Point-of-care inventory management system and method

摘要

A system and method are disclosed for controlling an inventory of point-of-care diagnostic devices. The inventory includes a main inventory and at least one subinventory. Each device has an ambient temperature shelf life. Data associated with the devices is entered, including: the current quantity and predetermined minimum quantity of devices in the main inventory; and the current quantity and predetermined minimum quantity of devices in the subinventory. A first timestamp is associated with each device when the device is transferred from the main inventory to the ambient temperature subinventory. The first timestamp is compared to a second timestamp prior to use of the device to determine whether the device's ambient temperature shelf life is exceeded. The current quantity of devices in the subinventory is updated in response to an event that causes a change in the current quantity of devices in the subinventory.

主权项

1. A point of care testing device comprising:
an analysis component configured to perform at least one sample analysis; and a time indicator configured to: provide a first code or signal associated with the device that indicates a first time when the device is transferred from a controlled main inventory to an ambient temperature subinventory; and provide a second code or signal associated with the device that indicates a second time prior to the device performing said at least one sample analysis, wherein a comparison between a predetermined ambient shelf life of the device and a time difference between said first time and said second time provides an indication of whether the device has expired; and said predetermined shelf life provides a usable lifetime of the device at ambient temperature.