Laser Labware Marking for IVF Chain of Custody
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures face challenges in accurately tracking biological materials due to concerns about introducing new technologies that could affect the success of the procedure, leading to labor-intensive and error-prone manual marking of labware, which is time-consuming and not suitable for sterile environments.
Innovation Solution
A system for marking labware using a non-toxic marking device that applies both human-readable and non-human-readable codes, such as 2D barcodes, along with an instruction set that includes information about the type of material, positioning, and chain of custody data, allowing for efficient and accurate tracking of biological materials without compromising the sterile environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual marking with carbide tipped stylus is used, then labware can be marked in sterile environment, but staff time consumption increases significantly and errors occur in duplication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical marking with a laser-based marking system. The laser marking device uses optical energy to mark labware instead of manual mechanical engraving, eliminating the need for staff to physically mark each item while maintaining precision and accuracy in the marking process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an automated system that retrieves patient information from an existing database and automatically generates markings. The system copies relevant data (patient ID, procedure type, etc.) from the database and applies it to multiple labware items without manual intervention, ensuring consistent duplication across all marked items
2Productivity
If automated marking systems are introduced, then productivity increases, but concerns arise about introducing new technology that could affect procedure success
Solution Approach 1:
The patent focuses on marking disposable labware items (culture dishes, vials, etc.) that are used once and then discarded. The marking system is designed specifically for these single-use items, where the marking provides necessary identification throughout the procedure lifecycle without requiring the marking material itself to be reusable or durable beyond the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows labware to be marked with inherent identification information directly on the item itself. The markings are applied directly to the labware surface, making the labware self-identifying without requiring separate labeling systems, barcodes on external tags, or additional tracking components that could introduce foreign materials
3Measurement precision
If hand engraving is performed repeatedly for each procedure, then accurate tracking is maintained, but the process becomes labor-intensive and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary retrieval of patient information from the database before the marking process. The marking device is pre-configured with the correct patient data, procedure type, and identification numbers, eliminating the need for staff to manually look up and transcribe information for each item, thereby maintaining accuracy while increasing throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical marking with an automated laser marking system. The laser precisely marks each labware item according to pre-retrieved data, eliminating human error in manual engraving while maintaining high precision through the laser's focused beam and computer-controlled positioning
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a system for marking labware. The system includes an instruction set with markings to be applied to pieces of labware and the order in which the markings are to be applied to the labware. The system also includes a marking device that receives the instruction set and then places the non-toxic marks on the pieces of labware. The invention also includes methods tracking chain of custody of biological material in a facility. The methods include assigning a unique marking for biological materials, storing that marking in a database, applying a non-toxic marking to a piece(s) of labware and then scanning the marking.