Controlled substance analysis, wastage disposal and documentation system, apparatus and method

• US 20050165559A1
• Filed: 03/10/2005
• Published: 07/28/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/19/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Vigilant Devices, LLC
• Original Assignee: Vigilant Devices, LLC
• Inventors: Nelson, David A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,184,897 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 702/27
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/10 relating to drugs or medications, e.g. for ensuring correct administration to patients
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/17 delivered via infusion or injection

Abstract

A method, system, and apparatus for the collection, analysis, and disposal of controlled substances are described. A collector receives an excess of controlled substance and stores the controlled substance so that unauthorized access is minimized. An analysis determines the chemical composition and concentration. The results of the analysis are reviewed and reconciled against information in an overseeing authority information system or against information provided by the depositor of the controlled substance or both. The controlled substance is disposed of once it has been confirmed that the substance deposited in the collector is the same substance claimed to be deposited and the same substance issued by the pharmacy or other qualified authorities.

Claims

1. A method for the disposal of a controlled substance, comprising the steps of:

collecting a controlled substance into a collector, said controlled substance being defined by a chemical composition and concentration;

receiving pre-analysis information about said controlled substance from a depositor of said controlled substance, wherein said pre-analysis information comprises a disclosed chemical composition, concentration, and/or amount of said controlled substance;

analyzing said controlled substance to determine the chemical composition, concentration, and amount of said controlled substance;

recording information about the chemical composition, concentration, and amount of said controlled substance; and

disposing of said controlled substance.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the depositor of said controlled substance is an automated injection system.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of collecting said controlled substance comprises storing said controlled substance to prevent access by unauthorized persons.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of analyzing a controlled substance to determine said composition and concentration of said controlled substance is performed using Raman scattering techniques.

2. (canceled)

5-9. -9. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. A system for disposing of controlled substances, comprising:

a collector for receiving one or more amounts of controlled substances;

an analyzer for determining the composition and concentration of a controlled substance received in said collector; and

an information recorder for receiving pre-analysis information about the controlled substance from a depositor of the controlled substance, receiving post-analysis information about the analysis of the controlled substance from said analyzer, storing said pre-analysis and post-analysis information, and operable to transfer the pre-analysis and post-analysis information for subsequent reconciliation.

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a disposer operable to dispose of said received controlled substance.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein said analyzer determines the composition or concentration based on Raman scattering techniques.

16. The system of claim 13, further comprising a network, wherein said system is operable to transfer the pre-analysis and/or the post-analysis information across said network.

19. The system of claim 13, wherein the pre-analysis information stored within said information recorder is received from an automated injection system.

15. (canceled)

17-18. -18. (canceled)

20. A controlled substance collection and analysis device for use in the collection, analysis, and disposal of controlled substances, said device comprising:

a collector for receiving one or more controlled substances;

an analyzer for determining the chemical composition and concentration of a controlled substance deposited in said collector;

an information recorder for documenting the reception and analysis of said controlled substance analyzed by said analyzer, said information recorder capable of storing information in an electronic format and further capable of communicating with other information systems; and

a disposer for rendering the controlled substance unusable for human consumption.

21. The controlled substance collection and analysis device of claim 20, wherein the analyzer is operable to identify the type of controlled substance, the concentration of controlled substance, the quantity and/or the volume of the controlled substance.

22. The controlled substance collection and analysis device of claim 20, further configured to extract said controlled substance from an aerosol applicator, a vial, or in solid form.

23. A method for collecting and analyzing a controlled substance, comprising:

collecting a controlled substance deposit;

analyzing said controlled substance deposit to determine chemical composition;

determining the amount of said controlled substance deposit;

receiving information from a depositor of said controlled substance indicating the chemical composition and amount of said controlled substance deposit;

comparing said determined chemical composition and amount with said depositor information; and

recording said determined chemical composition and amount.

24. The method of claim 23, including analyzing said controlled substance deposit to determine concentration.

25. The method of claim 23, including recording said depositor information and the results of said comparing step.

26. The method of claim 23, including disposing of said controlled substance.