Specimen Collection Optimization Algorithm
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of laboratory tests for patients leads to discomfort, inconvenience, and higher expenses due to the need for multiple blood samples collected in separate containers, which can exceed practical collection limits.
Innovation Solution
A computer system optimizes the collection of biological samples by iteratively replacing containers associated with one test with aliquots from another, using algorithms and rules based on specimen type and collection limits, to minimize the number of containers required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each separate test uses a distinct specimen collected in its own container, then each test can be performed with dedicated sample, but the number of containers increases leading to greater patient discomfort and inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple test specimens into a single collection container by allowing different tests to share common specimens. The system identifies tests that can use the same blood sample and merges their collection requirements, thereby reducing the total number of containers needed while maintaining dedicated sample availability for each test through proper aliquoting and labeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling a single container to serve multiple tests simultaneously. The system allows one blood collection container to provide samples for multiple different laboratory tests, making the collection process more efficient and reducing patient discomfort while ensuring each test receives appropriate dedicated sample through systematic allocation.
2Ease of operation
If each separate test uses a distinct container, then sample handling is simplified per test, but the total number of containers exceeds practical collection limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple container requirements into a single collection event by identifying tests that can share specimens. The system calculates optimal container allocation by grouping tests that can use the same blood sample, thereby reducing the total number of containers from potentially multiple separate collections to a minimized single collection while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of test requirements before collection to determine optimal container allocation. The system pre-calculates which tests can share specimens and creates a collection plan that minimizes total containers needed, allowing the phlebotomist to collect samples once rather than multiple times while ensuring each test receives appropriate sample through pre-planned aliquoting.
3Productivity
If more blood is collected for multiple tests, then all test requirements are met, but patient expense and inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple test sample requirements into a single blood collection event. By identifying tests that can share common specimens and allocating samples efficiently, the system ensures all test requirements are met while minimizing the total volume of blood drawn and the number of containers used, thereby reducing patient expense and inconvenience while maintaining 100% test completion rate.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention relate to methods of optimizing the collection of specimens, e.g., of blood, when multiple laboratory tests have been prescribed at one time for a patient. Laboratory tests may use specimens such as blood drawn, e.g., through venipuncture, and patients may experience greater discomfort, inconvenience, and/or anxiety as more and more blood is collected, and at greater expense. Embodiments of the invention include computer systems configured to optimize the collection of specimens for laboratory tests to reduce the number of specimens that must be collected from a patient for any given set of laboratory tests.