Sample Tube Rack Data Storage and Wireless Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional processing of sample tubes is inefficient and error-prone, as test requests are manually entered into laboratory information systems, leading to delays and potential mistakes in sample handling and analysis.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that interacts with sample tube racks equipped with data storage elements, using a data reading unit to read data from sample tubes and a detection unit to write data to the storage element, enabling efficient and accurate tracking and processing of samples through wireless communication and sensor detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual data entry is used for test requests, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tube rack automatically performs data storage and transmission functions without requiring manual data entry. The rack reads data from sample tubes and automatically transmits it to the LIS, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for manual intervention, thereby increasing productivity while keeping operational complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of data entry with an automated electronic system. The tube rack uses electronic data storage elements and wireless communication to automatically transmit data, substituting the manual mechanical action with an automated electronic process that increases speed and accuracy
2Loss of time
If manual sorting and processing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tube rack stores data about sample tubes in advance, before they reach the laboratory. This preliminary data storage and preparation allows the laboratory to immediately process samples upon arrival without waiting for manual data entry, significantly reducing turnaround time while the automated system handles the complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual sorting and processing with automated detection and routing systems. Sensors and data processing automatically identify samples and direct them to appropriate equipment, eliminating manual sorting operations and reducing time loss while managing system complexity through automation
3Reliability
If manual data entry is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tube rack automatically reads and stores data from sample tubes without human intervention. This self-service data capture eliminates manual entry errors and ensures accurate, reliable data transmission to the LIS, improving reliability while the automated system manages the complexity of data handling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of data entry with automated electronic data capture and transmission. This substitution eliminates human error in data entry and ensures accurate, reliable data processing, with the automated electronic system managing the complexity of data validation and transmission
4Productivity
If automated data storage and transmission is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tube rack is designed as a multi-functional device that combines sample tube retention, data storage, and wireless data transmission capabilities. By integrating these functions into a single universal device, the system achieves high productivity while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The tube rack acts as an intermediary device between sample collection and laboratory processing. It automatically captures, stores, and transmits data, serving as a mediator that streamlines the workflow and increases productivity while the rack itself manages the complexity of data handling operations
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 solution streamlines the processing of sample tubes by reducing turnaround time, minimizing errors, and ensuring accurate sample handling and analysis by automating the data entry and tracking process, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of laboratory operations.
Implementation Method 1
using a data reading unit to read data from sample tubes and a detection unit to write data to the storage element, enabling efficient and accurate tracking and processing of samples through wireless communication and sensor detection
Implementation Method 2
a detection unit comprising at least one sensor configured to detect the presence of the sample tube in the tube rack if the tube rack is at a detection position with respect to the at least one sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Summarizing the invention, an apparatus configured to interact with a tube rack, the tube rack comprising a data storage element, is provided. The apparatus comprises: —a data reading unit configured to read first data from a sample tube when the sample tube is arranged at a reading position with respect to the data reading unit; —a detection unit comprising at least one sensor configured to detect the presence of the sample tube in the tube rack if the tube rack is at a detection position with respect to the at least one sensor; —a computing unit configured to write second data to the data storage element when the at least one sensor detects the presence of the sample tube in the tube rack.