Identification of Biological Samples

• US 20070216532A1
• Filed: 05/24/2005
• Published: 09/20/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 05/24/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Research Instruments Limited (The Cooper Cos., Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Research Instruments Limited (The Cooper Cos., Inc.)
• Inventors: Lansdowne, David
• Granted Patent: US 9,211,540 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/572.100
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/021 Identification, e.g. bar codes
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/022 Transponder chips
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/023 Sending and receiving of information, e.g. using bluetooth
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/545 for laboratory containers
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 7/04 Heat insulating devices, e.g. jackets for flasks
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 9/02 Laboratory benches or tables; Fittings therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/00782 reprogrammmable code
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/00732 Identification of carriers, materials or components in automatic analysers
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10326 the antenna being of the very-near field type, e.g. capacitive
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10366 the interrogation device being adapted for miscellaneous applications

Abstract

A method for coding and identification of biological samples for in vitro fertilisation comprises the steps of applying to receptacles intended for unfertilised eggs and sperm, respectively, an identification code characteristic of the patient; placing unfertilised eggs and sperm, respectively, in the receptacles; storing, transporting and admixing the respective samples in receptacles which each carry the same code; and implanting the resulting embryo in the patient. The identification code may based on RFID technology, in which sample vessels (12) are codified by the application of an RFID tag (13).

Claims

1. A method for coding and identification of biological samples for in vitro fertilisation, the method comprising the steps of applying to receptacles intended for unfertilised eggs and sperm, respectively, an identification code characteristic of the patient;

placing unfertilised eggs and sperm, respectively, in the receptacles;

storing, transporting and admixing the respective samples in receptacles which each carry the same code; and

implanting the resulting embryo in the patient.

2. A method according to claim 1, in which the identification codes are computer-readable.

3. A method according to claim 1, in which the identification code is based on RFID technology, sample vessels being codified by the application of an RFID tag.

13. A method according to claim 2, in which the identification code is based on RFID technology, sample vessels being codified by the application of an RFID tag.

14. A method according to claim 2, in which information relating to the receptacles and samples stored therein is maintained in a database.

15. A method according to claim 3, in which information relating to the receptacles and samples stored therein is maintained in a database.

16. A method according to claim 13, in which information relating to the receptacles and samples stored therein is maintained in a database.

17. A method according to claim 14, in which the database is controlled b software which includes an anti-collision protocol to discriminate between data received from a plurality of vessels having different identification codes attached thereto.

18. A method according to claim 15, in which the database is controlled b software which includes an anti-collision protocol to discriminate between data received from a plurality of vessels having different identification codes attached thereto.

19. A method according to claim 16, in which the database is controlled b software which includes an anti-collision protocol to discriminate between data received from a plurality of vessels having different identification codes attached thereto.

20. A method according to claim 3, the method being carried out on a laboratory bench beneath which is located an antenna for transmission of activation radiation and receiving signals emitted by the RFID tag.

21. A method according to claim 13 the method being carried out on a laboratory bench beneath which is located an antenna for transmission of activation radiation and receiving signals emitted by the RFID tag.

22. A method according to claim 14, the method being carried out on a laboratory bench beneath which is located an antenna for transmission of activation radiation and receiving signals emitted by the RFID tag.

23. A method according to claim 15, the method being carried out on a laboratory bench beneath which is located an antenna for transmission of activation radiation and receiving signals emitted by the RFID tag.

24. A method according to claim 16, the method being carried out on a laboratory bench beneath which is located an antenna for transmission of activation radiation and receiving signals emitted by the RFID tag.

25. A method according to claim 17, the method being carried out on a laboratory bench beneath which is located an antenna for transmission of activation radiation and receiving signals emitted by the RFID tag.

26. A method according to claim 18, the method being carried out on a laboratory bench beneath which is located an antenna for transmission of activation radiation and receiving signals emitted by the RFID tag.

27. A method according to claim 19, the method being carried out on a laboratory bench beneath which is located an antenna for transmission of activation radiation and receiving signals emitted by the RFID tag.

4. (canceled)

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

28. Apparatus for identification of biological samples for in vitro fertilisation, the apparatus comprising storage vessels associated with an identification code;

and means to read the code and transmit information relating to the samples to a database.

29. A work station providing a warmed surface for supporting biological samples and comprising RFID tag reading means located beneath the surface for reading RFID tags on or over the surface, wherein the station is structured such that warming of the surface is achieved without preventing reading by the reading means of an RFID tag associated with an item placed on the surface.

30. A work station comprising a work area defined by an electrically-insulating or resistive plate beneath which in use is located an antenna for transmitting electromagnetic signals to sample receptacles placed on the work area and receiving identification signals therefrom, in which the plate is thermally conducting from one face to the other, the lower surface being in thermal contact with a temperature-controlled heating medium.

31. A work station according to claim 30, in which the plate comprises glass coated on its lower surface with an electrically-conducting heating layer as the heating medium.

32. A work station according to claim 30, in which the plate comprises upper and lower plate elements defining a cavity therebetween for containing a liquid heating medium.

33. A work station according to claim 32, in which the heating medium comprises water at a thermostatically-controlled temperature.