Cryogenic Specimen Transfer Workstation With RFID Chain-of-Custody
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in efficiently transferring biological specimens between cryogenic freezers and portable carriers while maintaining cryogenic conditions and ensuring proper identification and chain-of-custody during handling.
Innovation Solution
A workstation and apparatus that facilitates the transfer of biological specimens between a cryogenic freezer and a portable thermally insulated carrier, utilizing wireless transponders for identification and automated storage and retrieval systems to maintain chain-of-custody.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If biological specimens are stored in cryogenic freezers with manual retrieval processes, then identification and chain-of-custody tracking are difficult to maintain, but automated systems with wireless transponders improve tracking capability while increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs wireless transponders that automatically identify and track specimens without requiring manual intervention. The transponders self-serve the identification function by continuously emitting signals that are automatically read by the workstation's antenna array, eliminating the need for manual recordkeeping while maintaining simplified operational procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with an automated electromagnetic field-based transponder system. The wireless transponders use electromagnetic signals to provide automatic identification and tracking, substituting the mechanical process of manual recordkeeping and physical tracking with an automated electronic system that reduces overall system complexity despite the added technology.
2Productivity
If multiple cryopreservation storage devices are arrayed in cassettes for efficient storage, then retrieval of specific specimens requires removing additional specimens exposing them to non-cryogenic temperatures, but automated retrieval systems minimize exposure time while increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The workstation system performs preliminary identification of the required specimen using wireless transponders before initiating retrieval. The system pre-locates the target specimen's position within the cassette array, allowing for precise, minimal-access retrieval that avoids the need to remove multiple specimens and thereby minimizes exposure to non-cryogenic temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated retrieval system acts as an intermediary between the storage cassette and the user, performing the precise extraction of the required specimen without requiring manual handling of surrounding specimens. This intermediary mechanism enables selective retrieval while maintaining the cryogenic environment for all other stored specimens.
3Measurement precision
If manual labeling methods are used on storage devices, then identification accuracy is limited by human error, but automated transponder-based identification improves accuracy while increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual labeling and visual identification methods with automated wireless transponder technology. The transponders provide machine-readable identification that is automatically read by the workstation's antenna array, eliminating human error in identification while the automated reading process keeps the interface simple and intuitive for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless transponders create digital copies of specimen identification data that can be automatically read and verified by the system. This digital copying mechanism replaces physical labels with electronic data storage, providing high accuracy identification while the automated reading process maintains operational simplicity through intuitive user interaction.
4Speed
If cryopreservation storage devices are plunged quickly into liquid nitrogen for vitrification, then cooling speed is maximized, but temperature control precision during the process is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The workstation incorporates temperature sensing and control systems that provide feedback during the vitrification process. The system monitors temperature changes in real-time and adjusts the cooling rate accordingly, allowing for both rapid cooling and precise temperature control by modulating the cooling process based on measured thermal conditions.
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
Ensures efficient transfer and identification of biological specimens while minimizing exposure to non-cryogenic temperatures, thereby preserving specimen viability and maintaining evidence integrity.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the specimen containers may include one or more wireless transponders... The workstation may include at least one array of antennas... One or more radios are communicatively coupled to drive the antennas to emit interrogation signals
Implementation Method 2
A workstation and apparatus that facilitates the transfer of biological specimens between a cryogenic freezer and a portable thermally insulated carrier
Implementation Method 3
long-term preservation of cells and tissues through cryopreservation... continuously stored in a liquid nitrogen dewar or other container containing the liquid nitrogen, which is at a temperature of negative 190 degrees Celsius
Implementation Method 4
portable thermally insulated carrier or cassette... designed to be stored in a cryogenic refrigerator or dewar
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method facilitates transfers of specimen containers (e.g., vials with caps) between storage cassettes and carrier cassettes. The storage cassettes are designed to be stored in cryogenic refrigerators while the carrier cassettes are designed to be temporarily stored in a portable carrier. A workstation includes a well and removable buckets positioned in the well. The buckets are sized to hold the storage cassettes and carrier cassettes. One or more arrays of antennas underlie the well to allow interrogation of wireless transponders carried by the specimen containers. Improved storage cassettes and carrier cassettes are also described.