Biopsy Specimen Management System Automation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for handling and documenting biopsy specimens are inefficient and prone to errors, leading to mislabeling and increased healthcare costs due to manual data transcription and redundant processes.
Innovation Solution
An integrated specimen information system comprising portable computing devices with touch-sensitive screens, digital cameras, and storage for biopsy specimens, which automates data collection and management by associating specimen images with patient information and unique identifiers, reducing the need for manual labeling and transcription.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual labeling and data transcription methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to mislabeling errors and inaccurate clinical information
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing images of specimens and their labels at the point of collection, and pre-associating them with patient information before the specimen leaves the collection site. This eliminates the need for manual transcription later and ensures accuracy from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (handwriting labels, copying data) with automated optical and digital systems. Digital cameras capture specimen images, barcode scanners read identifiers, and software automatically associates data, eliminating human error in transcription and labeling.
2Productivity
If automated data collection and management systems are implemented, then productivity increases through automation, but device complexity increases due to additional hardware and software components
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed as a multi-functional integrated platform that performs multiple tasks: capturing specimen images, scanning barcodes, retrieving patient information from electronic health records, storing data in a database, and generating reports. This consolidation of functions into a single system improves productivity while managing complexity through integration rather than multiple separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operations where the automated system performs data collection, association, and management without requiring manual intervention at each step. The software automatically retrieves patient data, associates it with specimen images, and manages the database, reducing the need for manual labor and improving processing efficiency.
3Loss of time
If manual documentation processes are used, then ease of operation is maintained with simple procedures, but loss of time occurs due to redundant data entry and verification steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs data collection and association actions preliminarily at the point of specimen collection. Patient information is retrieved and associated with the specimen image before the specimen is transported to the laboratory, eliminating the need for redundant data entry and verification steps later in the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of specimen images and associated data that can be stored, transmitted, and accessed without requiring physical handling or manual transcription. This digital copying eliminates time loss from redundant data entry while maintaining ease of operation through automated processes.
4Reliability
If integrated automated systems are deployed, then reliability improves through reduced human error, but cost increases due to investment in technology infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces error-prone manual processes with automated digital systems that capture specimen images, scan identifiers, and automatically associate data. This substitution eliminates human transcription errors and improves reliability, while the automated nature of the system reduces long-term operational costs despite initial investment.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for on-site biopsy management. Patient information is retrieved through a biopsy system. A name of a patient, a biopsy type, and a site of the biopsy information are communicated to a user. Confirmations are received from the user through the biopsy system of the name of the patient, the biopsy type, and the site of the biopsy. A biopsy is associated with an identifier of a container securing the biopsy in response to receiving the confirmation. The biopsy information and the patient information is linked in the biopsy system. The linking is performed at a location the biopsy is performed.