Biological Sample Routing to Reduce Transport Time and Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
The global routing and processing of biological samples within a laboratory environment is cumbersome, complex, time-consuming, and costly, affecting the reliability and efficiency of test results due to increased sample volumes and potential contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for selecting and transferring biological samples to an optimal processing laboratory using a computing device that autonomously evaluates laboratory data to minimize transportation time, distance, and contamination risks, balancing workload across laboratories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual routing and processing of biological samples is used, then flexibility in handling samples is maintained, but processing time increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical routing operations with an automated computer-implemented system that evaluates laboratory data, determines optimal processing laboratories, and generates transfer instructions automatically. This substitution eliminates manual intervention in sample routing while maintaining flexibility through algorithmic decision-making based on real-time laboratory capacity and sample requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the routing system to autonomously evaluate laboratory data, select appropriate processing laboratories, and generate transfer instructions without human intervention. The computer-implemented method independently manages the entire routing process from sample receipt to processing laboratory assignment, improving both speed and reliability.
2Productivity
If increased number of biological samples are processed, then laboratory throughput increases, but reliability of test results and processing time are negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic routing that adapts to changing laboratory conditions and sample volumes. The system continuously evaluates laboratory data including current workload, instrument availability, and processing capacity to dynamically assign samples to optimal laboratories. This dynamic allocation prevents any single laboratory from becoming overwhelmed while maintaining high throughput across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the sample processing workload across multiple laboratories based on their specific capabilities and current capacity. By dividing the overall processing task among multiple facilities rather than concentrating all samples in one location, the system maintains high throughput while ensuring each laboratory operates within reliable processing parameters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If longer transportation distance of samples between laboratories is used, then more laboratories can be utilized for processing, but contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by considering the specific characteristics and capabilities of each laboratory when assigning samples. The system evaluates laboratory data to match sample requirements with the most suitable local facility, minimizing transportation distance while ensuring the selected laboratory has the appropriate instruments and capacity for that specific sample type and test protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from laboratory data evaluation to continuously optimize routing decisions. By monitoring actual processing outcomes, transportation times, and contamination incidents, the system learns and adjusts its routing algorithms to minimize transportation distances while maintaining laboratory utilization efficiency.
4Productivity
If complex routing and processing procedures are implemented, then sample handling efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal routing system that handles multiple sample types, test protocols, and laboratory configurations through a single integrated computer-implemented method. The system evaluates diverse laboratory data and adapts its routing logic to accommodate different instrument capabilities and processing requirements, achieving high efficiency without requiring separate specialized systems for each sample type.
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of the present invention relates to a computer-implemented method, the method comprising at least the steps of: obtaining, by a first computing device, sample location data, the sample location data comprising information indicative of a sample location of a biological sample; obtaining, by the first computing device, test data, the test data comprising information indicative of one or more clinical tests to be performed on the biological sample; selecting by evaluating laboratory data, by the first computing device, a processing laboratory from a first plurality of laboratories, wherein the processing laboratory is located at a processing laboratory location and the processing laboratory comprises one or more laboratory instruments, the one or more laboratory instruments being configured to carry out the one or more clinical tests to be performed on the biological sample; and instructing, by the first computing device, an agent to initiate a transfer of the biological sample from the sample location to the processing laboratory location. Further aspects of the present invention relate to another computer-implemented method, a computer program product and a system.