Apparatus For Optically Reading Test Kits And Identification Data Associated Therewith

• US 20100035357A1
• Filed: 08/05/2008
• Published: 02/11/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 08/05/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Alere Switzerland GmbH (Abbott Laboratories)
• Original Assignee: Alere Switzerland GmbH (Abbott Laboratories)
• Inventors: Geva, Ziv, Leizerovich, Ofer
• Application Number:
  US12/185,901
• Publication Number:
  US 20100035357A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 436/164
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 1/52 Transportable laboratories; Field kits
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/78 producing a change of colour
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/8483 Investigating reagent band test-element handling not specific to a test method G01N33/4875; analytical elements specific to chemical analysis of biological material G01N33/52; autometer with reagent band G01N35/04

Abstract

A method and an apparatus for optically reading test kits having an identification data zone associated with the test kit and test zone arranged to receive a test substance. The apparatus comprises an optical sensing module, an image-processing module coupled to the optical sensing module, a control module coupled to the optical sensing module and to the image-processing module. The optical sensing module is arranged to sense both the test zone and the identification data zone and deliver the sensed data to the image processing module responsive to the control module. Further, the image-processing unit is arranged to perform image processing on the sensed data from the test zone and from the identification data zone and further determine the test substance according to the sensed data from the test zone in view of the sensed data from the identification data zone responsive to the control unit.

Claims

1. An apparatus for optically reading test kits having an identification data zone associated with the test kit and test zone arranged to receive a test substance comprising:

an optical sensing module;

an image processing module coupled to the optical sensing module; and

a control module coupled to the optical sensing module and to the image processing module,

wherein the optical sensing module is arranged to sense the test zone and the identification data zone and deliver the sensed data to the image processing module responsive to the control module, and

wherein the image processing unit is arranged to perform image processing on the sensed data from the test zone and from the identification data zone and further determine the test substance according to the sensed data from the test zone in view of the sensed data from the identification data zone responsive to the control unit.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control module is further arranged to store all sensed data and or analyzed parts thereof in association with the identification data.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the test substance is one of:

a biological material;

a bodily substance;

a chemical specimen; and

any other chemical reaction visible to an optical sensing device.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification data is one of:

a type of test;

a mode of test;

calibration data;

data of production;

an identification number;

a batch number; and

any data that is representable in an optical form.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification data contains a graphical calibration of the test, such that the calibration data contains a plurality of parameters which are used to calibrate the test results according to different functions.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification data contains biometric information related to one or more of:

the test;

the patient;

a donor; and

the tester.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the test zone is arranged to receive a test substance and provides a visual representation of properties pertaining to the test substance according to a predefined key.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optical sensing module is arranged to optically sense the test zone and the identification data zone simultaneously.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optical sensing module comprises an optical unit and a digital imaging module, and wherein the digital imaging module, the image processing module, and the control module are implemented on one of:

a single integrated circuit;

a single substrate; and

a combination thereof

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a printed circuit board, and wherein the optical sensing module, the image processing module, and the control module implemented on a single printed circuit board.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising one of:

a rechargeable power source;

batteries; and

external power supply.

12. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the rechargeable power source comprises an electromagnetic based electricity generator operatively associates with a complementary power source activator located on the test kit, wherein charging of the rechargeable power source is achieved in cooperation of the apparatus and the test kit.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a restriction module coupled to the control module, wherein the restriction module is arranged to store restriction data pertaining to restricting the use the test kits and wherein the control data is further arranged to restrict the use of the apparatus responsive to the restriction data.

14. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the apparatus is activated upon insertion of the test kit thereto.

15. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the restriction data is one of:

an upper bound of number of test kits;

identification data associated with predefined test kits;

a batch number of test kit;

a delivery number of test kit;

a serial number of test kit;

an expiration date of test kit; and

a type of test.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a user interface module and, wherein the user interface module is coupled to the control unit, wherein the user interface is arranged to enable a user to select a mode and type of operation from a predefined modes and types of operation.

17. The apparatus according to claim 1, which the test results are sent to a server or terminal or printer in a remote location by one of:

a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface;

a cellular, radio frequency (RF) interface;

an optical interface; and

a line interface.

18. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a disposable portion and a reusable portion and wherein the disposable portion is arranged to disengage from the reusable portion.

19. A method of optically sensing a test kit having an identification data zone associated with the test kit and a test zone arranged to receive a test substance, the method comprising:

optically sensing the test zone;

optically sensing the identification data zone; and

processing the sensed data from the test zone in view of the sensed data from the identification data zone for determining the properties of the test substance.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein optically sensing the test zone and optically sensing the identification data zone occur simultaneously.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein optically sensing the test zone and optically sensing the identification data zone occur one after the other.

22. The method of claim 19, further comprising restricting the use of test kits in accordance with predefined restriction data represented in the identification data.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein the processing the sensed data provides biometric identification of the provider of the test substance.

24. The method of claim 19, wherein the test results are concealed from the immediate user and are delivered to a remote site for further analysis.