Virtual Laboratory Interface for Pathology Workflow Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laboratories face inefficiencies and errors in processing biological specimens due to lack of effective tracking and workflow management, leading to potential losses in resources and increased costs from manual error correction and paperwork systems.
Innovation Solution
A computer-readable storage device with program instructions generates a user interface to display workflow information in a pathology laboratory, enabling a virtual representation of laboratory stations and providing supplemental views for user selection, allowing for tracking and visualization of specimen processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If manual tracking methods (log books, tracking sheets) are used to monitor specimen processing, then implementation cost is low, but workflow information completeness and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking systems (log books, tracking sheets) with an automated computer-based system that captures workflow data electronically. This substitution eliminates information loss associated with manual recording while managing complexity through software automation rather than physical infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service tracking where the laboratory information system automatically captures and records workflow data without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by automatically logging specimen movement, processing status, and associated metadata, thereby improving information completeness without adding operational complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple manual tracking systems are implemented to monitor specimens through various lab stations, then tracking coverage improves, but operational complexity and error opportunities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete tracking functions into a single integrated laboratory information system. Instead of implementing separate tracking mechanisms for different lab stations, the system consolidates all tracking operations into one unified platform, improving reliability through consistent data capture while simplifying operations by providing a single interface for monitoring specimen workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The laboratory information system performs multiple tracking functions simultaneously - monitoring specimen location, processing status, time stamps, and operator information - all through a single universal system. This multi-functionality approach enhances tracking reliability without requiring operators to manage multiple separate systems, thereby maintaining ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If detailed manual recordkeeping is performed at each lab station, then data accuracy improves, but time consumption and processing efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data capture automatically at each lab station interface, recording workflow information in real-time as specimens move through the laboratory. This preliminary automated recording ensures data accuracy is established at the source without requiring subsequent manual verification or detailed recordkeeping, thereby maintaining processing efficiency while achieving high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where workflow data is automatically captured, validated, and recorded at each processing stage. The real-time feedback loop ensures data accuracy through immediate validation rules and error checking, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual review processes while maintaining high measurement precision across all recorded data.
4Reliability
If elaborate paperwork systems are used to prevent processing errors, then error prevention capability improves, but resource consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces elaborate paperwork systems with an automated electronic validation system that prevents errors through software-based checks. The system substitutes physical paper-based error prevention mechanisms with digital validation rules, reducing resource consumption by eliminating paper, printing, and physical file management while maintaining or improving error prevention capability through programmable validation logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A tangible computer-readable storage device storing computer-executable program instructions that generate a user interface for displaying workflow information associated with a tissue specimen in a pathology laboratory. The program instructions may perform a method including displaying a virtual laboratory component representing a physical pathology laboratory having one or more laboratory stations for processing the tissue specimen according to a workflow, and displaying a specimen indicator that indicates a current specimen state based on a current relationship of the tissue specimen to the workflow. The method may further include enabling a first active component associated with the virtual laboratory component, wherein the first active component is configured to receive a user selection of a laboratory station and generating a supplemental view component of the selected laboratory station in response to the user selection, wherein the supplemental view provides supplemental information on processing by the selected laboratory station of the tissue specimen.