIG. 2 is used to describe the method 300 but example embodiments are not limited to this example.

[0066] Referring to Fig. 3, at S301, the instrument 202 is provided with the NFC reader / writer unit 206. The instrument 202 includes the memory 208 and the one or more processors 210 as described above. At S302, the reagent pack 102 is provided. The reagent pack 102 may be configured to be loaded into the instrument 202 to perform one or more tests. The reagent pack 102 may include the NFC tag 104 as described above. The NFC tag 104 may be updated by the NFC reader / writer unit 206 of the instrument 202.

[0067] At S303, when the reagent pack 102 is loaded into the instrument 202, the NFC tag 104 attached to the reagent pack 102 is read by the NFC reader / writer 206 of the instrument 202. From the NFC tag 104, the one or more processors 210 may determine the number of tests which can be performed from the reagent pack 102.

[0068] At S304, a test may be performed after the reagent pack 102 is loaded into the instrument 202. In at least one example embodiment, the test may involve drawing a volume of reagent from the reagent pack 102. The volume of the reagent pack 102 may be used to determine one or more tests which are being performed by the instrument 202.

[0069] At S305, based on a volume of reagent consumed by each test and a number of tests performed by the instrument 202, the NFC reader / writer 206 may update the NFC tag 104 to identify a number of remaining tests which can be performed by the reagent pack 102. In at least one example embodiment, information stored in the NFC tag 104 may be optionally encrypted. In at least one example embodiment, the NFC reader / writer 206 may encrypt the information stored in the NFC tag 104.

[0070] In at least one example embodiment, S305 may further include tracking the volume and on-board stability of the reagent pack 102 and identifying a number of remaining tests which can be performed with the reagent pack 102. In at least this example, the method 300 may further include setting the value of the NFC tag 104 to zero when a number of tests remaining in the reagent pack 102 is zero. The method 300 may further include displaying the number of tests which can be performed from the reagent pack 102 upon scanning of the NFC tag 104. The method 300 may further include tracking the usage of the reagent pack 102 using the NFC tag 104 attached to said reagent pack 102.

[0071] Fig. 4 illustrates a front view of the inventory storage 216, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. The inventoiy storage 216 may include a scanning module 402 configured to read reagent pack data on scanning a reagent pack such as the reagent pack 102. The scanning module 402 may include comprises of an NFC reader that allows the scanning module 402 to scan and read the information on the reagent pack 102 with the NFC tag 104. When the reagent pack 102 is brought in desired proximity, such as a threshold distance, of the scanning module 402, the scanning module 402 may scan and read the information on the NFC tag 104 of the reagent pack 102. Further, the inventory storage 216 may include a display screen 404 configured to display the reagent pack information by scanning at the inventory storage 216.

[0072] The inventory storage 216 may further include a reagent container section for receiving the reagent packs. Further, the inventory storage 216 may include a controller that receives information about a number of reagent packs to be stored therein, a volume available in the reagent packs and number of remaining tests that can be performed by the reagent packs.

[0073] The display screen 404 of the inventory storage 216 may be communicab ly coupled with the controller of the inventoiy storage 216. Accordingly, the information regarding the total capacity of the inventory storage 216, including information of a number of the reagentpacks and their respective volumes, may be available on the display screen 404, subject to a user’s request.

[0074] The system 200 is configured to read details of the inventory storage 216 and track the usage of the reagent pack 102. The system 200 may be connected to the inventory storage 216 via wireless communication network or a wired connection having a common server.

[0075] In at least one example embodiment, because information is stored dynamically into the reagent pack 102, the inventory details may be read at the instrument 202, including the inventory storage location, to track the availability of one or more reagent packs with a high accuracy.

[0076] One or more example embodiments of the present invention is configured to enable identification of a repository which may be used for efficiently tracking consumption of the reagents.

[0077] Illustrative embodiment 1. A system for automatically determining usage of a reagent pack, the system comprising: an instrument having a near field communication (NFC) reader / writer unit; a memory; and one or more processors coupled to said memory, wherein the instrument is configured to receive a reagent pack to perform one or more tests, said reagent pack having an NFC tag, and the NFC reader / writer unit is configured to update the NFC tag based on a number of tests performed using the reagent pack.

[0078] Illustrative embodiment 2. The system as claimed in illustrative embodiment 1, wherein the NFC reader / writer unit is configured to: read the NFC tag attached to the reagent pack and determine a number of tests which can be performed using the reagent pack; identify a number of tests performed by the instrument from the reagent pack; and update the NFC tag to identify a number of remaining tests which can be performed.

[0079] Illustrative embodiment 3. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the NFC tag is configured to store information of the reagent pack including a type and identification of reagent, volume of reagent and number of remaining tests that can be performed using a remaining quantity of the reagent.

[0080] Illustrative embodiment 4. The system as claimed in any one of illustrative embodiments 2-3, wherein the NFC reader / writer unit is configured to encrypt information stored in the NFC tag.

[0081] Illustrative embodiment 5. The system as claimed in any one of illustrative embodiments 2-4, wherein the instrument is configured to track volume of and on-board stability of the reagent pack to identify the number of remaining tests which can be performed.

[0082] Illustrative embodiment 6. The system as claimed in any one of illustrative embodiments 2-5, wherein a value of the NFC tag is set to zero when the NFC reader / writer unit identifies the number of remaining tests is zero.

[0083] Illustrative embodiment 7. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a display unit configured to display the number of tests which can be performed from the reagent pack upon scanning of the NFC tag.

[0084] Illustrative embodiment 8. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: an inventory storage configured to read the NFC tag on the reagent pack and display a number of remaining tests which can be performed by the reagent pack.

[0085] Illustrative embodiment 9. The system as claimed in illustrative embodiment 8, wherein the instrument is configured to read details of the inventory storage and track the usage of the reagent pack.

[0086] Illustrative embodiment 10. A trackable reagent pack device for performing tests in an instrument, the trackable reagent pack device comprising: a reagent pack configured to be loaded into the instrument to perform one or more tests; and a near field communication (NFC) tag attached to said reagent pack, wherein said NFC tag is configured to be read, by an NFC reader / writer on the instrument, to identify a number of tests performed with the reagent pack, and updated, by the NFC reader / writer, to identify a number of remaining tests which can be performed with the reagent pack.

[0087] Illustrative embodiment 11. The trackable reagent pack device as claimed in illustrative embodiment 10, wherein the NFC tag is configured to be re-programmed and encrypted by the NFC reader / writer.

[0088] Illustrative embodiment 12. A method for determining usage of a reagent pack, the method comprising: providing an instrument with a near filed communication (NFC) reader / writer unit, said instrument having a memory and one or more processors coupled to said memory; providing a reagent pack which is configured to be loaded into the instrument to perform one or more tests, said reagent pack having an NFC tag configured to be updated by the NFC reader / writer unit of the instrument; performing the one or more tests upon loading of the reagent pack into the instrument; and updating the NFC tag, by the NFC reader / writer unit, to identify a remaining number of tests which can be performed with the reagent pack.

[0089] Illustrative embodiment 13. The method as claimed in illustrative embodiment 12, wherein the updating the NFC tag to identify the remaining number of tests comprises: reading the NFC tag attached to the reagent pack and determining a number of tests which can be performed from the reagent pack; identifying a number of the one or more tests being performed from the reagent pack; and updating the NFC tag, by the NFC reader / writer unit, to identify the remaining number of tests which can be performed with the reagent pack based on the number of tests which can be performed from the reagent pack and the number of the one or more tests being performed from the reagent pack.

[0090] Illustrative embodiment 14. The method as claimed in illustrative embodiment 13, further comprising: encrypting information stored in the NFC tag.

[0091] Illustrative embodiment 15. The method as claimed in any one of illustrative embodiments 13-14, further comprising: tracking a volume and on-board stability of the reagent pack; and identifying the remaining number of tests which can be performed.

[0092] Illustrative embodiment 16. The method as claimed in illustrative embodiment 15, further comprising: setting a value of the NFC tag to zero when the remaining number of tests in the reagent pack is zero.

[0093] Illustrative embodiment 17. The method as claimed in illustrative embodiment 16, further comprising: displaying the number of tests which can be performed from the reagent pack upon scanning of the NFC tag.

[0094] Illustrative embodiment 18. The method as claimed in any one of illustrative embodiments 13-17, comprising: tracking the usage of the reagent pack using the NFC tag attached to said reagent pack.

[0095] In view of the present disclosure, which describes embodiments of the present invention, all changes, modifications, and variations within the meaning and range of equivalency are considered within the scope of the invention. It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

Claims

We claim:

1. A system for automatically determining usage of a reagent pack, the system comprising: an instrument having a near field communication (NFC) reader / writer unit; a memory; and one or more processors coupled to said memory, wherein the instrument is configured to receive a reagent pack to perform one or more tests, said reagent pack having an NFC tag, and the NFC reader / writer unit is configured to update the NFC tag based on a number of tests performed using the reagent pack.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the NFC reader / writer unit is configured to: read the NFC tag attached to the reagent pack and determine a number of tests which can be performed using the reagent pack; identify a number of tests performed by the instrument from the reagent pack; and update the NFC tag to identify a number of remaining tests which can be performed.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the NFC tag is configured to store information of the reagent pack including a type and identification of reagent, volume of reagent and number of remaining tests that can be performed using a remaining quantify of the reagent.

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

5. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the instrument is configured to track volume of and on-board stability of the reagent pack to identify the number of remaining tests which can be performed.

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

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a display unit configured to display the number of tests which can be performed from the reagent pack upon scanning of the NFC tag.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: an inventory storage configured to read the NFC tag on the reagent pack and display a number of remaining tests which can be performed by the reagent pack.

9. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the instrument is configured to read details of the inventor^' storage and track the usage of the reagent pack.

10. A trackable reagent pack device for performing tests in an instrument, the trackable reagent pack device comprising: a reagent pack configured to be loaded into the instrument to perform one or more tests; and a near field communication (NFC) tag attached to said reagent pack, wherein said NFC tag is configured to be read, by an NFC reader / writer on the instrument, to identify a number of tests perfonned with the reagent pack, and updated, by the NFC reader / writer, to identify a number of remaining tests which can be performed with the reagent pack.

11. The trackable reagent pack device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the NFC tag is configured to be re-programmed and encrypted by the NFC reader / writer.

12. A method for determining usage of a reagent pack, the method comprising: providing an instrument with a near filed communication (NFC) reader / writer unit, said instrument having a memory and one or more processors coupled to said memory; providing a reagent pack which is configured to be loaded into the instrument to perform one or more tests, said reagent pack having an NFC tag configured to be updated by the NFC reader / writer unit of the instrument; performing the one or more tests upon loading of the reagent pack into the instrument; andupdating the NFC tag, by the NFC reader / writer unit, to identify a remaining number of tests which can be performed with the reagent pack.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the updating the NFC tag to identify the remaining number of tests comprises: reading the NFC tag attached to the reagent pack and determining a number of tests which can be performed from the reagent pack; identifying a number of the one or more tests being performed from the reagent pack; and updating the NFC tag, by the NFC reader / writer unit, to identify' the remaining number of tests which can be performed with the reagent pack based on the number of tests which can be performed from the reagent pack and the number of the one or more tests being performed from the reagent pack.

14. The method as claimed in claim 13, further comprising: encrypting information stored in the NFC tag.

15. The method as claimed in claim 13, further comprising: tracking a volume and on-board stability of the reagent pack; and identifying the remaining number of tests which can be performed.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, further comprising: setting a value of the NFC tag to zero when the remaining number of tests in the reagent pack is zero.

17. The method as claimed in claim 16, further comprising: displaying the number of tests which can be performed from the reagent pack upon scanning of the NFC tag.

18. The method as claimed in claim 13, comprising: tracking the usage of the reagent pack using the NFC tag attached to said reagent pack.

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