# US 8,150,114 B2 · Method for ensuring quality of a sample carrier

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- Number: US 8,150,114 B2
- Document ID: US8150114B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 12/087,409
- Filed: 2007-01-24
- Published: 2008-12-25
- Granted: 2012-04-03
- Earliest claimed: 2006-01-25
- Assignees: HemoCue AB
- Inventors: Kenth Svanberg; Fredrik Jönsson
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8150114B2

## CPC

- G01N 35/00732: {Identification of carriers, materials or components in automatic analysers}
- G06V 20/80: Recognising image objects characterised by unique random patterns
- G01N 2035/00772: {mechanical or optical code other than bar code}
- G06V 20/95: {Pattern authentication; Markers therefor; Forgery detection}
- G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q)
- G06V: IMAGE OR VIDEO RECOGNITION OR UNDERSTANDING

## Abstract

A method is provided for ensuring the quality of a sample carrier in connection with performing an analysis of a sample in the sample carrier in an analysis instrument for in vitro diagnosis, wherein the sample carrier is provided with a symbol for confirming the compatibility of the sample carrier with the analysis instrument. The method comprises bringing the sample carrier to an imaging position in the analysis instrument, acquiring an image of the sample carrier, and analyzing the acquired image to detect the presence of a symbol for identifying the genuineness of the sample carrier. Where the sample carrier is identified as genuine, the sample carrier is approved for use in the analysis instrument and the analysis instrument is enabled to perform an analysis of the sample in the sample carrier. The analysis comprises irradiating the sample by transmitting electromagnetic radiation through the sample carrier.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method for ensuring the quality of a sample carrier in connection with performing an analysis of a sample in the sample carrier in an analysis instrument for in vitro diagnosis, wherein the sample carrier is provided with a symbol for confirming the compatibility of the sample carrier with the analysis instrument, said method comprising:
placing the sample carrier on a carriage in the analysis instrument, wherein the carriage is arranged to transport the sample carrier to an imaging position and further to an analysis position if the sample carrier is identified as genuine,
bringing the sample carrier to the imaging position in the analysis instrument,
acquiring an image of the sample carrier,
analyzing the acquired image to detect the presence of a symbol for identifying the genuineness of the sample carrier, and
where the sample carrier is identified as genuine, approving the sample carrier for use in the analysis instrument and enabling the analysis instrument to perform an analysis of the sample in the sample carrier by automatically transporting the sample carrier to the analysis position,
said analysis comprising irradiating the sample by transmitting electromagnetic radiation through the sample carrier.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method according to claim 1, wherein the analyzing comprises determining the presence of specific features in the symbol.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The method according to claim 2, wherein the symbol is a trademark.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

The method according to claim 2, wherein the symbol is a logotype.

### Claim 5 (depends on 2)

The method according to claim 2, wherein the symbol is text.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The method according to claim 1, wherein the image is acquired by means of a camera.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The method according to claim 1, wherein the sample carrier is a cuvette adapted to acquire a blood sample.

### Claim 8 (depends on 2)

The method according to claim 2, wherein the image is acquired by means of a camera.

### Claim 9 (depends on 3)

The method according to claim 3, wherein the image is acquired by means of a camera.

### Claim 10 (depends on 4)

The method according to claim 4, wherein the image is acquired by means of a camera.

### Claim 11 (depends on 5)

The method according to claim 5, wherein the image is acquired by means of a camera.

### Claim 12 (depends on 2)

The method according to claim 2, wherein the sample carrier is a cuvette adapted to acquire a blood sample.

### Claim 13 (depends on 3)

The method according to claim 3, wherein the sample carrier is a cuvette adapted to acquire a blood sample.

### Claim 14 (depends on 4)

The method according to claim 4, wherein the sample carrier is a cuvette adapted to acquire a blood sample.

### Claim 15 (depends on 5)

The method according to claim 5, wherein the sample carrier is a cuvette adapted to acquire a blood sample.