RFID Specimen Tracking for Cryopreservation Error Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing cryopreserved reproductive cells like sperms and ova in infertility treatments face challenges such as human error in specimen identification, reduced efficiency due to frost interference, and lack of real-time patient information access, leading to potential mistakes and decreased fertilization and implantation ratios.
Innovation Solution
An individual management system utilizing a server, identification code readers, IC tags, and a network infrastructure that connects devices and containers within a facility, allowing for accurate specimen identification and tracking, even under frost conditions, and enabling patients to access treatment information through portable devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If handwritten labels or barcodes are used on containers and instruments, then specimen identification is possible, but human error in reading and potential mistakes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual identification methods (handwritten labels and barcode reading) with an automated radio frequency identification system. IC tags are attached to containers and instruments, and readers automatically detect and verify their identities through RFID communication, eliminating human reading errors and potential mistakes in specimen identification.
2Temperature
If containers are stored in liquid nitrogen tanks, then cryopreservation is achieved, but frost adheres to containers making identification difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual identification methods that fail under frost conditions with RFID technology. The IC tags and readers communicate through radio frequency signals that can penetrate frost and liquid nitrogen, allowing automatic identification without requiring visual access to labels or barcodes on the container surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID system introduces an intermediary communication method (radio frequency signals) between the identification system and the containers. This intermediary allows information transfer through the frost barrier, solving the problem of obscured visual labels while maintaining cryopreservation conditions.
3Device complexity
If manual identification methods are used, then system complexity is low, but working efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual identification and recording processes with automated RFID reading and data management systems. Multiple containers can be identified simultaneously through automatic radio frequency communication, and the integrated management system automatically records and tracks specimen information, dramatically improving working efficiency despite increased system complexity.
4Device complexity
If patients wait for treatment information updates, then system simplicity is maintained, but patient information access timeliness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a real-time feedback system where the RFID management system continuously updates treatment information and makes it accessible to patients through portable devices. The system automatically tracks specimen status, treatment progress, and storage conditions, providing timely feedback to both medical staff and patients without requiring manual information updates.
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
This system improves working efficiency, reduces errors, and enhances the traceability of reproductive cell treatments, leading to increased fertilization and implantation ratios by ensuring accurate specimen handling and real-time patient information access.
Implementation Method 1
an identification code reader which reads an identification code or an IC tag
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Provided is an individual management system that prevents confusion of ova, fertilized eggs, and the like to be used for treatment, and that is suitable for individual management of fertilized eggs and the like to be cryopreserved. This individual management system comprises: a server 11 installed in an appropriate location within a facility; a plurality of personal computers 13, 21; identification code readers 14, 22, 34 that are used at appropriate location within the facility; an identification code / IC tag reader 47; a device, instrument, implement, and container 41, 42, 43, 45 that are used to cryopreserve specimens, as necessary; and identification codes and IC tags 43d, 45c that are attached to at least the device, instrument, implement, and container. The device, instrument, implement, and container installed or used within the facility are interconnected via an intra-facility network 5, and further connected to a cloud server 71 via the Internet 6.