Mobile Laboratory Test Request System with Location-Based Menu

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Solution Overview

Problem

The traditional paper-based laboratory test request process is slow and inefficient, requiring patients to physically deliver requests to laboratories, leading to lengthy wait times for results and inefficient communication between patients, doctors, and laboratories.

Innovation Solution

A mobile computing device-based system that displays a variable laboratory test menu based on geographic location, allows users to select and schedule tests, and sends requests to a server, including features like insurance coverage confirmation, appointment scheduling, and image processing for laboratory test requests.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a mobile computing device-based system is implemented, then productivity and communication efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting process efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile computing device serves multiple functions: displaying the laboratory test menu, accepting user selections, scheduling appointments, sending requests to the server, and receiving/displaying results. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate systems into a single device, improving productivity while managing complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The server acts as an intermediary between the mobile device and the laboratory testing infrastructure. It receives test requests from the mobile device, processes them, and returns results, thereby mediating the complex interactions between the user interface and the backend testing systems. This intermediary approach simplifies the mobile device's role while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If traditional paper-based test requests are used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewait time for resultsVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical paper-based system with an electronic/digital system. Instead of physical paper requests that must be manually delivered and processed, the system uses electronic communication through mobile devices and servers. This substitution dramatically reduces the time required for request transmission and result delivery, though it introduces greater system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by allowing patients to select tests, schedule appointments, and submit requests in advance through the mobile device. This eliminates the need for same-day paper requests and physical delivery, significantly reducing wait times. The server then processes these pre-submitted requests efficiently, further reducing overall processing time despite the increased digital infrastructure required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10943689B1Systems and methods for laboratory testing and result management

Publication Date: 2021.03.09 LABRADOR DIAGNOSTICS LLC

AI summary

In one embodiment, a method is provided comprising displaying a laboratory test menu on a mobile computing device, where the test menu is variable-based on geographic location; selecting one or more tests from said test menu; and using the mobile computing device to send a laboratory test request to a server.