Tissue Cassette Barcode Reading for Reliable Histology Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current histology laboratory processes for tissue processing lack efficient and automated methods for identifying and tracking tissue cassettes, leading to potential errors in processing protocols and loss of sample integrity.
Innovation Solution
An automated device capable of sensing and storing identification information, such as barcodes, on tissue cassettes within a magazine or basket, allowing for quality control, routing, and tracking of cassettes, with features like barcode scanning, image capture, and integration with laboratory information systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual identification methods are used for tissue cassettes, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of sample tracking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual identification and tracking methods with an automated optical scanning system that uses light sources and sensors to read barcodes on tissue cassettes. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with optical/electronic systems directly improves tracking reliability while the modular design keeps added complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification system automatically scans and records barcode information without requiring manual intervention for each cassette. The sensor system autonomously detects and captures identification data, reducing human error and improving reliability while minimizing the operational complexity burden.
2Productivity
If automated barcode scanning is implemented, then productivity of histology processing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Manual tracking and documentation processes are replaced with automated optical scanning and electronic data capture. The system uses light sources, sensors, and processors to automatically read barcodes and update tracking databases, significantly improving processing throughput while consolidating multiple manual steps into a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning device is designed to perform multiple functions: identifying cassettes, tracking samples, verifying processing protocols, and integrating with laboratory information systems. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into one device, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Loss of information
If barcode identification is used on cassettes, then loss of information is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Manual reading and recording of sample information is replaced with automated optical scanning of barcodes. The light source illuminates the barcode, the sensor captures the pattern, and the processor decodes and stores the information electronically, eliminating transcription errors and ensuring complete information capture.
Solution Approach 2:
Barcodes serve as an intermediary between the physical cassette and the digital tracking system. They encode sample identification information in a machine-readable format that bridges the physical sample handling and electronic record-keeping systems, preventing information loss during transitions.
4Reliability
If automated sensing devices are added to magazines, then reliability of protocol verification is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The identification scanning system is integrated directly into the magazine structure, combining sample storage and protocol verification functions in one device. The light sources and sensors are built into the magazine compartments, allowing automatic scanning when cassettes are loaded or removed, improving verification reliability without requiring separate external scanning equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automatic feedback when protocol violations are detected through barcode verification. The processor compares scanned identification information against required protocols and can trigger alerts or prevent processing, ensuring reliable protocol adherence while the automated nature of the feedback reduces manual verification complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and system including an apparatus to identify an identifier on a tissue cassette in an assembly of a plurality of tissue cassettes including a light source operable to illuminate a plurality of tissue cassettes; a sensor operable to automatically capture an identifier on an individual tissue cassette or an image of the plurality of tissue cassettes in the assembly; and where the sensor is operable to capture reflected light from the light source of an image of the plurality of tissue cassettes, a converter to convert image data into an electronic signal. The system may include a processor operable to compare an identifier with a tissue processing protocol. A method including sensing identifiers on tissue cassettes each containing a tissue sample in an assembly comprising a plurality of tissue cassettes; and determining or verifying a tissue processing protocol of a tissue sample based on the sensed identifier.