Specimen Collection Device with RFID Cap and Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current specimen collection devices fail to securely associate biological specimens with identifying information, leading to potential tampering and contamination during sample transfer, which compromises the chain of custody and requires human intervention for specimen extraction and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A specimen collection device with a secure association of the specimen and identifying information, featuring a collector holder tube, a specimen collector with a closure and co-axial tube, and an RFID tag within the cap portion to maintain chain of custody, allowing automated specimen handling and tamper-proof operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual transfer or extraction of the collected specimen from the original collection absorbent is used, then the specimen can be transferred to analysis equipment, but sample contamination and operator exposure occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical transfer operations with an automated extraction system. The device uses a mechanism that automatically transfers the specimen from the collection absorbent to the analysis equipment without human intervention, thereby eliminating operator exposure and sample contamination risks while maintaining transfer capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated extraction mechanism between the collection absorbent and the analysis equipment. This intermediary system handles the specimen transfer process, acting as a mediator that prevents direct contact between the specimen and the operator, thus preventing contamination while enabling efficient transfer
2Productivity
If the collection absorbent is separated from its originally obtained identifying information for further sample processing, then the specimen can be processed, but chain of custody may be compromised and sample misidentification can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the identifying information with the collection absorbent into a single integrated unit. The identifying information is permanently associated with the absorbent through mechanisms such as barcodes, RFID tags, or other identification systems that cannot be separated from the specimen during processing, thereby maintaining chain of custody integrity while enabling automated processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the identifying information is embedded within or integrated into the collection absorbent assembly. The identification system is nested within the overall device structure, ensuring that the specimen and its identifying information remain associated throughout the processing workflow, preventing misidentification while allowing efficient processing
3Device complexity
If the collection paper or absorbent is not securely associated with identifying information, then the device structure is simpler, but tampering cannot be detected and chain of custody is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary security measures by pre-associating identifying information with the collection absorbent in a tamper-evident manner. The identification system is integrated into the device structure from the beginning, with features such as sealed attachments, permanent markings, or secure coding systems that immediately indicate if tampering has occurred, thereby providing tamper detection without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual indicators such as color-changing materials or tamper-evident markings that change appearance when tampering is attempted. These indicators provide immediate visual feedback about the integrity of the specimen-identification association, enabling tamper detection while maintaining a relatively simple device structure through the use of specialized materials rather than complex mechanical systems
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
Ensures secure and automated specimen handling and analysis without human intervention, preventing tampering and contamination, while maintaining accurate chain of custody and specimen identification.
Implementation Method 1
A co-axial tube contains at least a portion of the shaft. The specimen collector additionally comprises a chamber within the cap portion of the closure within which is inserted a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag in order to maintain the chain of custody of a collected specimen.
Data Source
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AI summary
A specimen collection device capable of maintaining chain of custody and automated specimen manipulation is provided. The specimen collection device of the present invention maintains secure association with a specimen and specimen identifying information, and provides compatibility with automated specimen handling and analysis equipment capable of transferring and/or extracting a collected specimen from clinical or environmental samples without human intervention.