Composite Barcode Label for Slide Tracking Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated slide stainers, like Ventana systems, require proprietary barcodes that obscure Laboratory Information System (LIS) barcodes, making it inefficient and error-prone to track slides across different systems, especially after staining, as the LIS barcodes become unreadable.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generate a composite barcode label combining LIS and proprietary data, allowing non-proprietary equipment to automatically retrieve LIS data by decoding the LIS barcode and accessing databases, thus eliminating the need to remove or re-enter data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a proprietary barcode label is placed over an LIS barcode label to enable automated staining, then the slide can be processed by automated stainers, but the LIS barcode becomes obscured and unreadable for subsequent tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the proprietary barcode and LIS barcode into a single composite barcode label. The composite label contains both the proprietary identifier (for automated stainer recognition) and the LIS identifier (for laboratory information system tracking) in one unified structure, eliminating the need to place one barcode over another and preventing obscuration of either code.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite barcode label serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a proprietary identifier for automated stainer systems and as an LIS identifier for laboratory information system tracking. This multi-functional design allows a single label to fulfill both automation requirements and information system integration requirements without compromising either function.
2Extent of automation
If the proprietary barcode label is placed over the LIS barcode label, then automated staining can proceed, but manual intervention is required to restore LIS barcode readability
Solution Approach 1:
The composite barcode label merges both proprietary and LIS identification functions into a single label that remains readable by both automated stainers and LIS systems throughout the entire workflow, eliminating the need for manual label removal or reapplication and maintaining continuous automated tracking capability.
3Extent of automation
If the LIS barcode is obscured by the proprietary barcode label, then proprietary system automation is maintained, but errors increase due to manual data re-entry
Solution Approach 1:
The composite barcode label provides universal recognition by both proprietary automated stainer systems and laboratory information systems, ensuring that automated data tracking is maintained throughout the entire workflow without requiring manual intervention, thereby preventing data entry errors and maintaining high reliability and accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for tracking a slide comprising a tissue sample. In an embodiment, data is received from a Laboratory Information System (LIS) barcode associated with a slide and a proprietary barcode generated by a slide staining system, such as a Ventana slide staining system, to track the slide through the staining process. A new label is printed that contains both the LIS barcode and the proprietary barcode, and is attached to the slide. When the slide is subsequently scanned by a slide scanning system, the slide scanning system reads and decodes the LIS barcode to obtain a LIS barcode value. The LIS barcode value may then be used to retrieve information associated with the slide.