System for tracking biological samples
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An apparatus for tracking biological samples, comprising:
- a) a receptacle for holding a biological sample; and
b) a unique identifier affixed to the receptacle for holding the biological sample.
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Abstract
Systems, methods, and apparatus are described for the handling of biological specimens for analysis. The systems, methods and apparatus are designed to reduce errors in misidentification, incorrect processing, and recordkeeping and reporting. The systems, methods, and apparatus can also provide real time tracking of samples at any stage, from collection to processing to analyzing to storage.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. An apparatus for tracking biological samples, comprising:
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a) a receptacle for holding a biological sample; and
b) a unique identifier affixed to the receptacle for holding the biological sample. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 20)
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10. An apparatus for preparing samples, comprising:
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a) a microtome; and
b) a reader for recognizing a unique identifier or a unique identifier holding information in communication with the microtome.
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11. An apparatus for storing samples, comprising:
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a) a storage unit; and
b) a reader for recognizing a unique identifier or a unique identifier holding information in communication with the storage unit.
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12. A method for tracking samples, comprising:
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a) assigning a unique identifier to a sample;
b) providing a reader for recognizing the unique identifier;
c) placing the reader at desired locations throughout a laboratory; and
d) using the reader to provide a time and location for the sample. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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21. A computer system comprising:
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a) a database including records comprising the identity of a biological sample collected from at least one subject and the identity of at least one diagnostic analysis to be performed on the biological sample; and
b) a remote user interface capable of receiving the records for use in matching the biological sample with the diagnostic analysis to be performed on the biological sample.
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22. A computer-assisted method for processing a biological sample using a programmed computer including a processor, an input device, and an output device, comprising:
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a) inputting into the programmed computer, through the input device, data including the identity of a biological sample collected from at least one subject and the identity of at least one diagnostic analysis to be performed on the biological sample;
b) determining, using the processor, the parameters of the diagnostic analysis; and
c) outputting, to the output device, the results of the at least one determination.
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23. A method for automated analysis of a biological sample, comprising:
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a) providing a user with a mechanism for electronically communicating the identity of a biological sample collected from at least one subject and the identity of at least one diagnostic analysis to be performed on the biological sample;
b) providing the biological sample with a unique designation;
c) providing the diagnostic analysis with a unique identifier;
d) optionally providing the user with an opportunity to communicate at least one desired modification to the diagnostic analysis;
e) allowing the user to transmit the information of a), b), c) and optionally d) to a server;
f) allowing a second user to obtain the information from the server of e);
g) correlating the information with the biological sample;
h) performing the diagnostic analysis on the biological sample; and
i) inputting into a programmed computer, through an input device, data including the results of the diagnostic analysis.
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24. A method of selecting a therapy for the patient comprising:
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a) obtaining a patient sample from a caregiver;
b) identifying at least one diagnostic profile to be performed on the sample;
c) providing a caregiver with a mechanism for electronically communicating the identity of the biological sample collected from the patient and the identity of the diagnostic profile to be performed on the biological sample to a server, wherein the patient and profile are given a unique identifier; and
d) allowing a second user to obtain the information from the server of c).
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Specification