Single point chain of custody within a distributed automation platform
AssigneeSiemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
InventorsBenjamin S. Pollack, Colin Mellars, Baris Yagci
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments are directed to a combination of an automation system that continuously tracks the identity and positions of all of its pucks with a single sample identification station and covers/interlocks in order to provide sample chain of custody without the need to re-identify the sample at points of interaction (aspiration, de-capping, etc.). This eliminates the need to have sample identification stations at each interaction point. This reduction of hardware allows the system to be cheaper, smaller, and more reliable. It also allows not only the automation system, but also existing pre-analytical/analytical equipment connected to the automation system, to run more efficiently.
Claims19
A distributed automation system for use in an in vitro diagnostics (IVD) environment comprising a plurality of carriers, each of the carriers comprising a label with a unique identification code and containing one or more vessels, each vessel comprising a label with a unique identification code and containing a respective sample, the system comprising:
- a plurality of interconnected modules;
- an automation track alongside and connected to the plurality of interconnected modules, along which the plurality of carriers move, the plurality of carriers transporting and delivering one or more vessels, each containing a respective sample, between the plurality of interconnected modules, wherein the automation track forms at least one loop to a single acquisition point;
- a barcode reader located at the single acquisition point at a portion of the automation track for acquiring an identification of each of the vessels and each of the carriers by the barcode reader;
- a cover set over areas of travel and destinations for the samples;
- and
- a processor configured to monitor the identification and a location of each of the vessels and each of the carriers and to detect if receive a signal indicating the cover is breached.
A method of utilizing a distributed automation system for use in an in vitro diagnostics (IVD) environment, the method comprising:
- providing a plurality of interconnected modules;
- providing a plurality of carriers, wherein each of the carriers comprises one or more vessels, wherein each vessel comprises a respective sample;
- providing an automation track connected to and alongside the plurality of interconnected modules, along which a carriers move, the plurality of carriers transporting and delivering one or more vessels, each containing a respective sample, between the plurality of interconnected modules, wherein the automation track forms at least one loop to a single acquisition point;
- providing a barcode reader, at the single acquisition point at a portion of the automation track;
- providing a cover set over areas of travel and destinations for the samples;
- acquiring, at the single acquisition point at a portion of the automation track, an identification of each of the vessels and each of the carriers by the barcode reader;
- monitoring, by the processor, the identification and a location of each of the vessels and each of the carriers;
- and
- receiving, by the processor, a signal indicating the cover is breached.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.