PENICILLIN ALLERGY TEST KIT

Abstract

The kit evaluates the patient's skin for penicillin sensitivity. The kit comprises a container, a multi-site skin test system, four preloaded syringes, and a tattoo-type label that is transferable onto the patient's skin. A multi-site skin test applicator is cooperatively engageable with four reservoirs in a fluid tray. The applicator pierces the patient's skin as trace amounts of the allergy test fluids are simultaneously administered. The tattoo-type label is transferable onto the skin of the patient and includes a QR Code. The QR Code includes machine-readable linkage to artificial intelligence for assisting a doctor in interpreting patient test results. The doctor reviews the artificial intelligence analysis and decides either to accept the analysis or modify it. The doctor may also decide to verify negative results with a subcutaneous skin test. The four syringes for the subcutaneous skin tests are preloaded with saline, Pre-Pen, Pen-G, and histamine.

Claims

1. A kit for evaluating skin of a patient for sensitivity to penicillin, said kit comprising: a. a container; b. a fluid tray having a plurality of fluid reservoirs, a first fluid reservoir for housing a first testing solution, a second fluid reservoir for housing a second testing solution; c. a multi-site skin-test applicator for administering onto said skin of said patient a first and a second allergy test fluid used in allergy skin testing, a first piercing device generating a first piercing onto said skin of said patient as said first allergy test fluid is deposited into said first piercing while said second piercing device generates a second piercing onto said skin of said patient as said second allergy test fluid is deposited into said second piercing; d. a plurality of preloaded syringes, each preloaded syringe being identifiable as to content; and e. a tattoo-type label that is transferable onto said skin of said patient, said label including a machine-readable code, said machine-readable code provides linkage to artificial intelligence for assisting a doctor in interpreting patient test results, said artificial intelligence improving interpreting test results continually as additional patients are evaluated.

2. The kit of claim 1, wherein said first and second scratching barbs project upward when positioned in said fluid tray.

3. The kit of claim 1, wherein said first scratch and said second scratch are generated as said first scratching barb moves away from said second scratching barb.

4. The kit of claim 1, wherein said multi-site skin-test applicator scratches said skin of said patient without applying downward pressure.

5. The kit of claim 1, wherein said fluid tray is preloaded with test solutions, said preloaded tray being sealed.

6. The kit of claim 1, wherein said first machine-readable code links said patient with electronic medical records for said patient.

7. The kit of claim 1, wherein said tattoo-type label identifies said allergy test fluid used in each said test site.

8. The kit of claim 1, wherein a syringe includes a safety syringe cover and a needle hub, a needle being secured in said needle hub, an unused needle being locked in a first position and secured by said safety syringe during shipping; said unused needle being locked in a second position and secured by said safety syringe during insertion; and a used needle being locked in a third position and secured by said safety syringe awaiting disposal.

9. A kit for evaluating skin of a patient for sensitivity to penicillin, said kit comprising: a. a container; b. a fluid tray having a plurality of fluid reservoirs, a first fluid reservoir for housing a first allergy test fluid, a second fluid reservoir for housing a second allergy test fluid; c. a multi-site skin-test applicator for administering onto said skin of said patient a first and a second allergy test fluid used in allergy skin testing, a first piercing device generating a first piercing onto said skin of said patient as said first allergy test fluid is deposited into said first piercing while said second piercing device generates a second piercing onto said skin of said patient as said second allergy test fluid is deposited into said second piercing; and d. a plurality of preloaded syringes, each preloaded syringe being identified as to content.

10. The kit of claim 9, further comprising a tattoo-type label to be transferable onto said skin of said patient, said label including a machine-readable code, said machine-readable code provides linkage to artificial intelligence.

11. The kit of claim 10, wherein said artificial intelligence is useful for assisting a doctor in interpreting patient test results, said artificial intelligence improving interpreting test results continually as additional patients are evaluated

12. The kit of claim 9, further comprising a tattoo-type label to be transferable onto said skin of said patient, said label including a machine-readable code, said machine-readable code providing linkage to electronic medical records for said patient.

13. The kit of claim 9, further comprising a tattoo-type label to be transferred onto said skin of said patient, said label including a machine-readable code, said machine-readable code providing linkage to patient medical records.

14. The kit of claim 9, whereon a first preloaded syringe is preloaded with saline, a second preloaded syringe is preloaded with Pre-Pen, a third preloaded syringe is preloaded with Pen-G, and a fourth preloaded syringe is preloaded with histamine.

15. The kit of claim 9, wherein said multi-site skin-test applicator is a multiple scratch tester, said multiple scratch tester scratching said skin of said patient at said first test site depositing said first allergy test fluid, said multiple scratch tester scratching said skin of said patient at said second test site depositing said second allergy test fluid, said first scratching device generating a first scratch onto said skin of said patient as said first allergy test fluid is deposited into said first scratch while said second scratching device generates a second scratch onto said skin of said patient as said second allergy test fluid is deposited into said second scratch.

16. The kit of claim 9, wherein a syringe includes a safety syringe cover and a needle hub, a needle being secured in said needle hub, an unused needle being locked in a first position and secured by said safety syringe during shipping; said unused needle being locked in a second position and secured by said safety syringe during insertion; and a used needle being locked in a third position and secured by said safety syringe awaiting disposal.

17. A kit for evaluating skin of a patient for sensitivity to penicillin, said kit comprising: a. a container; b. a fluid tray having a plurality of fluid reservoirs, a first fluid reservoir for housing a first testing solution, a second fluid reservoir for housing a second testing solution; c. a multi-site skin-test applicator for administering onto said skin of said patient a first and a second allergy test fluid used in allergy skin testing, a first piercing device generating a first piercing onto said skin of said patient as said first allergy test fluid is deposited into said first piercing while said second piercing device generates a second piercing onto said skin of said patient as said second allergy test fluid is deposited into said second piercing; d. a tattoo-type label that is transferable onto said skin of said patient, said label including a machine-readable code, said machine-readable code linking said patient with electronic medical records for said patient.

18. The kit of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of preloaded syringes, each preloaded syringe being identified as to content.

19. The kit of claim 17, wherein said machine-readable code provides linkage to artificial intelligence, said artificial intelligence improving interpreting test results continually as additional patients are evaluated

20. The kit of claim 17, wherein said machine-readable code provides linkage to patient medical records.

21. The kit of claim 17, whereon a first preloaded syringe is preloaded with saline, a second preloaded syringe is preloaded with Pre-Pen, a third preloaded syringe is preloaded with Pen-G, and a fourth preloaded syringe is preloaded with histamine.

22. The kit of claim 17, wherein said multi-site skin-test applicator is a multiple scratch tester, said multiple scratch tester scratching said skin of said patient at said first test site depositing said first allergy test fluid, said multiple scratch tester scratching said skin of said patient at said second test site depositing said second allergy test fluid, said first scratching device generating a first scratch onto said skin of said patient as said first allergy test fluid is deposited into said first scratch while said second scratching device generates a second scratch onto said skin of said patient as said second allergy test fluid is deposited into said second scratch.

23. The kit of claim 17, wherein a syringe includes a safety syringe cover and a needle hub, a needle being secured in said needle hub, an unused needle being locked in a first position and secured by said safety syringe during shipping; said unused needle being locked in a second position and secured by said safety syringe during insertion; and a used needle being locked in a third position and secured by said safety syringe awaiting disposal.

24. A kit for evaluating skin of a patient for sensitivity to penicillin, said kit comprising: a. a container; b. a fluid tray having a plurality of fluid reservoirs, a first fluid reservoir for housing a first testing solution, a second fluid reservoir for housing a second testing solution; c. a multi-site skin-test applicator for administering onto said skin of said patient a first and a second allergy test fluid used in allergy skin testing, a first piercing device generating a first piercing onto said skin of said patient as said first allergy test fluid is deposited into said first piercing while said second piercing device generates a second piercing onto said skin of said patient as said second allergy test fluid is deposited into said second piercing; d. a tattoo-type label that is transferable onto said skin of said patient, said label including a machine-readable code, said machine-readable code provides linkage to artificial intelligence for assisting a doctor in interpreting test results for said patient.

25. The kit of claim 24, further comprising a plurality of preloaded syringes, each preloaded syringe being identified as to content.

26. The kit of claim 24, wherein said machine-readable code providing linkage to electronic medical records for said patient.

27. The kit of claim 24, whereon a first preloaded syringe is preloaded with saline, a second preloaded syringe is preloaded with Pre-Pen, a third preloaded syringe is preloaded with Pen-G, and a fourth preloaded syringe is preloaded with histamine.

28. The kit of claim 24, wherein said multi-site skin-test applicator is a multiple scratch tester, said multiple scratch tester scratching said skin of said patient at said first test site depositing said first allergy test fluid, said multiple scratch tester scratching said skin of said patient at said second test site depositing said second allergy test fluid, said first scratching device generating a first scratch onto said skin of said patient as said first allergy test fluid is deposited into said first scratch while said second scratching device generates a second scratch onto said skin of said patient as said second allergy test fluid is deposited into said second scratch.

29. The kit of claim 24, wherein a syringe includes a safety syringe cover and a needle hub, a needle being secured in said needle hub, an unused needle being locked in a first position and secured by said safety syringe during shipping; said unused needle being locked in a second position and secured by said safety syringe during insertion; and a used needle being locked in a third position and secured by said safety syringe awaiting disposal.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] FIG. 1 is a preferred embodiment of an assembly view the penicillin allergy test kit of the present invention, including a container, a multi-site skin test applicator and fluid tray, five preloaded syringes, and a tattoo-type label that is transferable onto the skin of the patient. One syringe is preloaded with saline, two syringes are preloaded with Pre-Pen, and two syringes are preloaded with Pen-G.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a preferred embodiment of an assembly view depicting the contents of the penicillin allergy test kit of FIG. 1, the test kit being stored conveniently in a leak-proof sealed container, the kit including five preloaded syringes, each syringe being identified as to content and each being placed in a specific location in the tester kit —one syringe being preloaded with saline, two syringes being preloaded with Pre-Pen, and two syringes being preloaded with Pen-G, preprinted tattoo labels, a pair of sterile alcohol prep pads, and the multi-site skin-test applicator and fluid tray.

[0032] FIG. 3 depicts a first preferred embodiment of the container of the penicillin allergy test kit of FIG. 1, the container lid being open and the container being empty.

[0033] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C depict a simplified flowchart showing the way the preferred embodiment for using the allergy test kit of the present invention to determine penicillin allergies of a patient.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a preferred embodiment of a preprinted tattoo label for use with the penicillin allergy test kit of the present invention, the preprinted tattoo label is for placement and transfer on a forearm or an upper arm of a patient and includes a QR Code, each preprinted tattoo label identifies a scratch test, and identifies the saline, the histamine, the Pre-Pen, and the Pen-G.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a preferred embodiment of the preprinted tattoo label of FIG. 5 for use with the five preloaded syringes of the penicillin allergy test kit of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a preferred embodiment of the preprinted tattoo label of FIG. 5 for use with the multi-site skin-test applicator of the penicillin allergy test kit of the present invention, the preprinted tattoo label depicts the smears of the test results from the multi-site skin-test applicator for the four skin tests are of the saline, the histamine, the Pre-Pen, and the Pen-G.

[0037] FIG. 8 depicts an assembly view of a first preferred embodiment of a multi-site skin-test applicator and fluid tray for use in the allergy test kit of the present invention, comprising a first preferred embodiment of the multi-site skin-test applicator having four applicators cooperatively engaged with a fluid tray, the multi-site skin-test applicator having four scratching barbs that simultaneously scratch the skin of the patient as trace amounts of allergy test fluids are inserted into the skin of the patient, the multi-site skin-test applicator being disposed on the fluid tray; and DETAIL “A” depicting an exploded side view of the scratching barb positioned in a reservoir of the fluid tray during the loading of allergy test fluids, the reservoir being partially filled with an allergy test fluid.

[0038] FIG. 9A is a front view of the multi-site skin-test applicator of FIG. 8, the multi-site skin-test applicator being in an expanded position, the pair of opposing scratching barbs resting upon the skin of a patient.

[0039] FIG. 9B is a front view of the multi-site skin-test applicator of FIG. 9A, the multi-site skin-test applicator now being in a compressed position, the pair of opposed scratching barbs resting upon the skin of a patient with each of the scratching barbs disposed at two test sites of a patient, with the skin having been lifted upwards between the pair of opposed scratching barbs.

[0040] FIG. 9C is a front view of the multi-site skin-test applicator of FIG. 9B, the multi-site skin-test applicator still being in a compressed position, the pair of opposed scratching barbs now being raised from the skin of the patient with scratches now appearing on each side of the raised skin of the patient.

[0041] FIG. 10 depicts an assembly view of a second preferred embodiment of a multi-site skin-test applicator and fluid tray for use in the penicillin allergy test kit of the present invention, comprising a multi-site skin-test applicator having four applicators with scratching barbs pointing downward, cooperatively engaged with a fluid tray, the multi-site skin-test applicator having four scratching barbs that simultaneously scratch the skin of the patient as trace amounts of allergy test fluids are inserted into the skin of the patient, the multi-site skin-test applicator being disposed on the fluid tray; and DETAIL “B” depicting an exploded side view of the scratching barb positioned in a reservoir of the fluid tray during loading of allergy test fluids, the reservoir being partially filled with an allergy test fluid.

[0042] FIG. 11A is a front view of the multi-site skin-test applicator in an expanded position with the scratching barbs, the pair of opposing scratching barbs now being loaded, and each scratching barb including a trace of their respective allergy test fluid prepared for deposition of allergy test fluids.

[0043] FIG. 11B is a front view of the multi-site skin-test applicator of FIG. 13A, the multi-site skin-test applicator now being in a compressed position. The scratching barbs are resting upon the skin of a patient with the pair of opposing scratching barbs pointed downward.

[0044] FIG. 11C is a front view of the multi-site skin-test applicator of FIG. 13B, the multi-site skin-test applicator now being in an expanded position, the scratching barbs now have generated a pair of scratches at a pair of test sites as the pair of opposing scratching barbs move away from each other.

[0045] FIG. 12A depicts a side elevational view of a first preferred embodiment of a safety syringe for use with the multi-site skin-test applicator of FIG. 1, with a needle hub assembly in a needle shipping position. The unused needle is locked in and protected by a safety cover. FIG. 12B depicts a side elevational view of the safety syringe for use with the multi-site skin-test applicator of FIG. 1, with the needle hub assembly being disposed in a second and forward secured needle insertion position for insertion of the needle into the skin of the patient. FIG. 12C depicts a side elevational view of the safety syringe for use with the multi-site skin-test applicator of FIG. 1, with a needle hub assembly in a third secured position. The safety syringe has been used and is awaiting disposal. The used needle is locked in and protected by the safety cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a preferred embodiment of an assembly view the penicillin allergy test kit of the present invention [10].

[0047] The test kit of the present invention [10] comprises a container [11], a multi-site skin test applicator [20A] and fluid tray [50], five preloaded syringes [60], and a tattoo-type label [14] that is transferable onto the skin of the patient.

[0048] Each container [11] and each tattoo-type label [14] includes a machine-readable code. The machine-readable code of choice for the allergy test kit of the present invention is a QR Code. Other machine-readable codes include but are not limited to DataMatrix, Aztec, Beetagg, mCode, Shotcode, Quickmark, and TrillCode.

[0049] Each of the five preloaded syringes [60] is identified as to content. Also, each of the five preloaded syringes [60] being placed in a specific location in the test kit [10]. One syringe is preloaded with saline, two syringes are preloaded with Pre—Pen, and two syringes are preloaded with Pen-G.

[0050] The allergy test kit of the present invention [10] also includes a pair of preprinted tattoo labels [14], and the multi-site skin test applicator [20A] and fluid tray [50] of FIG. 1.

[0051] The allergy test kit of the present invention [10] preferably also includes a sponge [17] and two sterile alcohol prep pad [16].

[0052] The penicillin allergy test kit [10] is stored conveniently in a leak-proof sealed container [11]. The penicillin allergy test kit [10] includes five preloaded syringes [60], each syringe being identified as to content, and each being placed in a specific location in the tester kit [10]. One syringe is preloaded with saline, two syringes are preloaded with Pre-Pen, and two syringes are preloaded with Pen-G. The penicillin allergy test kit [10] also includes a plurality of preprinted tattoo labels [14], a pair of sterile alcohol prep pads [16], and the multi-site skin test applicator [20A] and fluid tray [50] of FIG. 1 for the penicillin allergy test kit of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 2 is a preferred embodiment of an assembly view depicting the contents of the penicillin allergy test kit [10] of FIG. 1. The penicillin allergy test kit [10] is stored conveniently in a leak-proof sealed container [11].

[0054] The allergy test kit [10] preferably includes five preloaded syringes [60], each syringe being identified as to content, and each being placed in a specific location in the tester kit container [10]. One syringe is preloaded with saline, two syringes are preloaded with Pre-Pen, and two syringes are preloaded with Pen-G. The allergy test kit [10] also includes a plurality of preprinted tattoo labels [14], a pair of sterile alcohol prep pads [16], and the multi-site skin-test applicator [20A] and a fluid tray [50] of FIG. 1 for the allergy test kit of the present invention [10].

[0055] FIG. 3 depicts a first preferred embodiment of the container of the penicillin allergy test kit of FIG. 1, the container lid being open and the container being empty.

[0056] A second preferred embodiment of the penicillin allergy test kit of the present invention includes only four preloaded syringes, each identified as to content enabling the doctor to readily verify negative results with additional subcutaneous skin tests. One syringe is preloaded with saline, one syringe is preloaded with Pre-Pen, one syringes is preloaded with Pen-G, and one is preloaded with histamine.

[0057] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C depict a simplified and detailed flowchart showing the way the preferred embodiment for using the allergy test kit of the present invention to determine penicillin allergies of a patient. The allergy test kit of the present invention enables the doctor to review the artificial intelligence being provided by the system for this patient (see FIG. 4C). The doctor reviews the artificial intelligence analysis and decides either to accept the analysis or modify it. If a modification is made, the doctor can indicate why the modification was necessary. The doctor may also decide to verify negative results with a subcutaneous skin test, whereby one or more of the preloaded syringes are inserted into the skin of the patient (see FIG. 4C).

[0058] FIG. 5 is a preferred embodiment of a preprinted tattoo label [14] for use with the allergy test kit of the present invention [10]. The preprinted tattoo label [14] is for placement for transfer on the skin of the patient, preferably a forearm or an upper arm. Each preprinted tattoo label [14] is temporary and includes a QR Code [15]. Each tattoo label [14] is divided into quadrants for the allergy test fluids, and identifying the quadrant for the saline, the histamine, the Pre-Pen, and the Pen-G.

[0059] FIGS. 6 and 7 are preferred embodiments of the preprinted tattoo label [14] of FIG. 5 for use with the multi-site skin-test applicator of the penicillin allergy test kit of the present invention of the present invention. FIG. 6 depicts the preprinted tattoo label with the location of the test injection sites from the five preloaded syringes [60] being disposed in the appropriate quadrants of the tattoo. In one preferred embodiment, the container QR Code [12] matches the label QR Code [15]. FIG. 7 depicts the preprinted tattoo label [14] with the smears of the test results from the multi-site skin-test applicator [20A] for the four skin tests disposed in the appropriate quadrants of the tattoo.

[0060] FIG. 8 depicts an assembly view of a first preferred embodiment of a multi-site skin-test applicator and fluid tray for use in the allergy test kit of the present invention, comprising a first preferred embodiment of the multi-site skin-test applicator having four applicators cooperatively engaged with a fluid tray, the multi-site skin-test applicator having four scratching barbs that simultaneously scratch the skin of the patient as trace amounts of allergy test fluids are inserted into the skin of the patient, the multi-site skin-test applicator being disposed on the fluid tray. DETAIL “A” depicts an exploded side view of the scratching barb positioned in a reservoir of the fluid tray during the loading of allergy test fluids, the reservoir being partially filled with an allergy test fluid.

[0061] The multi-site skin-test applicator [20A] includes a centrally disposed spine [21] and pair of side handles [30 and 31] along a pair of opposing finger grips [35 and 36]. A pair of opposed handle arms [32] extend downward on each side of the spine [21] and a pair of handle legs [35] extend downward from each side handle [30]. Disposed at an end of each handle leg [34] is an upward-projecting scratching barb [40A and 40B]. DETAIL “A” depicts a scratching barb [40B] disposed in a reservoir [52]. There are four reservoirs [52], two rows of two each on the fluid tray [50].

[0062] Two scratching barbs pointed upward [40A and 40B] oppose each other and cooperatively engage with each other to simultaneously generate two small scratches [91] on the skin of the patient while depositing trace amounts of allergy test fluids at their respective test sites.

[0063] FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C depict the first embodiment of the multi-site skin-test applicator [20A] of the present invention during allergy barb deposition. When subsequently repositioned upon the skin of the patient [90], the pair of opposing scratching barbs [40A and 40B] contact both sides of the raised portion of the skin [94] of the patient.

[0064] FIG. 9A is a front view of the multi-site skin-test applicator [20A] in an expanded position, with the pair of opposing scratching barbs [40A and 40B] resting upon the skin of a patient [90]. The multi-site skin-test applicator [20A] is in an expanded position. The scratching barbs [40A and 40B] each include a trace of their respective allergy test fluids and are prepared for allergy test fluid barb deposition.

[0065] FIG. 9B is a front view of the multi-site skin-test applicator [20A]. The multi-site skin test applicator is now being in a compressed position by use of the pair of finger grips [35 and 36]. The pair of opposing scratching barbs [40A and 40B] are resting upon the skin of the patient [90] with the each of pair of opposing scratching barbs [40A and 40B] disposed about a portion of the skin of a patient [90] that has been lifted upwards [94] between the pair of opposed scratching barbs [40A and 40B]. The multi-site skin-test applicator [20A] is in the allergy test fluid deposition position.

[0066] FIG. 9C is a front view of the multi-site skin-test applicator [20A] of FIG. 8. The multi-site skin-test applicator [20A] is still being compressed. The pair of opposing scratching barbs [40A and 40B] now have been raised upward from the skin of the patient [90] with small scratches [91] now appearing on each side of the portion of the skin of the patient that was lifted upwards [94].

[0067] With the pair of opposing scratching barbs [40A and 40B] now positioned on the skin of the patient [90], the multi-site skin-test applicator [20A] is moved from the relaxed state to the compressed state and pulled upwards away from the raised skin. In so doing, the pair of opposing scratching barbs [40A and 40B] will break the skin of the patient [90] and generate a plurality of small scratches [91]. A trace amount of each allergy test fluid [57] has been retained on each scratching barb [40A and 40B] and is inserted into each scratch [91] on the skin of the patient [90].

[0068] The method of administering the plurality of allergy test fluids using the multi-site skin test system requires allergy test fluid barb loading (the position [25] being depicted in DETAIL “A” of FIG. 8) and allergy test fluid barb deposition (the position [92] being shown in FIG. 9C).

[0069] FIG. 10 depicts an assembly view of a second preferred embodiment of a multi-site skin-test applicator [20B] and fluid tray [50] for use in the penicillin allergy test kit of the present invention [10]. The multi-site skin-test applicator [20B] has four scratching barbs [49A and 40B] pointing downward, cooperatively engaged with the fluid tray [50], the multi-site skin-test applicator [20B] having four scratching barbs [40B] that simultaneously scratch the skin of the patient as trace amounts of allergy test fluids are inserted into the skin of the patient. The multi-site skin-test applicator [20B] is disposed on the fluid tray [50]. DETAIL “B” depicting an exploded side view of the scratching barb positioned in a reservoir of the fluid tray [50] during allergy test fluid loading, the reservoir [54] being partially filled with an allergy test fluid.

[0070] The multi-site skin-test applicator [20B] includes a centrally disposed spine [21] and pair of side handles [30 and 31] along a pair of opposing finger grips [35 and 36]. A pair of opposed handle arms [32] extend downward on each side of the spine [21] and a pair of handle legs [35] extend downward from each side handle [30]. Disposed at an end of each handle leg [34] is a downward-projecting scratching barb [42A and 42B]. DETAIL “B” depicts a scratching barb [42B] disposed in a reservoir [54]. There are four reservoirs [54], two rows of two each on the fluid tray [50].

[0071] FIG. 11A is a front view of the multi-site skin-test applicator in an expanded position with the scratching barbs, the two scratching barbs now being loaded and each scratching barb includes a trace of their respective allergy test fluid prepared for allergy test fluid deposition.

[0072] Two scratching barbs pointed downward [42A and 42B] oppose each other and cooperatively engage with each other to simultaneously generate two scratches on the skin of the patient while depositing trace amounts of allergy test fluids at their respective test sites.

[0073] FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C depict an alternate embodiment of the method for administering multiple allergy test fluids of the present invention, each pair of opposing scratching barbs [42A and 42B] of the multi-site skin-test applicator [20B] pointed downward toward the fluid tray [50] when disposed in the fluid tray [50]. The fluid tray [50] contains multiple allergy test fluids disposed in each reservoir [54] respectively. Allergy test fluids [57] are selected and placed in reservoirs [54] in the fluid tray [50], and care is taken not to use an excess amount of the allergy test fluids. After allergy test fluid barb loading is completed, the medical technician lifts the multi-site skin-test applicator [20B] out of the fluid tray [50], the multi-site skin test applicator [10] being in the relaxed state. Using the pair of opposing finger grips [30 and 31], the medical technician applies pressure moving the multi-site skin-test applicator [20B] to a compressed state before placing the multi-site skin-test applicator [20B] upon the skin of the patient [90] in the allergy test fluid deposition position. The medical technician then pushes lightly upon the multi-site skin-test applicator [20B] and slowly releases the finger grips [30 and 31]. This generates a scratch [91] at each test site essentially simultaneously on the skin of the patient [90]. Trace amounts of each respective allergy test fluid [57] then seep into each respective scratch [91]. The use of the finger grips [30 and 31] to move the multi-site skin-test applicator [20B] from the relaxed state to the compressed state and then back again to the relaxed state enables one-handed operation by the medical technician. Then, the multi-site skin-test applicator [20B] is pulled up and away from the skin of the patient [90].

[0074] FIG. 11A is a front view of the multi-site skin-test applicator [20B] in an expanded position, with the pair of opposing scratching barbs [42A and 42B]. The pair of opposing scratching barbs [42A and 42B] are loaded, each including a trace amount of allergy test fluid and are prepared for allergy test fluid deposition. FIG. 11B is a front view of the multi-site skin-test applicator [20B], which is now in a compressed position. The pair of opposing scratching barbs [42A and 42B] are resting upon the skin of a patient [90] with the pair of opposing scratching barbs [42A and 42B] pointed downward.

[0075] FIG. 11C is a front view of the multi-site skin-test applicator [20B], which is now in an expanded position. The pair of opposing scratching barbs [42A and 42B] now have generated a pair of scratches [91] on the skin of the patient [90] at a pair of test sites as the pair of opposing scratching barbs [42A and 42B] move away from each other.

[0076] FIG. 11B is a front view of the multi-site skin-test applicator of FIG. 13A, the multi-site skin-test applicator now being in a compressed position. The scratching barbs are resting upon the skin of a patient with the each of two scratching barbs pointed downward.

[0077] FIG. 11C is a front view of the multi-site skin-test applicator of FIG. 13B, the multi-site skin-test applicator now being in an expanded position, the scratching barbs now have generated a pair of scratches at a pair of test sites as the scratching barbs move away from each other.

[0078] The penicillin allergy test kit of the present invention [10] preferably includes five preloaded safety syringes [60], to enable additional subcutaneous skin testing if the doctor deems such testing necessary. While there are several different suitable syringes available, the syringe of choice is disclosed in U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/973,990 and 10765814 (Prince). FIG. 12A depicts a side elevational view of a first preferred embodiment of a safety syringe [60] for use with the multi-site skin-test applicator [20A] of FIGS. 8 and 10, with a needle hub assembly in a needle shipping position [72]. The unused needle [62] is locked in and protected by a safety cover [66]. FIG. 12B depicts a side elevational view of the safety syringe [60] for use with the multi-site skin-test applicator [20A] of FIGS. 8 and 10, with the needle hub assembly [64] being disposed in a second and forward secured needle insertion position [74] for insertion of the needle [62] into the skin of the patient. FIG. 12C depicts a side elevational view of the safety syringe [60] for use with the multi-site skin-test applicator [20A] of FIGS. 8 and 10, with a needle hub assembly in a third secured position. The safety syringe [60] has been used and is awaiting disposal. The used needle [62] is locked in and protected by the safety cover [66].

[0079] The penicillin allergy test kit of the present invention [10], including five preloaded syringes [60], each syringe being identified as to content, and each being placed in a specific location in the tester kit [10]. One syringe is preloaded with saline, two syringes are preloaded with Pre-Pen, and two syringes are preloaded with Pen-G.

[0080] U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,777 (Hein, Jr.) discloses a multi-site skin-test system. The system includes a reservoir tray and strips of interconnected reservoir caps inserted into upper portions of the reservoirs. The caps each include a generally conically shaped hole. Connection members connect the caps of a strip to one another. The strips of caps are pressed into tightly fitting upper portions of reservoirs having upwardly facing ledge surfaces for supporting downwardly facing bottom surfaces of the caps. The outer side surfaces of the caps and the inner surfaces of the upper portions of the reservoirs are substantially the same size to provide a tight fit. A tray lid includes a downwardly extending ridge that cooperates with the tray to prevent the lid from being placed onto the tray backwards.

[0081] U.S. Pat. No. 5,551,441 (Pitesky) discloses a multi-site skin-test system. The injection pick holder to releasably holds and applies to a patient a plurality of allergy test fluids. The puncture-type device includes a block member having upper and lower ends and side walls, the lower end having formed thereon a pair of parallel longitudinal downwardly opening slits and a plurality of sockets formed on each of the slits in spaced relation. A pair of upwardly and outwardly angling hand grasp ears project from the diametrical opposite longitudinal sides of the upper end. A multi-elastic band encompasses the peripheral side walls and is continually in tension when it is in place.

[0082] However, the preferred multi-site skin test system is a variation of the system disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/468,132 (Prince) having four scratching barbs cooperatively engaged with four reservoirs in the fluid tray. The multiple allergen testing system includes an applicator and a fluid tray. The fluid tray is cooperatively engageable with the applicator. The applicator has an allergen loading position and an allergen deposition position. In the allergen loading position, a different allergen is loaded onto each respective scratching barb from each respective reservoir of the loading tray. Each scratching barb is designed to retain a trace of allergen fluid. A pair of finger grips are positioned on opposing sides of the applicator frame. The applicator fits into one hand of a medical technician administering the allergen skin testing. The applicator is removed from the fluid tray and repositioned onto the skin of the patient.

[0083] The applicator is made of compressible material. In the allergen deposition position, the applicator is compressed, and each allergen is deposited into each respective scratch generated by each respective scratching barb on the skin for further analysis.

[0084] There are two methods of intracutaneous application of allergy test fluids, (1) the puncture method and (2) the abrasion or scratching method. U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,777 (Hein, Jr.) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,551,441 (Pitesky) use the puncture method and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/468,132 (Prince) uses the abrasion or scratching method. While the allergy test kit [10] of the present invention is compatible with all three systems, the preferred system deploys the kit shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/468,132 (Prince). Accordingly, for purposes of illustration and simplicity, this test kit [10] with this multi-site skin test system [18A and 18B] is depicted in the drawings accompanying this Application. However, it is to be understood that these other devices can also be used and are not waived hereby.

[0085] The multi-site skin-test system [18A] is built around the multi-site skin-test applicator [20A] that enables the accurate and repeatable placement of the allergy testing fluid from the fluid tray [50]. Then, these allergy test fluids are transferred to the scratching barbs [40A and 40B] of the multi-site skin-test applicator [20A] from the fluid tray [50]. Once the scratching barbs [42A and 42B] of the multi-site skin-test system [18A] are on the skin of the patient, the multi-site skin-test applicator [20A] is moved in such a way as to lift the skin in front of the scratching barbs [40A and 40B].

[0086] When the medical professional decides that a patient requires a test for an allergic reaction to penicillin, he gets a penicillin allergy test kit of the present invention and opens the APP on a smart phone, a tablet or other electronic device that has the APP installed. The test box is opened, and the APP is started. The device's camera is pointed at the QR Code on the inside of the penicillin test kit container and a photograph of the QR Code is taken. The APP interprets the code as being a penicillin allergy test kit and records the test kit information, such as kit code, date code, manufacturer, date, etc. The APP then leads the medical professional to a short training video which walks them through the proper use of the penicillin allergy test kit of the present invention. The patient will have a QR Code, a bar code or any other digital identifier associated with their electronic medical records, that will be scanned by the APP. The APP now associates the particular penicillin allergy test kit of the present invention with the patient.

[0087] An alcohol wipe is removed from the kit and is used to cleanse the forearm of the patient. The first tattoo is placed on the forearm of the patient. This tattoo transfers the identical QR Code from the container onto the forearm of the patient. The tattoo also identifies four testing quadrants: one for Pre-Pen (PRP), one for Pen-G (PG), one for saline (−) and one for histamine (+). The saline and histamine are the controls in the test. The saline will always give a negative reaction and the histamine will always give a positive reaction. The positive reaction of the histamine will be a wheal that grows 3 to 5 millimeters in diameter from the initial size of the bleb (the raised skin blister caused by the fluid being injected under the skin). The skin will also show a red color or flair, which is an indication of a positive reaction to the histamine. The saline being negative and the histamine being positive indicates that the patient has not taken any antihistamine (such as Benadryl®) or any other medicines that will suppress skin reactivity and that the penicillin test will not be suppressed.

[0088] The medical professional then removes the allergen testing tray from the kit and removes the protective covering from the top. The tattoo is then transferred to the forearm of the patient. The medical professional then takes the multi-site skin-test applicator from the penicillin allergy test kit of the present invention, dips the ends of the multi-site skin-test applicator into the four reservoirs of the fluid tray, being certain that the UP mark on the multi-site skin-test applicator is aligned with the UP mark on the fluid tray.

[0089] The multi-site skin-test applicator with a trace of the testing fluid on each scratching barb is placed on the skin, in the correct quadrant. This is ensured by placing the circular up indicator of the multi-site skin-test applicator above the circular up mark on the tattoo. The scratching barbs are placed on the skin, light pressure is applied, and the arms of the tester are pulled towards each other and then lifted, scratching the skin of the patient, and applying a small amount of allergy test fluid into the scratched skin area. Any excess fluid can be blotted from the skin, taking care not to cross contaminate the testing areas of the skin of the patient. The electronic device, running the testing APP will take a photograph of the test area immediately after the scratch test.

[0090] The APP records the skin color and the size of each wheal caused by the scratch tester. A 20-minute timer is started. After 20 minutes, the APP takes another photograph of the scratch test site. Artificial intelligence which has been built into the APP, analyzes each scratch test site. The saline must be negative, the histamine must be positive, and the areas scratched by the Pre-Pen and Pen-G will indicate a positive reaction or a negative reaction. A positive reaction is indicated by the wheal growing by 3 to 5 mm and having a red color or flair. The APP records the results, associates the results with the patient and suggests a positive or a negative for each of the test sites and grades them from 0 to 4. The doctor reads the suggested artificial intelligence results and decides on the next course of action. The doctor may decide to confirm any negative test results by performing a subcutaneous retest. This test is done by injecting a small amount of Pre-Pen at two sites on the upper arm, injecting Pen-G at two sites on the upper arm and saline injected at one place on the upper arm. The medical professional removes the alcohol wipe [16] from the test kit and cleanses the upper arm of the patient, and then applies the tattoo [14] to the upper arm.

[0091] With the tattoo [14] in place, the first Pre-Pen, preloaded syringe [60] is removed from the container [11] of the allergy test kit of the present invention [10]. The Pre-Pen allergy test fluid is injected under the skin of the patient in the tattoo quadrant marked “Pre-Pen”. The used syringe is closed into its locked, disposal, position and placed back into the container. The second Pre-Pen syringe is removed from the container and injected under the skin in the quadrant marked “Pre-Pen”. The syringe is then returned to the container [11]. The first Pen-G syringe is removed from the container and the allergy test fluid is injected under the skin of the patient in the quadrant marked “Pen-G”. The syringe is then returned to the container [11]. Next, the second Pen-G syringe is removed from the container and the allergy test fluid is injected under the skin of the patient in the quadrant “Pen-G”. The syringe is then returned to the container [11].

[0092] And finally, the saline syringe is removed from the test kit and the saline is injected under the skin of the patient in the quadrant marked “S—”. The digital device then photographs the upper arm tattoo area, the QR Code, of the allergy test kit of the present invention [10] being recorded and is digitally connected to the patient.

[0093] After 20 minutes, the digital device is used to take another photograph of the upper arm tattoo area and the site of the 5 injections. The artificial intelligence built into the APP analyzes the test site, measures the wheal change size and the red flair and grades the reaction from 0 to 4. The QR Code for this test is the kit QR Code and is tied to the patient's electronic health records. The doctor reviews the artificial intelligence results and either approves the results or modifies them. Then the medical professional having the test results, treats the patient as recommended. The test results now follow the patient. With all the contents of the penicillin allergy test kit of the present invention now being returned to the container, the foam around each component will absorb any fluids remaining in the scratch test wells, on the four-position applicator unit [20] and in the syringes. The container can be closed. When the container is closed, it will lock and seal itself, transforming the container into its own sharps container. The container and its contents are then discarded as one would discard a full sharps container for proper disinfecting and disposal.

[0094] The next step is to strip any patient specific data from each test (scratch and subcutaneous), keep artificial intelligence's initial grades, photographs and data, also keep the changes made by the doctor and transmit this data to a worldwide data base. Artificial intelligence that operates and controls the database, reviews initial gradings for artificial intelligence, the photographs and data as well as the changes made by the doctor to improve future diagnoses. This is a form of machine learning, but this learning is taught by the corrections the doctor makes. As more test data is added to the database, the artificial intelligence gets smarter and will continually improve its initial diagnoses.

[0095] A positive test result indicates a high likelihood of penicillin allergy. A negative test result usually means the patient is not at high risk of an allergy to penicillin. But a negative result is more difficult to interpret since some drug reactions cannot be detected by skin tests.

[0096] Artificial intelligence is used in the penicillin allergy test kit of the present invention. Other systems that deploy similar-type artificial intelligence systems to assist medical professionals in decision-making and machine learning include:

[0097] U.S. patent Ser. No. 11/037,682 (Kelly et al.) depicts a dynamic selection and sequencing of healthcare assessments for patients. Mechanisms are provided for administering health care assessments to a patient. The mechanisms analyze patient information stored in a patient registry and determine a plurality of health care assessments to be administered to the patient based on the patient information and one or more pre-defined health care assessment guidelines specifying conditions for which health care assessments are to be administered to patients and timing for administering the assessments to the patients. The mechanisms generate a sequence of health care assessments, in the plurality of health care assessments, based on the guidelines and the patient information. The sequence comprises an ordering of the health care assessments, and a timing interval between health care assessments, determined based on the guidelines and the patient information. The mechanisms administer at least one health care assessment to the patient in accordance with the determined sequence of health care assessments.

[0098] U.S. patent Ser. No. 11/152,121 (Stoval, III, et al.) depicts a system for generating clinical summaries using machine learning. The computer system generates a clinical summary for a patient based on machine learning. One or more templates are generated, each indicating medical information for a corresponding clinical summary with respect to a medical condition of a patient. Preferences for medical information for each corresponding clinical summary are learned based on a history of desired medical information for clinical summaries for the medical condition. The learned preferences are applied to the one or more templates. A clinical summary is generated with respect to the medical condition of the patient based on the one or more templates with the learned preferences. Embodiments of the present invention further include a method and program product for generating a clinical summary for a patient based on machine learning in substantially the same manner described above.

[0099] The system of the present invention uses similar methods to improve the system artificial intelligence for future patients as each new patient is processed using care to safeguard the identity of each individual patient.

[0100] Throughout this application, various Patents and Applications are referenced by number and inventor. The disclosures of these documents in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this specification in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains.

[0101] It is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations of the penicillin allergy test kit of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in lieu of the disclosure herein. It is intended that the metes and bounds of the present invention be determined by the appended claims rather than by the language of the above specification, and that all such alternatives, modifications, and variations which form a conjointly cooperative equivalent are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of these claims.

PARTS LIST

[0102] 10—Allergy Test Kit [0103] 11—Container [0104] 12—Container QR Code [0105] 14—Preprinted Tattoo Label [0106] 15—Label QR Code [0107] 16—Sterile Alcohol Prep Pad [0108] 17—Sponge [0109] 18A and 18B—Multi-Site Skin Test System (1.sup.st and 2.sup.nd Embodiment) [0110] 20A and 20B—Multi-Site Skin Test Applicator (1.sup.st and 2.sup.nd Embodiment) [0111] 25—Tester UP Indicator [0112] 30—Side Handle [0113] 31—Handle Grip [0114] 32—Handle Arm [0115] 34—Handle Leg [0116] 40A and 40B—Upward Scratching Barbs [0117] 42A and 42B—Downward Scratching Barbs [0118] 50—Fluid Tray [0119] 54—Reservoir [0120] 57—Allergy Test Fluid [0121] 60—Preloaded Syringe [0122] 62—Needle [0123] 64—Needle Hub Assembly [0124] 66—Safety Cover [0125] 72—Needle Shipping Position [0126] 74—Needle Insertion Position [0127] 76—Needle Disposal Position [0128] 90—Skin of Patient [0129] 91—Scratch [0130] 94—Raised Skin