Automated Specimen Routing System for Pathology Labs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anatomic pathology and molecular diagnostic laboratory automation systems are inefficient in handling specimens that require individual prioritization and rapid processing, as they rely on manual sorting and conveyor systems, which can lead to delays and inadequate tracking of specimens and reporting of results.
Innovation Solution
A method that automates the assignment of individual specimens to specific workstations within a laboratory, using a computerized system to prioritize specimens, determine optimal routing, and track their location, allowing for independent transportation and reporting of results to a central database.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual sorting and conveyor systems are used to group specimens, then cost efficiency is improved, but turnaround time and ability to handle prioritized specimens deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-service automation where robotic devices automatically sort, transport, and track specimens without manual intervention. The automation system independently manages specimen routing based on priority levels and testing requirements, eliminating the need for manual sorting while maintaining cost efficiency through reduced labor requirements and improved throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic routing where specimen carriers are automatically directed to different workstations based on real-time priority levels and testing requirements. The automation adapts routing decisions dynamically rather than using fixed conveyor paths, allowing stat specimens to be rapidly redirected to appropriate workstations while maintaining efficient flow for routine specimens.
2Extent of automation
If separate automated processing devices connected by conveyors are used, then automation extent is improved, but adaptability to varying specimen requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses universal robotic carriers that can transport multiple specimen types to various workstations. The same automated robotic system handles different specimen priorities and routing requirements, providing multi-functionality that replaces dedicated conveyor systems for each specimen type while maintaining high automation extent.
Solution Approach 2:
The automation system dynamically adjusts routing and processing based on specimen priority levels and testing requirements. Rather than fixed conveyor paths, the system uses programmable robotic navigation to adapt specimen routes in real-time, allowing the same automated infrastructure to serve multiple specimen types and priority levels effectively.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual movement of specimens is used for prioritized processing, then adaptability to specimen priority is improved, but productivity and efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically identifies and routes prioritized specimens without manual intervention. The automation system independently monitors specimen priority levels and directs carriers to appropriate workstations, maintaining adaptability to varying specimen requirements while eliminating the productivity limitations of manual specimen movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses tracking and communication systems to monitor specimen locations and priority levels in real-time. This feedback enables the automation system to dynamically adjust routing decisions, ensuring prioritized specimens receive appropriate attention while maintaining overall system productivity through coordinated automated resource allocation.
4Ease of manufacture
If grouping of specimens in single carriers is used, then cost efficiency is improved, but ability to handle individual specimen priorities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments specimen carriers into individual units that can be independently routed and tracked. Rather than grouping multiple specimens in a single carrier that must follow the same path, each specimen carrier is independently managed, allowing cost-efficient automation while maintaining the ability to handle individual specimen priorities through separate routing decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automatic evaluation, processing and/or testing of an anatomic pathology specimen is disclosed. The specimen is placed into a primary or secondary container labeled with a unique identification code, placed into a specimen carrier, and the carrier marked with an identification code which uniquely identifies the specimen and, by virtue of the identification code, the evaluation, processing and/or tests to be conducted thereon. The identification code may be in the form of a bar code, an RFID tag or similar device or any other identification that is either human read able, machine readable or electronically transferred. The specimen contained within the specimen container or within the specimen carrier is entered into the anatomic pathology, histology or molecular diagnostics LAS at a receiving station, which reads the identification code.