IDENTIFICATION OF BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES

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 RFTD tag.

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

5. A method according to claim 4, in which the database is controlled by software which includes an anti-collision protocol to discriminate between data received from a plurality of vessels having different identification codes attached thereto.

6. 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.

7. A work station providing a warmed surface for supporting biological samples and comprising RFID tag reading means located beneath the surface for reading RFTD 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.

8. 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.

9. A work station according to claim 8, in which the plate comprises glass coated on its lower surface with an electrically-conducting heating layer as the heating medium.

10. A work station according to claim 8, in which the plate comprises upper and lower plate elements defining a cavity therebetween for containing a liquid heating medium.

11. A work station according to claim 10, in which the heating medium comprises water at a thermostatically-controlled temperature.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Embodiments of invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a work station utilising one form of heating means; and

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment using another form of heating means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] With reference firstly to FIG. 1, the apparatus consists essentially of a stainless steel workbench surface (10) having an insert defining a work area and consisting of a toughened glass plate (11). A petri dish (12) having an RFID tag (13) attached to the under surface thereof is placed on the work station. The glass plate (11) carries a lower coating or deposit (14) formed from indium tin oxide, the layer being electrically connected to a power supply to provide an even heating current. An antenna (16) is disposed below the work station and connected to test equipment (17).

[0019] In use, the antenna coil transmits activation signals to the RFID tag (13) which itself transmits identification signals back to the antenna, the signals being processed in the test equipment (17). The power supply (15) supplies energy to the indium tin oxide layer (14) for heating purposes; the heat generated is transmitted through the plate (11) to maintain the upper surface of the plate at the desired temperature.

[0020] With reference to FIG. 2, the work station consists essentially of upper and lower Corian (Registered Trade Mark) plates (21, 22) set into a workbench as shown in FIG. 1. The plates are spaced apart to define a gap (23) through which temperature-controlled water is passed in laminar flow to maintain the upper surface of the work station at the desired temperature. The work station is provided with an antenna and test equipment as described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 1.