US3656473A - Medical data processing - Google Patents
Medical data processing Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US3656473A US3656473A US853649A US3656473DA US3656473A US 3656473 A US3656473 A US 3656473A US 853649 A US853649 A US 853649A US 3656473D A US3656473D A US 3656473DA US 3656473 A US3656473 A US 3656473A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- label
- specimen
- patient
- impressing
- encoded
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 29
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 44
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000002390 adhesive tape Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000003566 sealing material Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 210000000707 wrist Anatomy 0.000 abstract description 5
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 abstract description 3
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000002372 labelling Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000004458 analytical method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920001875 Ebonite Polymers 0.000 description 1
- HEFNNWSXXWATRW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ibuprofen Chemical compound CC(C)CC1=CC=C(C(C)C(O)=O)C=C1 HEFNNWSXXWATRW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004809 Teflon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006362 Teflon® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000008280 blood Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000004369 blood Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000001413 cellular effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005119 centrifugation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003745 diagnosis Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002405 diagnostic procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010380 label transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910001120 nichrome Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920003223 poly(pyromellitimide-1,4-diphenyl ether) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010998 test method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002560 therapeutic procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013518 transcription Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035897 transcription Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012795 verification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/02—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
- B01L3/54—Labware with identification means
- B01L3/545—Labware with identification means for laboratory containers
- B01L3/5453—Labware with identification means for laboratory containers for test tubes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/00584—Control arrangements for automatic analysers
- G01N35/00722—Communications; Identification
- G01N35/00732—Identification of carriers, materials or components in automatic analysers
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/00584—Control arrangements for automatic analysers
- G01N35/00722—Communications; Identification
- G01N35/00732—Identification of carriers, materials or components in automatic analysers
- G01N2035/00742—Type of codes
- G01N2035/00772—Type of codes mechanical or optical code other than bar code
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/00584—Control arrangements for automatic analysers
- G01N35/00722—Communications; Identification
- G01N35/00732—Identification of carriers, materials or components in automatic analysers
- G01N2035/00742—Type of codes
- G01N2035/00782—Type of codes reprogrammmable code
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/00584—Control arrangements for automatic analysers
- G01N35/00722—Communications; Identification
- G01N35/00732—Identification of carriers, materials or components in automatic analysers
- G01N2035/00861—Identification of carriers, materials or components in automatic analysers printing and sticking of identifiers
Definitions
- ABSTRACT A test tube bearing a label for receiving identifying marks is keyed into a label marking unit in the presence of the patient.
- Unique patient identification information is transcribed from his charge plate or wrist bracelet.
- Specimen description information and processing directions generated by keyboard, automatic modules, or auxiliary cards are also encoded on the label. Such cards may also receive the identification information.
- the label is decoded in keyed reading units in the laboratory and the indicated procedures perfonned.
- the identification information is read at process junctures and transcribed automatically to additional aliquot containers as required to maintain positive identification of the specimen.
- FIG. 1 A first figure.
- PATENTEDAPR 18 I972 SHEET 2 UF 2 ORIG NA L BLANK 00 N TAINERS LABELED SAMPLE CONTAINER WITH UNMARICED LABELS LABEL 8 ⁇ ALIQUOT TRANSFER UNI T ORIGINAL SAMPLE LABELED CONTAINER .ALIQUOT CONTAINER OUT FIG. 4
- the present invention relates in general to the processing of medical data and more particularly concerns apparatus and techniques for insuring positive identification of a sample throughout the processing system in which test procedures are performed to aid in medical diagnosis of the patients ailment and the monitoring of his response to therapy.
- the invention facilitates accurately identifying a specimen-bearing container associated with a particular patient with a minimum of error.
- a label imprinter adapted to receive a specimen container with a permanently attached encodable label thereon and at least a patient identifying card or wrist bracelet kept with the patient so that a nurse or technician may insert the card or bracelet and cause the patient identification data to be directly impressed on the specimen container label, preferably with other indicia further identifying the specimen such as the nature of the specimen, the date and/or time taken.
- the label is not detachable from the tube nor subject to damage or alteration under normal hospital conditions.
- the information is transcribed onto the. tube in the form of digitally encoded dots or other kinds of markings and may thus be either numeric or alphanumeric in content. These marks can both be written and read by machine and the information which they carry is therefore in a form compatible with but not limited to automatic data processing systems.
- the unique patient identification information is transferred from coded holes or marks on the patients hospital charge plate or from a similarly prepared wrist bracelet when these are inserted into the aforementioned marking unit.
- the related background information is encoded onto the test tube from a keyboard on the marking unit.
- Special handling instructions e. g., diagnostic test requests
- the same card or an auxiliary card may also receive all or part of the information transcribed onto the sample container for subsequent correlation with the container.
- the tube (and additional card if used) are delivered to the processing laboratory.
- the sample container can then be keyed into a device which decodes the marks previously transcribed onto the tube and transfers the identification and other information into storage in a data processing system.
- Satellite reading units can be employed for operator verification of paachieve the desired tient identity at any stage of the processing.
- the same or similar reading and previously mentioned writing units can be combined to form a transfer unit which automatically transcribes and reverifies the coded information from the original sample container to another test tube, a procedure which can be employed simultaneously with the automatic or manual transfer of part or all of the sample from one tube to another.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the logical flow of elements into a portable label encoder according to the invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a suitable label encoder according to the invention.
- FIG. 2 A is a bottom view of test tube 15.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a suitable test tube reader according to the invention.
- FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the logical fiow of elements into a label transfer module.
- a portable label encoder 11 which may receive a test tube at input 12, a patient identification card at input 13 and a test request card at input 14 for encoding identification and other data on the test tube label 16 and preferably for simultaneous transcribing information on to the request card 24 concerning the tests to be made on the specimen.
- a wrist bracelet may be read in a hand held unit connected to label encoder 11 by cable.
- Test tube input 12 may include the circular opening with alignment pin 37 at the bottom so that test tube 15 with its label 16 and alignment indent 38 is keyed in position with the label 16 (best seen in FIG. 3) facing label encoder 17 to insure correct labeling of test tube 15. Vacutainer tubes adapted in manufacture to include this indent have been used to alignment.
- Test tube 15 preferably contains a permanent label in a well-defined orientation relative to the indent that is temperature sensitive so that label encoder 17 may appropriately encode with controlled heating elements the test tube label 16 with information such as patient identification, and other pertinent data such as the specimen type, the test to be performed, the ward, the time, the date and an accession number which also identified the particular portable label encoder 11.
- Temperature sensitive label 16 is preferably affixed to test tube 15 with a high melting point transparent plasticized adhesive tape which permanently bonds label 16 onto test tube 15, protects label 16 from spillage and other hazards, and facilitates the encoding of uniform marks on label 16 by diffusing the heat from the heating elements in label encoder 17.
- a preferred combination of materials uses an under layer of the Nashua Corporations OWT thermal sensitive paper beneath a self-adhering layer of the Connecticut Hard Rubber Company's KAPTON type 250 teflon tape.
- An alternate approach uses a thermosensitive paint such as one of the Tempil Corporation's TEMP- ALARM series which is applied directly to the tube by brush, spray, or dip and subsequently covered by a similarly applied protective and sealing overcoat.
- the label marks are imprinted by exposure to a set of multitum coils of nichrome wire whose temperature is elevated for a controlled time interval by a current source and time delay relay. The coil construction, exposure time, and operating temperature are adjusted to optimize the size and uniformity of the marks.
- a patient identification card 21 may be inserted into input recess 13 so that the apparatus may read patient I. D. card 21 and actuate label encoder l7 accordingly to record this information on test tube label 16.
- information such as the ward, date, time and accession number may be encoded on label 16 by label encoder 17 along with test requests that may be designated by the selection keys 18.
- the test request information could be read from card 24 rather than via the keyboard if such a card has been previously prepared elsewhere in the hospital system.
- the specific logical apparatus for reading the I. D. card may be any of the well-known card reader systems and is not a part of this invention.
- the portable label encoder 11 includes a label verifier scanner 22 in recess 23 so that test tube may be placed in recess 23, and appropriate scanning mechanism actuated to effect readout of the permanent label identifying all the information on the label 16 to insure no error.
- the readout of these results may be on an associated CRT display, printed out or otherwise suitably displayed.
- the specific means for displaying the label information may be any well-known technique and is not a part of this invention.
- FIG. 3 there is shown a perspective view of a suitable mechanism for effecting scanning of permanent label 16 of test tube 15.
- the unit reads the marks using reflected light.
- the linear array of marks is read in serial fashion as the read head is mechanically scanned along the tube.
- An alternate embodiment would employ an array of sensors, one for each mark to produce parallel read out.
- Label 16 is shown with two rows of binary data that may be optically read.
- Scanner 22 resides in slot 23.
- a rack and pinion scanner 25 driven by a motor causes the two rows 26 and 27 to be scanned by means including fiber optical cords 31 and 32, respectively, each energized at an input end 33 and 34, respectively, by a suitable light source (not shown) and delivering data representative light energy at output ends 35 and 36, respectively, to respective photocells (not shown) whose outputs may be suitably decoded by well known logical apparatus and converted into alphanumeric data corresponding to that imprinted upon label 24 by label encoder 17.
- Similar scanning apparatus and logical apparatus may be used at the input to individual test instruments to recover the identification information encoded on the label and correlate this information with the results of the analytical procedure on the specimen in the test tube 15.
- such reading apparatus can be used to recover the information encoded on the test tube for visual display in the laboratory or elsewhere using a CRT, printer or other well known technique.
- the above described reading and writing methods may be readily combined in a transfer module in which both the appropriate specimen component and the identification information are simultaneously transferred to a new test tube.
- the transcribed data is then automatically read and verified as in the bedside unit.
- the logical flow of material through this unit is shown in FIG. 4.
- the physical positioning of all test tubes within the transfer module may be performed either manually or automatically with the label transcription fully automated in the same fashion as in the bedside label marking unit, with the exception that the identification information is obtained from the original test tube instead of a card.
- a method of medical data processing which method includes the steps of,
- Medical data processing apparatus comprising,
- patient identification means for providing encoded patient identification data uniquely identifying an associated patient, means for receiving both said specimen container and said patient identification means and responding to said patient identification means for impressing said encoded patient identification data upon said encodable label to provide on said label an automatically readable identification of the patient from whom the specimen in said container was taken,
- said means for receiving also including separate means for receiving said specimen container for scanning said encodable label immediately after impressing encoded data by said means for impressing for reading out all the information encoded on said encodable label to provide an output indication for comparison with said patient identification data to insure the absence of error.
- Medical data processing apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein said means for receiving includes means for impressing encoded data on said label identifying the test to be performed upon said specimen to also provide on said label an automatically readable identification of the test to be performed upon said specimen.
- thermosensitive material thermosensitive material
- said means for impressing includes means for selectively heating predetermined portions of said thermosensitive pizterial to visibly impress said encoded data upon said 7.
- Medical data processing apparatus in accordance with claim 6 wherein said thermosensitive material is secured to said container with a high melting point transparent plasticized adhesive tape.
Abstract
A test tube bearing a label for receiving identifying marks is keyed into a label marking unit in the presence of the patient. Unique patient identification information is transcribed from his charge plate or wrist bracelet. Specimen description information and processing directions generated by keyboard, automatic modules, or auxiliary cards are also encoded on the label. Such cards may also receive the identification information. The label is decoded in keyed reading units in the laboratory and the indicated procedures performed. The identification information is read at process junctures and transcribed automatically to additional aliquot containers as required to maintain positive identification of the specimen.
Description
United States Patent Sedickson et a1.
58 Field Inventors:
Assignee:
Filed:
Appl.
tin J. Rubin, Chevy Chase, Md.
American Science & Engineering, Inc.,
Cambridge, Mass.
Aug. 28, 1969 US. Cl. ..128/2 R, 73/423 A, 128/2 G,
A6lb 10/00 ofSearch ..l28/2,2 R,2G,2F;
References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Young ..73/423 A Conrad Whitehead et al.. Engelhardt et al..
15] 3,656,473 [451 Apr. 18, 1972 Primary Examiner-Richard A. Gaudet Assistant Examiner-Kyle L. Howell AttorneyCharles Hieken [5 7] ABSTRACT A test tube bearing a label for receiving identifying marks is keyed into a label marking unit in the presence of the patient. Unique patient identification information is transcribed from his charge plate or wrist bracelet. Specimen description information and processing directions generated by keyboard, automatic modules, or auxiliary cards are also encoded on the label. Such cards may also receive the identification information. The label is decoded in keyed reading units in the laboratory and the indicated procedures perfonned. The identification information is read at process junctures and transcribed automatically to additional aliquot containers as required to maintain positive identification of the specimen.
8 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures SHEET 10F 2 INVENTORS R SODI C KS ON ATTORNEYS RTIN RUBIN STE PATENTEDAPR 18 I972 HOSPI 18% WARD ADMITTING ROOM 7 mmOCmmd 0 PORTABLE LABEL ENCODER F l G. 2
FIG.
ENTO R s CKSO N R N M ATTORNEYS MEDICAL DATA PROCESSING The present invention relates in general to the processing of medical data and more particularly concerns apparatus and techniques for insuring positive identification of a sample throughout the processing system in which test procedures are performed to aid in medical diagnosis of the patients ailment and the monitoring of his response to therapy. The invention facilitates accurately identifying a specimen-bearing container associated with a particular patient with a minimum of error.
Considerable effort has been devoted to increasing the speed and efficiency of hospital clinical laboratories by using computerized data retrieval and manipulation systems and by coupling computers to existing automated analysis instruments. The overall time for processing collected samples and the burden of routine record-keeping functions once in the laboratory has been materially reduced. Despite these advances, serious problems remain. To date the sample labeling problem has not been adequately solved, with all known manual and automated technique subject to a numerous variety of possible circumstances in which an accurately analyzed sample can be associated with the wrong patient. For example, blood may be drawn from the wrong patient, a sample tube may be wrongly marked, the label may be accidentally transposed during transit or processing, or the label may be misinterpreted. Accordingly, it is an important object of this invention to minimize the opportunities for such errors by the use of a specially prepared damage resistant permanently attached label, and by performing the labeling operation substantially at the time and place the specimen is withdrawn from a patient in a manner that facilitates automatic processing of the specimen and association of the test results with the patient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the invention, there is a label imprinter adapted to receive a specimen container with a permanently attached encodable label thereon and at least a patient identifying card or wrist bracelet kept with the patient so that a nurse or technician may insert the card or bracelet and cause the patient identification data to be directly impressed on the specimen container label, preferably with other indicia further identifying the specimen such as the nature of the specimen, the date and/or time taken.
The label is not detachable from the tube nor subject to damage or alteration under normal hospital conditions. The information is transcribed onto the. tube in the form of digitally encoded dots or other kinds of markings and may thus be either numeric or alphanumeric in content. These marks can both be written and read by machine and the information which they carry is therefore in a form compatible with but not limited to automatic data processing systems.
The unique patient identification information is transferred from coded holes or marks on the patients hospital charge plate or from a similarly prepared wrist bracelet when these are inserted into the aforementioned marking unit. The related background information is encoded onto the test tube from a keyboard on the marking unit. Special handling instructions e. g., diagnostic test requests) may also be encoded onto the tube from the keyboard or from a previously prepared card which contains the instructions in machine readable form and which is inserted into the marking unit. The same card or an auxiliary card may also receive all or part of the information transcribed onto the sample container for subsequent correlation with the container.
Once the label is complete and the specimen drawn, the tube (and additional card if used) are delivered to the processing laboratory. The sample container can then be keyed into a device which decodes the marks previously transcribed onto the tube and transfers the identification and other information into storage in a data processing system. Satellite reading units can be employed for operator verification of paachieve the desired tient identity at any stage of the processing. The same or similar reading and previously mentioned writing units can be combined to form a transfer unit which automatically transcribes and reverifies the coded information from the original sample container to another test tube, a procedure which can be employed simultaneously with the automatic or manual transfer of part or all of the sample from one tube to another.
Numerous other features, objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following specification when read in connection with the accompanying drawing in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the logical flow of elements into a portable label encoder according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a suitable label encoder according to the invention;
FIG. 2 A is a bottom view of test tube 15.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a suitable test tube reader according to the invention; and
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the logical fiow of elements into a label transfer module.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRE EMBODIMENTS With reference now to the drawing and more particularly FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a portable label encoder 11 which may receive a test tube at input 12, a patient identification card at input 13 and a test request card at input 14 for encoding identification and other data on the test tube label 16 and preferably for simultaneous transcribing information on to the request card 24 concerning the tests to be made on the specimen. In an alternate embodiment a wrist bracelet may be read in a hand held unit connected to label encoder 11 by cable.
Referring to FIG. 2 there is shown a perspective exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the portable label encoder 11. Test tube input 12 may include the circular opening with alignment pin 37 at the bottom so that test tube 15 with its label 16 and alignment indent 38 is keyed in position with the label 16 (best seen in FIG. 3) facing label encoder 17 to insure correct labeling of test tube 15. Vacutainer tubes adapted in manufacture to include this indent have been used to alignment. Test tube 15 preferably contains a permanent label in a well-defined orientation relative to the indent that is temperature sensitive so that label encoder 17 may appropriately encode with controlled heating elements the test tube label 16 with information such as patient identification, and other pertinent data such as the specimen type, the test to be performed, the ward, the time, the date and an accession number which also identified the particular portable label encoder 11. Temperature sensitive label 16 is preferably affixed to test tube 15 with a high melting point transparent plasticized adhesive tape which permanently bonds label 16 onto test tube 15, protects label 16 from spillage and other hazards, and facilitates the encoding of uniform marks on label 16 by diffusing the heat from the heating elements in label encoder 17. A preferred combination of materials uses an under layer of the Nashua Corporations OWT thermal sensitive paper beneath a self-adhering layer of the Connecticut Hard Rubber Company's KAPTON type 250 teflon tape. An alternate approach uses a thermosensitive paint such as one of the Tempil Corporation's TEMP- ALARM series which is applied directly to the tube by brush, spray, or dip and subsequently covered by a similarly applied protective and sealing overcoat. The label marks are imprinted by exposure to a set of multitum coils of nichrome wire whose temperature is elevated for a controlled time interval by a current source and time delay relay. The coil construction, exposure time, and operating temperature are adjusted to optimize the size and uniformity of the marks.
A patient identification card 21 may be inserted into input recess 13 so that the apparatus may read patient I. D. card 21 and actuate label encoder l7 accordingly to record this information on test tube label 16. Similarly, information such as the ward, date, time and accession number may be encoded on label 16 by label encoder 17 along with test requests that may be designated by the selection keys 18. In an alternate embodiment, the test request information could be read from card 24 rather than via the keyboard if such a card has been previously prepared elsewhere in the hospital system. The specific logical apparatus for reading the I. D. card may be any of the well-known card reader systems and is not a part of this invention.
Preferably the portable label encoder 11 includes a label verifier scanner 22 in recess 23 so that test tube may be placed in recess 23, and appropriate scanning mechanism actuated to effect readout of the permanent label identifying all the information on the label 16 to insure no error. The readout of these results may be on an associated CRT display, printed out or otherwise suitably displayed. The specific means for displaying the label information may be any well-known technique and is not a part of this invention.
Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of a suitable mechanism for effecting scanning of permanent label 16 of test tube 15. The unit reads the marks using reflected light. The linear array of marks is read in serial fashion as the read head is mechanically scanned along the tube. An alternate embodiment would employ an array of sensors, one for each mark to produce parallel read out. Label 16 is shown with two rows of binary data that may be optically read.
To facilitate the maintenance of absolute sample identity through normal laboratory processes such as the separation of cellular and fluid components by centrifugation and the division of the sample into numerous aliquots for a large number of discreteanalytic channels the above described reading and writing methods may be readily combined in a transfer module in which both the appropriate specimen component and the identification information are simultaneously transferred to a new test tube. The transcribed data is then automatically read and verified as in the bedside unit. The logical flow of material through this unit is shown in FIG. 4. The physical positioning of all test tubes within the transfer module may be performed either manually or automatically with the label transcription fully automated in the same fashion as in the bedside label marking unit, with the exception that the identification information is obtained from the original test tube instead of a card.
There has been described novel apparatus and techniques for insuring proper association of a specimen with a patient and the test to be performed on that patient. The invention is especially useful in connection with automatic testing and reporting systems using digital data techniques.
It is evident that those skilled in the art may now make numerous uses and modifications of any departures from the specific embodiments described herein without departing from the inventive concepts. Consequently, the invention is to be construed as embracing each and every novel feature and novel combination of features present in or possessed by the apparatus and techniques herein disclosed.
What is claimed is:
l. A method of medical data processing which method includes the steps of,
placing a specimen from a patient in a specimen container having a permanently attached encodable label thereon, placing said container in a code impressing means, then impressing encoded patient identification data from a patient identification means associated with and uniquely identifying said patient upon said encodable label to provide on said label an automatically readable identification of the patient from whom said specimen was taken, and
immediately after said impressing step and before said specimen is subjected to testing, placing said container in a code reading means associated with said code impressing means, scanning said encodable label to read out all the information encoded thereon and comparing the information thus read out with said patient identification data just previously impressed to insure the absence of error.
2. A method of medical data processing in accordance with claim 1 and further including the step of impressing encoded data on said label identifying the test to be performed upon said specimen to also provide on said label an automatically readable identification of the test to be performed upon said specimen.
3. A method of medical data processing in accordance with claim 2 and further including,
the scanning of said label being with said code reading means to provide an encoded output signal that both identifies said patient and the test to be performed upon said specimen.
4. Medical data processing apparatus comprising,
a specimen container having a permanently attached encodable label thereon,
patient identification means for providing encoded patient identification data uniquely identifying an associated patient, means for receiving both said specimen container and said patient identification means and responding to said patient identification means for impressing said encoded patient identification data upon said encodable label to provide on said label an automatically readable identification of the patient from whom the specimen in said container was taken,
said means for receiving also including separate means for receiving said specimen container for scanning said encodable label immediately after impressing encoded data by said means for impressing for reading out all the information encoded on said encodable label to provide an output indication for comparison with said patient identification data to insure the absence of error.
5. Medical data processing apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein said means for receiving includes means for impressing encoded data on said label identifying the test to be performed upon said specimen to also provide on said label an automatically readable identification of the test to be performed upon said specimen.
6. Medical data processing apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein said label includes thermosensitive material, and
said means for impressing includes means for selectively heating predetermined portions of said thermosensitive pizterial to visibly impress said encoded data upon said 7. Medical data processing apparatus in accordance with claim 6 wherein said thermosensitive material is secured to said container with a high melting point transparent plasticized adhesive tape.
8. Medical data processing apparatus in accordance with claim 6 wherein said therrnosensitive material is applied directly to said container as a layer of paint which is then covered by a suitable layer of protective and sealing material.
Claims (8)
1. A method of medical data processing which method includes the steps of, placing a specimen from a patient in a specimen container having a permanently attached encodable label thereon, placing said container in a code impressing means, then impressing encoded patient identification data from a patient identification means associated with and uniquely identifying said patient upon said encodable label to provide on said label an automatically readable identification of the patient from whom said specimen was taken, and immediately after said impressing step and before said specimen is subjected to testing, placing said container in a code reading means associated with said code impressing means, scanning said encodable label to read out all the information encoded thereon and comparing the information thus read out with said patient identification data just previously impressed to insure the absence of error.
2. A method of medical data processing in accordance with claim 1 and further including the step of impressing encoded data on said label identifying the test to be performed upon said specimen to also provide on said label an automatically readable identification of the test to be performed upon said specimen.
3. A method of medical data processing in accordance with claim 2 and further including, the scanning of said label being with said code reading means to provide an encoded output signal that both identifies said patient and the test to be performed upon said specimen.
4. Medical data processing apparatus comprising, a specimen container having a permanently attached encodable label thereon, patient identification means for providing encoded patient identification data uniquely identifying an associated patient, means for receiving both said specimen container and said patient idenTification means and responding to said patient identification means for impressing said encoded patient identification data upon said encodable label to provide on said label an automatically readable identification of the patient from whom the specimen in said container was taken, said means for receiving also including separate means for receiving said specimen container for scanning said encodable label immediately after impressing encoded data by said means for impressing for reading out all the information encoded on said encodable label to provide an output indication for comparison with said patient identification data to insure the absence of error.
5. Medical data processing apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein said means for receiving includes means for impressing encoded data on said label identifying the test to be performed upon said specimen to also provide on said label an automatically readable identification of the test to be performed upon said specimen.
6. Medical data processing apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein said label includes thermosensitive material, and said means for impressing includes means for selectively heating predetermined portions of said thermosensitive material to visibly impress said encoded data upon said label.
7. Medical data processing apparatus in accordance with claim 6 wherein said thermosensitive material is secured to said container with a high melting point transparent plasticized adhesive tape.
8. Medical data processing apparatus in accordance with claim 6 wherein said thermosensitive material is applied directly to said container as a layer of paint which is then covered by a suitable layer of protective and sealing material.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US85364969A | 1969-08-28 | 1969-08-28 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US3656473A true US3656473A (en) | 1972-04-18 |
Family
ID=25316569
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US853649A Expired - Lifetime US3656473A (en) | 1969-08-28 | 1969-08-28 | Medical data processing |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US3656473A (en) |
CA (1) | CA952078A (en) |
DE (2) | DE2042540A1 (en) |
FR (1) | FR2060333B1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB1285115A (en) |
Cited By (22)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3735902A (en) * | 1971-07-22 | 1973-05-29 | Instrumentation Labor Inc | Dispenser apparatus |
US4121574A (en) * | 1977-04-11 | 1978-10-24 | Medicgraph Systems, Inc. | Method and apparatus for measuring and recording vital signs of a patient |
EP0027886A1 (en) * | 1979-10-29 | 1981-05-06 | E.I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Method and system for reproducing identification characters |
US4279861A (en) * | 1979-05-09 | 1981-07-21 | Eastman Kodak Company | Cartridge discriminator for an automated analysis system |
US4460824A (en) * | 1980-02-26 | 1984-07-17 | Olympus Optical Co. Ltd. | Test requisition card for automatic analyzing apparatus |
US4476381A (en) * | 1982-02-24 | 1984-10-09 | Rubin Martin I | Patient treatment method |
FR2555744A1 (en) * | 1983-11-30 | 1985-05-31 | Philips Ind Commerciale | Test piece with means for storing the results of analysis |
US4678894A (en) * | 1985-04-18 | 1987-07-07 | Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. | Sample identification system |
WO1988001234A1 (en) * | 1986-08-20 | 1988-02-25 | Coulter Electronics, Inc. | Automatic printing apparatus utilizing turnaround document |
US4855909A (en) * | 1987-11-20 | 1989-08-08 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Forensic sample tracking system and print station therefor |
US5468022A (en) * | 1994-06-14 | 1995-11-21 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Sample tube identification flag |
US5879628A (en) * | 1996-05-06 | 1999-03-09 | Helena Laboratories Corporation | Blood coagulation system having a bar code reader and a detecting means for detecting the presence of reagents in the cuvette |
US6058876A (en) * | 1998-09-17 | 2000-05-09 | Keene; Douglas | Blood type-specific safety labeling system for patients and blood products |
WO2001008040A1 (en) * | 1999-07-23 | 2001-02-01 | Pathology Institute Of Middle Georgia | System for labeling and encoding pathology specimens |
EP1142643A2 (en) * | 2000-04-03 | 2001-10-10 | Becton Dickinson and Company | Self-aligning blood collection tube with encoded information |
WO2002056121A2 (en) * | 2000-12-16 | 2002-07-18 | Paul Schmidt | Sample tracking systems |
US6575364B1 (en) * | 1999-01-04 | 2003-06-10 | Pharmacopeia, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for embedded magnetically recordable labeling |
US20040243336A1 (en) * | 2001-08-17 | 2004-12-02 | Kazushi Ootsuka | Examination request management apparatus |
EP1770399A1 (en) * | 2004-12-03 | 2007-04-04 | Arkray, Inc. | Inspection instrument |
US20080217391A1 (en) * | 2007-01-31 | 2008-09-11 | Intellidot Corporation | Optical markings |
EP1986927A2 (en) * | 2006-02-08 | 2008-11-05 | Becton, Dickinson and Company, Wagner, Jaconda | Improved label processor and method relating thereto |
US8973293B2 (en) | 2010-11-19 | 2015-03-10 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Specimen container label for automated clinical laboratory processing systems |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1511258A (en) * | 1976-06-03 | 1978-05-17 | Secr Social Service Brit | Vial and carrier therefor |
JPS58189558A (en) * | 1982-04-28 | 1983-11-05 | Mochida Pharmaceut Co Ltd | Vessel for immunological measurement |
DE3242458A1 (en) * | 1982-11-12 | 1984-05-17 | Dr. Bruno Lange Gmbh, 1000 Berlin | SAMPLE DISTRIBUTION DEVICE |
Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2951121A (en) * | 1954-04-26 | 1960-08-30 | Conrad Ivan Willard | High speed telegraph system |
US3161457A (en) * | 1962-11-01 | 1964-12-15 | Ncr Co | Thermal printing units |
US3266298A (en) * | 1963-07-30 | 1966-08-16 | Technicon Instr | Means and method for the identification of samples for blood typing |
US3308010A (en) * | 1960-07-26 | 1967-03-07 | Magnavox Co | Cryogenic and thermal seal for electrical members |
US3437793A (en) * | 1965-02-11 | 1969-04-08 | Posterijen Telegrafie En Telef | Information bearer and photo-electric reading device therefor |
US3453648A (en) * | 1967-08-29 | 1969-07-01 | Milgo Electronic Corp | Thermal printing device |
US3470357A (en) * | 1963-06-07 | 1969-09-30 | Wilhelm Ritzerfeld | Method of producing a printing form and of evaluating data contained therein |
US3508879A (en) * | 1966-12-15 | 1970-04-28 | Xerox Corp | Aliquotting device |
US3523522A (en) * | 1964-12-24 | 1970-08-11 | Technicon Corp | Apparatus for correlating body fluid samples with respective source individuals |
US3526125A (en) * | 1967-12-19 | 1970-09-01 | Gilford Instr Labor Inc | Test sample identifying system and apparatus for use in connection therewith |
US3565582A (en) * | 1967-11-30 | 1971-02-23 | Robert R Young | Methods and means for handling blood test specimens |
-
1969
- 1969-08-28 US US853649A patent/US3656473A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1970
- 1970-08-14 GB GB39243/70A patent/GB1285115A/en not_active Expired
- 1970-08-26 CA CA091,686A patent/CA952078A/en not_active Expired
- 1970-08-27 DE DE19702042540 patent/DE2042540A1/en active Pending
- 1970-08-27 DE DE7032075U patent/DE7032075U/en not_active Expired
- 1970-08-28 FR FR7031581A patent/FR2060333B1/fr not_active Expired
Patent Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2951121A (en) * | 1954-04-26 | 1960-08-30 | Conrad Ivan Willard | High speed telegraph system |
US3308010A (en) * | 1960-07-26 | 1967-03-07 | Magnavox Co | Cryogenic and thermal seal for electrical members |
US3161457A (en) * | 1962-11-01 | 1964-12-15 | Ncr Co | Thermal printing units |
US3470357A (en) * | 1963-06-07 | 1969-09-30 | Wilhelm Ritzerfeld | Method of producing a printing form and of evaluating data contained therein |
US3266298A (en) * | 1963-07-30 | 1966-08-16 | Technicon Instr | Means and method for the identification of samples for blood typing |
US3523522A (en) * | 1964-12-24 | 1970-08-11 | Technicon Corp | Apparatus for correlating body fluid samples with respective source individuals |
US3437793A (en) * | 1965-02-11 | 1969-04-08 | Posterijen Telegrafie En Telef | Information bearer and photo-electric reading device therefor |
US3508879A (en) * | 1966-12-15 | 1970-04-28 | Xerox Corp | Aliquotting device |
US3453648A (en) * | 1967-08-29 | 1969-07-01 | Milgo Electronic Corp | Thermal printing device |
US3565582A (en) * | 1967-11-30 | 1971-02-23 | Robert R Young | Methods and means for handling blood test specimens |
US3526125A (en) * | 1967-12-19 | 1970-09-01 | Gilford Instr Labor Inc | Test sample identifying system and apparatus for use in connection therewith |
Cited By (38)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3735902A (en) * | 1971-07-22 | 1973-05-29 | Instrumentation Labor Inc | Dispenser apparatus |
US4121574A (en) * | 1977-04-11 | 1978-10-24 | Medicgraph Systems, Inc. | Method and apparatus for measuring and recording vital signs of a patient |
US4279861A (en) * | 1979-05-09 | 1981-07-21 | Eastman Kodak Company | Cartridge discriminator for an automated analysis system |
EP0027886A1 (en) * | 1979-10-29 | 1981-05-06 | E.I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Method and system for reproducing identification characters |
US4268179A (en) * | 1979-10-29 | 1981-05-19 | E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Method and system for reproducing identification characters |
US4460824A (en) * | 1980-02-26 | 1984-07-17 | Olympus Optical Co. Ltd. | Test requisition card for automatic analyzing apparatus |
US4476381A (en) * | 1982-02-24 | 1984-10-09 | Rubin Martin I | Patient treatment method |
FR2555744A1 (en) * | 1983-11-30 | 1985-05-31 | Philips Ind Commerciale | Test piece with means for storing the results of analysis |
US4678894A (en) * | 1985-04-18 | 1987-07-07 | Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. | Sample identification system |
US4746233A (en) * | 1986-08-20 | 1988-05-24 | Coulter Electronics, Inc. | Automatic printing apparatus utilizing turnaround document |
WO1988001234A1 (en) * | 1986-08-20 | 1988-02-25 | Coulter Electronics, Inc. | Automatic printing apparatus utilizing turnaround document |
US4855909A (en) * | 1987-11-20 | 1989-08-08 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Forensic sample tracking system and print station therefor |
US5468022A (en) * | 1994-06-14 | 1995-11-21 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Sample tube identification flag |
US5879628A (en) * | 1996-05-06 | 1999-03-09 | Helena Laboratories Corporation | Blood coagulation system having a bar code reader and a detecting means for detecting the presence of reagents in the cuvette |
US6058876A (en) * | 1998-09-17 | 2000-05-09 | Keene; Douglas | Blood type-specific safety labeling system for patients and blood products |
US6363878B1 (en) | 1998-09-17 | 2002-04-02 | Douglas Keene | Blood type-specific safety labeling system for patients and blood products |
US6575364B1 (en) * | 1999-01-04 | 2003-06-10 | Pharmacopeia, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for embedded magnetically recordable labeling |
WO2001008040A1 (en) * | 1999-07-23 | 2001-02-01 | Pathology Institute Of Middle Georgia | System for labeling and encoding pathology specimens |
EP1142643A3 (en) * | 2000-04-03 | 2003-07-02 | Becton Dickinson and Company | Self-aligning blood collection tube with encoded information |
EP1142643A2 (en) * | 2000-04-03 | 2001-10-10 | Becton Dickinson and Company | Self-aligning blood collection tube with encoded information |
US20040091401A1 (en) * | 2000-04-03 | 2004-05-13 | Golabek Robert S. | Self-aligning blood collection tube with encoded information |
WO2002056121A2 (en) * | 2000-12-16 | 2002-07-18 | Paul Schmidt | Sample tracking systems |
WO2002056121A3 (en) * | 2000-12-16 | 2002-12-05 | Paul Schmidt | Sample tracking systems |
US20040243336A1 (en) * | 2001-08-17 | 2004-12-02 | Kazushi Ootsuka | Examination request management apparatus |
EP1770399A1 (en) * | 2004-12-03 | 2007-04-04 | Arkray, Inc. | Inspection instrument |
EP1770399A4 (en) * | 2004-12-03 | 2012-03-14 | Arkray Inc | Inspection instrument |
EP1986927A4 (en) * | 2006-02-08 | 2011-03-30 | Becton Dickinson Co | Improved label processor and method relating thereto |
US20090130646A1 (en) * | 2006-02-08 | 2009-05-21 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Blood collection device, method, and system for using the same |
US20100067024A1 (en) * | 2006-02-08 | 2010-03-18 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Label processor and method relating thereto |
US20100279397A1 (en) * | 2006-02-08 | 2010-11-04 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Biological specimen collection and storage devices |
EP1986927A2 (en) * | 2006-02-08 | 2008-11-05 | Becton, Dickinson and Company, Wagner, Jaconda | Improved label processor and method relating thereto |
US8630016B2 (en) * | 2006-02-08 | 2014-01-14 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Label processor and method relating thereto |
CN104859908A (en) * | 2006-02-08 | 2015-08-26 | 贝克顿·迪金森公司 | Improved Label Processor And Method Relating Thereto |
US9724690B2 (en) | 2006-02-08 | 2017-08-08 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Blood collection device, method, and system for using the same |
CN104859908B (en) * | 2006-02-08 | 2018-04-06 | 贝克顿·迪金森公司 | Improved label processor and its correlation technique |
US20080217391A1 (en) * | 2007-01-31 | 2008-09-11 | Intellidot Corporation | Optical markings |
US8973293B2 (en) | 2010-11-19 | 2015-03-10 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Specimen container label for automated clinical laboratory processing systems |
US9604217B2 (en) | 2010-11-19 | 2017-03-28 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Specimen container label for automated clinical laboratory processing systems |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
FR2060333A1 (en) | 1971-06-18 |
DE2042540A1 (en) | 1971-04-22 |
DE7032075U (en) | 1971-08-19 |
FR2060333B1 (en) | 1976-03-05 |
CA952078A (en) | 1974-07-30 |
GB1285115A (en) | 1972-08-09 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US3656473A (en) | Medical data processing | |
US4164320A (en) | Patient and specimen identification means and system employing same | |
US4476381A (en) | Patient treatment method | |
US5508499A (en) | Method and apparatus for the univocal and permanent connection of containers for medical use to a given patient | |
US3916157A (en) | Specimen carrier | |
US5131404A (en) | Capillary tube carrier with putty-filled cap | |
US3526125A (en) | Test sample identifying system and apparatus for use in connection therewith | |
US4460824A (en) | Test requisition card for automatic analyzing apparatus | |
EP1226539B1 (en) | Method and means for data management in a laboratory | |
CN108052999B (en) | Information management system applied to microbiological laboratory | |
US3523522A (en) | Apparatus for correlating body fluid samples with respective source individuals | |
NO128095B (en) | ||
JP4413115B2 (en) | Sample information management apparatus and sample information management method | |
WO2011144982A1 (en) | Method for tracking containers for biological material and marked containers | |
CA1236573A (en) | Data entry systems | |
US20190350808A1 (en) | Sample collection kit for positive sample identification | |
CN220304504U (en) | Position recognition device for sample liquid | |
Keller | Problems of Identification in the Clinical Laboratory, State of the Art and other Considerations | |
JP2006010530A (en) | Specimen processing method and system | |
Rubin et al. | Mechanized Information Transfer in the Medical Environment | |
JPH0445078Y2 (en) | ||
JPH0821838A (en) | Inspection instructing device for inspection system | |
JP2001306692A (en) | Blood collection management system | |
Rubin et al. | Mechanized Information Transfer in the Medical Environment | |
Keller | Present sample identification systems |