Biological Sample Traceability via RFID and Mass Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transport of biological samples often results in significant losses (3% do not reach the analysis point), lack of traceability, and errors due to improper handling, including temperature, position, and light exposure, leading to increased costs and health risks, especially with high sample volumes.
Innovation Solution
A system using containment racks with embedded RFID tags and smart weight scales for traceability, minimizing manual interaction by linking preparation and check-in processes through a centralized database, ensuring accurate tracking and integrity of samples during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual transport operations are used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but traceability and error control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated system between the drawing point and analysis point that includes RFID tags on containers, weight scales for mass measurement, and a centralized database for tracking. This intermediary system maintains traceability without requiring complex automated handling mechanisms, resolving the contradiction by adding minimal complexity to achieve reliable traceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking with automated electronic identification systems using RFID tags and electronic weight scales. This substitution eliminates manual recording errors and provides automatic traceability, improving reliability while the electronic systems are simpler to implement than full automated mechanical handling systems.
2Productivity
If sample volume increases, then productivity improves, but error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through automated weight scales that compare actual sample mass against expected values and RFID tracking that provides real-time location and status information. This feedback system enables immediate detection of errors such as missing samples, incorrect routing, or contamination, allowing corrective action before errors propagate through the high-volume processing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-verification where containers with RFID tags automatically identify themselves at weight scales and through database records. The system self-checks for completeness and correctness of samples, reducing human error in high-volume processing without requiring additional manual verification steps that would reduce productivity.
3Reliability
If transport conditions are not monitored, then operational simplicity is maintained, but sample integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces environmental sensors as intermediaries that automatically monitor temperature, humidity, and other conditions during transport. These sensors act as passive mediators that collect data without requiring active intervention or complex control systems, maintaining sample integrity while adding minimal complexity to the transport infrastructure.
4Loss of information
If automated tracking is implemented, then traceability improves, but operational flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses passive RFID tags and automated weight scales that perform tracking functions without requiring active operational intervention. Containers automatically identify themselves and their status is recorded without operators needing to manually input data or follow complex procedures, maintaining operational flexibility while achieving comprehensive traceability through self-service automation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system significantly reduces sample loss and errors by maintaining traceability throughout the transport process, ensuring sample integrity and optimizing the transport of biological samples, thereby improving patient health outcomes and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
each containment rack and each container of biological sample is provided with a univocal identifier, preferably constituted by a passive RFID tag
Implementation Method 2
a first device for measuring the mass of containment racks
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system (1) for traceability of transport of containers (55) of biological samples, arranged in a containment rack (50), from a drawing point to an analysis point, in which a preparation apparatus (10) is able, for each containment rack (50) going out from the drawing point, to identify the containment rack (50), to detect the measurement of the outgoing mass of the containment rack (50) and to store the measurement of the outgoing mass in a centralized database (20), and in which a check-in apparatus (30) is able, for each containment rack (50) coming to the analysis point, to identify the containment rack (50), to detect the measurement of the incoming mass of the containment rack (50) and to compare the measurement of the outgoing mass stored in the centralized database (20) with the detected measurement of the incoming mass, generating an alert if the measurement of the outgoing mass is different from the measurement of the incoming mass.