Traceable labeling apparatus for containers of biological products

An apparatus for identifying a patient and marking containers of biological products or test tubes associated to said patient before collecting said biological products to be analyzed, comprising:

• a high security portable hardware device for processing and storing the patient's data capable of associating the patient's personal data and biometric data,
• a reading and patient biometric recognition device of said portable hardware device,
• a personal computer interacting with an operator and connected to a local communications network for exchanging information with remote data storage means,
• one or more computerized labeling machines of test tubes, each comprising a printer of barcodes onto labels adapted to receive printing commands after comparing expected and detected specimens accommodated in a positioning and recognition device supported by said labeling machine and applying said labels to said test tubes,
• each of said labeling machine comprises a motorized main roller and an upper and a lower passive secondary rollers, the upper and the lower passive secondary rollers are able to move forward and backwards with respect to the motorized main roller to entrap the test tube, the motorized main roller rotating and causing a rotation in the opposite direction of the test tube by two passive secondary rollers, the label being essentially dragged, inserting itself in the imperceptible space between the motorized main roller and the test tube, the operation of printing the label and the subsequent rotation of the motorized main roller and of the test tube being perfectly coordinated in order to promote a safe adhesion of label onto the test tube,
• wherein each of said labeling machines comprises a processing and control board provided with a univocal address within said local communications network, said processing and control board being capable of exchanging information with said remote data storage means and with said personal computer, and on the basis of said information, as well as that received after said comparison operated by said positioning and recognition device, of sending said print commands to said printer comprised in said labeling machine, and
• wherein the upper passive secondary roller is rocking to lift on the side surface of the test tube after the adhesion of the label and the upper and the lower passive secondary rollers move together forward towards the motorized main roller while it rotates to expel the test tube by sliding along the motorized main roller.