Systems, devices, and methods for sample integrity verification

Abstract

The devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein provide sample verification capabilities in a single device or system. Devices are disclosed herein. Systems including these devices are also provided. These devices and systems may be configured for verifying sample integrity prior to a subject leaving a sample collection site so that any further samples or other corrective action can occur without having to make a separate visit.

1 . A sample verification device for use with a sample container containing at least one sample, the device comprising:
 at least one image capture device;   a sample container support;   a communication module;   wherein said at least one image capture device is aligned to collect visual information about at least one characteristic of the sample and at least one sample identifier associated with the sample whereby at least a portion of the information is transmitted by the communication module where said information is processed to alert a user if the sample fails to meet one or more sample collection criteria.   
     
     
         2 . The sample verification of  claim 1  further comprising a multi-axis image capture system comprising the at least one image capture device along a first axis and at least another image capture device along a second axis. 
     
     
         3 . The sample verification of  claim 1  further comprising a multi-axis information capture system comprising the at least one image capture device along a first axis and at least another data reader along a second axis. 
     
     
         4 . The sample verification of  claim 1  further comprising a multi-angle information capture system comprising using the at least one image capture device and optical element to simultaneously image more than surface of the sample container. 
     
     
         5 . The sample verification of  claim 1  further comprising a light controlled housing for containing at least a portion of the sample and at least a portion of the at least one image capture device. 
     
     
         6 . The sample verification of  claim 5  wherein the light controlled housing comprises a portion movable from a closed position to an open position to allow for loading of the sample container into the sample verification device. 
     
     
         7 . The sample verification of  claim 5  wherein a region of interest of the at least one image capture devices comprises portions of at least two sample containers 
     
     
         8 . The sample verification of  claim 5  wherein a region of interest of the at least one image capture devices simultaneous images a portion of the sample and a visual identifier on the sample container. 
     
     
         9 . The sample verification of  claim 5  wherein a region of interest of the at least one image capture devices simultaneous images a portion of the sample and a visual identifier on the sample container. 
     
     
         10 . A method of performing sample verification comprising:
 capturing information about at least one characteristic of the sample;   capturing at least one sample identifier associated with the sample;   keeping a subject at the sample collection facility until sample verification is completed;   communicating an alert to a user if the sample fails to meet at least one sample collection criteria, whereby a remedial action is taken before the subject departs from the sample collection facility.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , comprising placing the sample into a light-controlled imaging location. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10  wherein capturing comprises multi-axial imaging. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10  wherein capturing comprises multi-angle imaging. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10  wherein capturing comprises multi-angle imaging using a single capture device.