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

• US 7,184,897 B2
• Filed: 03/10/2005
• Issued: 02/27/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/19/2002
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Vigilant Devices, LLC
• Original Assignee: Vigilant Devices, LLC
• Inventors: Nelson, David A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nghiem; Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lau; Tung S.
• Application Number:
  US11/078,666
• Publication Number:
  US 20050165559A1
• Time in Patent Office: 719 Days
• Field of Search: 702/31, 702/27, 702/23, 422/64, 435/28, 435/29, 435/6, 424/10, 514/44, 536/23, 356/139, 257/414, 604/516, 250/281
• US Class Current: 702/31
• 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 inaccessible to unauthorized persons, 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 at least a disclosed chemical composition, concentration, or amount of said controlled substance;

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

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

disposing of said controlled substance.

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

3. 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.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the pre-analysis information includes chemical composition and either amount of controlled substance or concentration.

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

a collector for receiving one or more amounts of controlled substances configured to prevent unauthorized access;

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.

6. The system of claim 5, further comprising a disposer operable to dispose of said received controlled substance.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein said analyzer determines the composition or concentration based on Raman scattering techniques.

8. The system of claim 6, further comprising a network, wherein said system is operable to transfer the pre-analysis and/or the post-analysis information across said network.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein the pre-analysis information stored within said information recorder is received from an automated injection system.

10. A controlled substance collection and analysis device for use in the collections 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.

11. The controlled substance collection and analysis device of claim 10, 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.

12. The controlled substance collection and analysis device of claim 10, further configured to extract said controlled substance from an aerosol applicator, a vial, or in solid form.