WO2019158733A1 - Smart method for feedback generation during sample control and surveillance - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for providing a status feedback or an alert feedback upon checking one or more parameter(s) of a sample container between the step of filling the sample in the container and the initiation of the transport of said sample container in a sample container rack designed to receive one or more sample container(s) as a base station, as well as to a corresponding computer implemented method and a corresponding data processing device.

Description

Smart method for feedback generation during sample control and surveillance

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for providing a status feedback or an alert feedback upon checking one or more parameter(s) of a sample container between the step of filling the sample in the container and the initiation of the transport of said sam- pie container in a sample container rack designed to receive one or more sample con tainers) as a base station, as well as to a corresponding computer implemented method and a corresponding data processing device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Digitization and smart technologies enable pharmaceutical, technical, and diag- nostic companies to perform quantum leaps in research and development. Patients will benefit in the near future from tailor-made and individualized treatment strategies for their disease. Due to more precise analysis and innovations in the field of precision med icine more sensitive tests and specific differential diagnoses become possible. In partic ular blood-based biomarker analyzes are gaining in importance. As a result, significantly more blood samples will be collected, sent and analyzed using high-resolution diagnostic assays. For the examination of hematological samples, there are already first innovative, miniaturized and digitized in vitro diagnostic solution packages. However, for controlled shipping, tracking and proof of the integrity of the samples during the pre-analytical phase or the transport and for a digital communication between sample and analyzer a smart next-generation data approach is missing entirely.

[0002] Global companies need a large number of individual samples for clinical trials, which come from different countries due to rare or only locally occurring indications. In Germany alone blood is transported to the value of approx. 4.5 billion EUR - the world's blood transport costs around 40 - 60 billion EUR p.a. These blood samples serve the development of new products whose value (or their loss at the failure of the develop ment) changes with a factor of 10 (based on the transport value). Therefore, blood sam ples and other samples are by far the most important raw material for the diagnostics industry. Their quality is crucial for the successful placing of new products on the market, whereby their handling has been neglected so far.

[0003] The transport of blood and other body fluids must be carried out under con trolled temperature conditions of up to -80° C and a guaranteed cold chain. To date, this is done in most cases "offline and analog" by adding temperature monitoring means directly in the transport container, for example with the aid of so-called temperature- active strips for simple detection, or electronic temperature data loggers for recording and subsequently reading out the data. However, these methods are highly susceptible to disturbances and fraud, require additional expenses and cannot be tracked by third parties such as customers or users in real-time. Once a sample has left the intended temperature corridor and this is not documented, uncorrectable and unpredictable ef fects on the quality or composition of the sample are produced. This can endanger the entire result of an analysis and, in the worst case, lead to a falsification of the diagnostic results. A truly comprehensive, digitally comprehensible and verifiable solution to this problem, which sets global standards, is not yet available. [0004] Annually, around 8 billion blood samples are analyzed globally. For example, 285 million blood draws and 690 million blood samples collections were reported in Ger many in 2018. Blood draws are typically taking place in outpatient or stationary settings and blood draws are performed by healthcare practitioners e.g. clinicians or nurses and blood samples have to be send to the medical lab on the same day. Transport is normally performed in-house by pneumatic tube system or by walking. For settled doctors and laboratory service providers samples have to be picked up by courier service and sam ples often travel a few hundred kilometers to the laboratory. Between 6 - 10 % of all samples are processed manually after arrival in the medical laboratory at sample entry, which results in 25 % costs of the lab operational staff for unnecessary manual labor and processing. Most of these samples need manual preparation because they were nega tively affected by pre-analytical error such as, for example, "wrong tube", "wrong label", "low filling volume", "hemolysis" or the like which compromises the sample before its arrival in the laboratory and leads to additional manual labor at sample entry. The total cost for processing one sample manually due to any of these errors is twice the cost of automated processing. Furthermore, an additional 5 % of all goods and consumables must be spent to achieve reimbursable results due to repetitive measurements.

[0005] Detecting and reducing these pre-analytical errors automatically at the point of blood collection could potentially improve medical quality and cut short the spending of an average laboratory by 10 %, through the reduction of manual labor costs and savings of consumables or materials, e.g. test reagents for unnecessary analyses. By improving medical quality and reducing costs for inappropriate patient treatment, up to 400 mil lion Euros can be saved annually in the German healthcare system, 2.000 million Euro all over Europe in a highly competitive market, in which automation and efficiency are key for further profits and key driver of innovation. The additional value of increased diagnostic quality, improved patient safety, easier compliance with regulatory guide lines (e.g. ISO 15189) and competitive advantages are an additional value. Studies have shown that for every Euro that is saved through better quality in pre-analytics, three Euros are saved for healthcare-systems because of less manual troubleshooting, less medical errors and lower treatment costs.

[0006] There is thus a need for an efficient approach to control shipping, tracking and proof of the integrity of biological or medicinal samples during the pre-analytical phase and for a digital communication between the sample and assisting devices, as well as corresponding, digital communication-based analyzer technology.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention addresses these needs and provides in one aspect a method for providing a status feedback or an alert feedback upon checking one or more parameter(s) of a sample container between the step of filling the sample in the con tainer and the initiation of the transport of said sample container in a sample container rack designed to receive one or more sample container(s) as a base station, wherein said alert is provided to a remote receiving station designed to receive in a wireless and/or real-time communication fashion information of a sample container rack, orto a sample analyzer designed to receive one or more sample container rack(s), wherein said sample analyzer comprises an RFID reader, a Bluetooth device, a barcode reader, an interface between said reader and an analyzer information technology unit, and a communication module allowing for wireless and/or real-time communication with a remote receiving station, or to a remote laboratory comprising said sample analyser, or to an operator handling the sample container or the system.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, said parameters comprise one or more selected from:

(i) filling volume of the sample container;

- (ii) type of sample container, preferably identifiable via a cap color code;

(iii) integrity of sample container;

(iv) potential hemolysis and/or icterus and/or lipaemia in the sample container;

(v) presence of barcode;

(vi) readability of barcode;

- (vii) presence of labels;

(viii) readability of labels;

(ix) presence of order form and/or additional document;

(x) readability of order form and/or additional document; (xi) temperature of the sample and/or sample container and/or sample container rack, preferably at the time point of sample container placement in the sample container rack or after a predefined period subsequent to sample container placement in the sample container rack;

- (xii) determinability of temperature as defined in (xi)

(xiii) centrifugation status of the sample;

(xiv) presence of liquid and/or solid phase in the sample;

(xv) ratio of liquid and solid phases in the sample;

(xvi) technical functionality of camera and/or internal memory;

- (xvii) availability of insertion slot in sample container rack;

(xviii) removal of an inserted sample container from an insertion slot in the sample container rack;

(xix) time requirements; and

(xx) affectation by shock. [0009] In a further preferred embodiment, the status feedback is provided if a sample container has been detected in the sample container rack, and optionally if one or more the parameter(s) (i) to (xx) have been obtained, preferably if all of the parameters (i) to (xx) have been obtained.

[0010] In a further preferred embodiment, the alert feedback is provided if one or more of the parameter(s) (i) to (xx) show the following corresponding conditions:

(i) the filling volume of the sample container or sample volume differs from a predefined volume;

(ii-a) the type of sample container, preferably identifiable via a cap color code, does not match a predefined type, preferably a predefined color;

- (ii-b) the type of sample container, preferably identifiable via a cap color code, does not match the information of the order form;

(ii-c) the type of sample container, preferably identifiable via a cap color code, does not match the information on the barcode and/or label; (ii-d) the type of sample container, preferably identifiable via a cap color code, does not match the information predefined in an analyzer information technology unit and/or in the remote receiving station;

(iii) integrity of sample container is compromised, preferably identifiable by sample container shape;

(iv) a potential hemolysis and/or icterus and/or lipaemia is detected in the sample container via its content color, preferably by image capture;

(v) a barcode on sample container is missing;

(vi) a barcode on sample container is not readable;

- (vii) a label is missing;

(viii) a label is not readable

(ix) an order form and/or an additional document is missing;

(x) an order form and/or an additional document not readable is not readable;

(xi) temperature of the sample and/or sample container and/or sample container rack differs from a predefined temperature, preferably at the time point of sample container placement in the sample container rack or after a predefined period subsequent to sample container placement in the sample container rack;

(xii) temperature as defined in (xi) cannot be determined, and/or temperature of the sample and/or sample container does not differ from the environmental temperature;

(xiii) sample in the sample container has not been centrifuged;

(xiv) phase boundary between liquid and solid phase in the sample is not sharp;

(xv) ratio of liquid and solid phase in the sample differs from a predefined value;

(xvi) camera and/or internal memory and/or other sensor is not operational; - (xvii) no further insertion slot in sample container rack is available;

(xviii) an inserted sample container has been removed from insertion slot in the sample container rack;

(xix) time requirements are not met; or

(xx) sample container or sample container rack has been affected by shock. [0011] In a further preferred embodiment, said checking is performed in at least one sample container slot within the sample container rack, which is configured to check one or more said parameter(s) of a sample container.

[0012] In another embodiment, the fact that parameters have been checked and no de- viation from a predetermined value have been detected, is transmitted in the form of a contentless short signal.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, said alert feedback is provided as acoustic signal or as optical signal.

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment, said acoustic signal is speech output or an alert sound. In a particularly preferred embodiment, said optical signal is a display out put.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment, the status feedback or the alert feedback with respect to the parameter, whether a sample container has been detected in the sample container rack is provided immediately after the sample container has been in- troduced into the sample container rack, at the latest before the transport of the sample container is initiated and/or at predefined timepoints.

[0016] In yet another preferred embodiment, said status feedback or alert feedback is provided locally, preferably within the sample container rack.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment, the status feedback or alert feedback with respect to the fact that all parameters have been checked and no deviation from a pre determined value has been detected feedback is provided before the transport of the sample container is initiated.

[0018] In yet another preferred embodiment, said status feedback or alert feedback is provided locally and/or by a remote computer sever system, preferably by a cloud based computer server system and/or is provided on request by an operator via a cloud-based computer server system and/or is visualized by a web-based dashboard.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, said status feedback or alert feedback is rec orded in a remote computer sever system, preferably in a cloud based computer server system and can be downloaded in real-time, preferably by an LIS or a mobile device, wherein said status feedback or alert feedback optionally is recorded for a predefined period or is recorded for the most previous status feedback or alert feedback.

[0020] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to computer implemented method for providing a feedback alert upon checking one or more parameter(s) of a sample container between the step of filling the sample in the container and the initia tion of the transport of said sample container in a sample container rack designed to receive one or more sample container(s) as a base station, wherein said alert is provided to a remote receiving station designed to receive in a wireless and/or real-time commu nication fashion information of a sample container rack, or to sample analyzer designed to receive one or more sample container rack(s), wherein said sample analyzer com prises an RFID reader, a Bluetooth device, a barcode reader, an interface between said reader and an analyzer information technology unit, and a communication module al lowing for wireless and/or real-time communication with a remote receiving station, or to a remote laboratory comprising said sample analyser, or to an operator handling the sample container or the system.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment, said parameters comprise one or more se lected from:

(i) filling volume of the sample container;

(ii) type of sample container, preferably identifiable via a cap color code;

- (iii) integrity of sample container;

(iv) potential hemolysis and/or icterus and/or lipaemia in the sample container;

(v) presence of barcode;

(vi) readability of barcode; (vii) presence of labels;

(viii) readability of labels;

(ix) presence order form and/or additional document;

(x) readability of order form and/or additional document;

- (xi) temperature of the sample and/or sample container and/or sample container rack, preferably at the time point of sample container placement in the sample container rack or after a predefined period subsequent to sample container placement in the sample container rack;

(xii) determinability of temperature as defined in (xi)

- (xiii) centrifugation status of the sample;

(xiv) presence of liquid and/or solid phase in the sample;

(xv) ratio of liquid and solid phases in the sample;

(xvi) technical functionality of camera and/or internal memory;

(xvii) availability of insertion slot in sample container rack;

- (xviii) removal of an inserted sample containerfrom an insertion slot in the sample container rack;

(xix) time requirements; and

(xx) affectation by shock.

[0022] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a data processing device comprising means for carrying out the method as described herein above.

[0023] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program com prising instructions, which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method as described herein above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0024] Figure 1 shows the technical progress for clinical sample logistics.

[0025] Figure 2 depicts options for reducing the analytical error-rate. [0026] Figure 3 depicts pre-analytical errors during sample logistics.

[0027] Figure 4 shows the clinical sample circle.

[0028] Figure 5 indicates that pre-clinical errors are avoidable.

[0029] Figure 6 depicts analytical conclusions. [0030] Figure 7 provides information on smart analyzers.

[0031] Figure 8 shows clinical sample circles.

[0032] Figure 9 describes how smart analyzers will change working in the lab.

[0033] Figures 10 and 11 depict market access strategies.

[0034] Figure 12 provides an overview of the problems connected with conventional sample handling.

[0035] Figures 13 and 14 show an illustration of certain aspects of the smart sample monitoring procedure of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 15 depicts a three step process chain to integrate and evaluate pre-ana- lytical data. [0037] Figure 16 shows real-time loT-based integration and evaluation of pre-analytical data.

[0038] Figure 17 provides a costs overview of the smart analyzing approach.

[0039] Figure 18 shows a smart three-step process chain for pre-analytics.

[0040] Figure 19 depicts complete recording of all pre-analytical data. [0041] Figure 20 compares customer benefits. [0042] Figure 21 depicts a flow chart illustrating the implementation of a method for sample registration and check-in at point of sample collection.

[0043] Figure 22 shows a diagram illustrating a smart container rack.

[0044] Figure 23 represents a diagram illustrating parameters at sample registration and check-in at point of collection.

[0045] Figure 24 depicts a diagram illustrating the hardware variants of sample con tainer racks.

[0046] Figure 25 shows a close-up of a sample container rack during master check-in.

[0047] Figure 26 depicts the detection of several quality parameters of the sample con- tainers.

[0048] Figure 27 represents a sample container rack during check-in with live feedback at collection site.

[0049] Figures 28 and 29 show a chart illustrating the sample supply chain and monitor ing with a smart transport container. [0050] Figure 30 shows the system architecture.

[0051] Figure 31 depicts a chart illustrating the data flow during sample registration and check-in at point collection.

[0052] Figure 32 shows an LIS workflow.

[0053] Figure 33 shows sample checking workflow. [0054] Figure 34 represents sample registration and feedback loop at point of collection and data transmission.

[0055] Figure 35 shows the data integration LIS. [0056] Figure 36 depicts a web-based dashboard.

[0057] Figure 37 shows a web-based live dashboard for a smart container rack.

[0058] Figure 38 depicts a web-based live dashboard for a sample container.

[0059] Figure 39 shows system change in diagnostics. [0060] Figure 40 provides an overview of the number of blood sample containers used annually.

[0061] Figure 41 describes the bottleneck of manual labour in medical laboratories.

[0062] Figure 42 describes the most relevant bottlenecks in medical laboratories uncov ered by an international survey. [0063] Figure 43 depicts pre-analytical errors during sample handling and logistics.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0064] Although the present invention will be described with respect to particular em bodiments, this description is not to be construed in a limiting sense. [0065] Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments of the present invention, definitions important for understanding the present invention are given.

[0066] As used in this specification and in the appended claims, the singular forms of "a" and "an" also include the respective plurals unless the context clearly dictates oth erwise. [0067] In the context of the present invention, the terms "about" and "approximately" denote an interval of accuracy that a person skilled in the art will understand to still ensure the technical effect of the feature in question. [0068] It is to be understood that the term "comprising" is not limiting. For the purposes of the present invention the term "consisting of" or "essentially consisting of" is consid ered to be a preferred embodiment of the term "comprising of". If hereinafter a group is defined to comprise at least a certain number of embodiments, this is meant to also encompass a group which preferably consists of these embodiments only.

[0069] Furthermore, the terms "(i)", "(ii)", "(iii)" or "(a)", "(b)", "(c)", "(d)", or "first", "second", "third" etc., and the like in the description or in the claims, are used for dis tinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. In case the terms relate to steps of a method or use there is no time or time interval coherence between the steps, i.e. the steps may be carried out simultaneously or there may be time intervals of seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks etc. between such steps, unless otherwise indicated.

[0070] It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular method ology, protocols, reagents etc. described herein as these may vary. It is also to be under stood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular em bodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention that will be limited only by the appended claims. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and sci entific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0071] As has been set out above, the present invention concerns in one aspect a method for providing a status feedback or an alert feedback upon checking one or more parameter(s) of a sample container between the step of filling the sample in the con tainer and the initiation of the transport of said sample container in a sample container rack designed to receive one or more sample container(s) as a base station, wherein said alert is provided to a remote receiving station designed to receive in a wireless and/or real-time communication fashion information of a sample container rack, orto a sample analyzer designed to receive one or more sample container rack(s), wherein said sample analyzer comprises an RFID reader, a Bluetooth device, a barcode reader, an interface between said reader and an analyzer information technology unit, and a communication module allowing for wireless and/or real-time communication with a remote receiving station, or to a remote laboratory comprising said sample analyser, or to an operator handling the sample container or the system.

[0072] The underlying smart analytics concept combines the latest methods of digitiza tion and innovative medical technology to significantly improve the integrity of human blood and other body fluids, i.e. samples, despite complex supply chains for patients and researchers. The method for providing a status feedback or an alert feedback according to the invention allows the user to obtain rapid feedback with respect to certain param eters concerning the sample or sample containers, inter alia, the location, temperature and quality of samples in real time. The sample containers and the sample container rack within the context of the methods according to the present invention may com municate directly with existing analyzers, e.g. analyzers of the Cobas platform of Roche or other similar systems, thus reducing the handling effort of the samples. In addition, they may automatically combine and, in particular, check the data from the sample course with corresponding analytical data. This ensures that samples which do not meet predefined quality requirements do not enter into the analyzer system, or are re-used by an analyzer. This results in an unprecedented degree of safety, traceability and qual ity control when using different samples. In addition, the producer of an analyzer can convert its own platform into a smart digital device without great overhead, thus imple menting its own digitization strategy. [0073] The present invention thus aims at providing methodology for the checking and monitoring of sample containers before and during the transport of blood and other medical samples, as well as communication and software solutions for existing plat forms, e.g. Roche Cobas or LIS forms. In this way, the user receives in real time essential information on the status and potential problems with respect to his samples. Through the communication between the sample container, the sample container rack and the analyzer, a smart circuit-based methodology is created for the first time, which auto matically prevents the use of qualitatively inferior samples. This creates a hitherto un- precedented level of safety in the field of diagnostics, research and development.

[0074] The presently claimed and herein described technology will raise the safety and traceability of the blood samples to an unprecedented level. The control of all important data in real time drastically reduces the risk of incorrect clinical data due to improper handling and the possibility of manipulation. For the European diagnostics industry alone, for example, a total of approximately 2-3 billion EUR can be saved p.a. Advanta geously, the sample user can be updated and alerted in a quick way with respect to the quality of his sample right from the start. Since there is so far no uniform standard in this area, the present invention also aims at the provision of proposals for a globally valid standard. [0075] The presently claimed and herein described elements generate three immediate benefits: 1. The error rate in clinical diagnostics, especially in pre-analytics, due to incor rectly related samples can be significantly reduced. 2. The creation of a smart, secure and traceable data record for all clinical samples and the provision of quick feedback possibilities is a necessary step towards the implementation of the clinical trials preci- sion medicine. 3. The costs in preclinical and clinical research can be significantly re duced by means of a high degree of precision, meaningfulness and significantly lower rejects.

[0076] An example of an already existing analysing system in the field of automated la boratory diagnostics is the Cobas series provided by Roche. The present invention also aims at a further development of existing sample container as smart devices, which com municate independently with, e.g. the Cobas analyzers. Thanks to a Cobas-compatible methodology all necessary steps in the area of sample handling are significantly simpli fied. First, the time- and error-intensive repackaging from previously analog mailboxes in Cobas racks is no longer required. In addition, it is now possible for users, for the first time, to sort and/or treat separate samples, which do not meet the quality requirements already stipulated before dispatch, independently through the Cobas platform. For this purpose, the described methods allow to communicate directly with a receiving station, e.g. the Cobas platform and informs about the data collected so far by it. If these data do not correspond to previously determined parameters, e.g. temperature, route, time or qualitative parameters, the corresponding samples are automatically sorted out, or not measured, e.g. by the Cobas device or handled separately. Further options for sub sequent handling of these samples are also envisaged. In this way, the described meth- ods allow for an auto-correction for faulty data and the underlying platform technology, e.g. the Cobas platform, provides its users with an unprecedented, unique analytical safety frame. An interaction as described for the Cobas platform is envisaged also for any other suitable analyzing platforms known to the skilled person.

[0077] The present invention thus generates, for example, at least three immediate benefits: 1. The Cobas platform or any other similar analyzing platform may become a smart device, which comes into contact with the respective samples and exchanges itself about their quality. 2. Platform users get maximum security for the analyses performed on their platform devices. Defective samples are sorted out or handled differently. 3. There are significant cost reductions and time savings for platform users by applying the new methods and approaches.

[0078] A "sample container" as mentioned in the context of the methods according to the invention, is meant to be any suitable receptacle which is capable of comprising and storing a biological or medical sample. The container may be designed to comprise or store liquid or non-liquid materials. If liquid materials are comprised and stored, the container may be designed to be impermeable for the liquid. If non-liquid materials are comprised or stored, the container may be designed to accommodate as much of the material at the available space as possible. In further embodiments, the container may further be air-tight so that a gas exchange with the surrounding is avoided. The container may, in certain example be completely empty before a sample is filled in. It is particularly preferred that the container is sterile. In further embodiments, the container may be provided in form or designed to allow for the generation of vacuum in the container after filling. The sample container may be composed of any suitable material. Typically, the container may be composed of glass or plastic material, or a combination thereof. Also envisaged is the use of metals and/or electronic components, e.g. integrated into the container. The material and form of the container may further be adjusted to spe cific national or international regulations as to its properties, size, form etc. For example, the container may comprise, before any sample is filled in, a reagent or compound. For example, the container may comprise a stabilizing agent, which assists in preserving the sample. The container may comprise reagents necessary for carrying out one or more biochemical assay(s) such as a buffer, nucleotides, an enzyme, a dye etc. In yet another embodiment, the container may comprise an element, which allows to molecularly iden tify or characterize or tag a sample. For example, a molecular tag such as an artificial DNA sequence which can be retrieved and identified may be present in the container. Alternatively, an electronically identifiable particle may be provided in the container. These elements can either be filled in before the sample is added, or together with the sample or after the sample has been filled in. The sample container may further be chemically inert, e.g. composed of chemically inert plastics material. The container may be provided as insulated container designed to keep the sample at a predefined tem perature range and avoiding a freezing or cooking of the sample. In other embodiments, the present invention also envisages sample containers for cold transport at very low temperatures, e.g. temperatures below 0° C, -5° C, -20° C, -30° C, -40° C or deeper. The sample container may be provided in any suitable size. The size may be determined by the sample type to be comprised, the purpose of the sample taking, e.g. diagnostics, documentation, storage, the number of assays planned with the sample etc. Typically, sizes in the range from 5 ml to 50 ml are envisaged, e.g. 5 ml, 7.5 ml, 10 ml, 12 ml, 12.5 ml, 15 ml, 20 ml, 25 ml, 30 ml, 35 ml, 40 ml, 45 ml, 50 ml. In certain embodiments, also sizes smaller than 5 ml or larger than 50 ml are envisaged. The sample container may be a blood or processed blood collection container. Accordingly, the sample container is designed to fulfil all necessary regulatory requirements for blood transport, storage and/or diagnosis. The container may further be designed to alternatively comprise parts of a blood sample or a processed blood sample, e.g. a plasma or serum sample. The sample container may also be a biopsy collection tube. Accordingly, the sample con tainer is designed to fulfil all necessary regulatory requirements for biopsy transport, storage and/or diagnosis. In yet a further group of embodiments, the sample container is a container or tube designed to receive a biological fluid such as urine, semen, sweat, sputum, saliva, feces or stool. Accordingly, the sample container is designed to fulfil all necessary regulatory requirements for transport, storage and/or diagnosis of a biologi cal fluid such as urine, semen, sweat, sputum, saliva, feces or stool. The present inven tion further relates to the collection and transport of any other biological, medical or chemical sample type, e.g. water samples from environmental tests, microbial samples from environmental or epidemiological tests, scientific samples to be provided to re- motely locate working groups, geological samples, archeological samples etc.

[0079] A "base station" as mentioned in the context of the methods according to the invention, is meant to be a sample container rack, typically an independent sample con tainer rack, which is specifically designed to receive one or more sample container(s) as defined herein. The "sample container rack" may, in particular, be designed in different sizes and forms to accommodate different numbers and forms of sample containers. It may, for example, have space for 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 12, 20, 24, 30, 48, 50, 96, 100, 150, 200, 300, 384, 500, 1000, 2000 etc. or more sample containers, or any other suitable number of sample containers. The sample rack may be designed to accommodate only one size of sample containers, or it may provide space for differently sized sample containers. It is preferred that the sample container rack provides for about 30 to 40 sample contain ers. The sample containers may be accommodated in a tight and anti-slip manner, e.g. allowing for a headfirst transport or for vertical movements of the rack. The sample con tainer rack may also be packed in a further secondary box, e.g. a polystyrene box or any other suitable material. It is preferred that the secondary box is accurately fitting the container rack to avoid any displacement. Also envisaged are additional packages such as bags or crates. The use of these packaging variants may depend on the delivery route, the environmental temperature, the transport medium, the transport time etc. and may accordingly be adjusted. The sample container rack may comprise at least one, prefera- bly more than one of the following: (i) An RFID (radio frequency identification) unit, pref erably an RFID reader, which allows to communicate with an RFID component or tag present at or in the sample container as described above. The RFID reader accordingly is designed to detect the presence of each sample container placed in the rack. It may communicate sequentially or simultaneously with all sample containers. Furthermore, the information encoded in the sample containers, e.g. in the tag, as to origin, patient identity, sample type etc., may be received by the reader. The reader may further de termine whether all positions in a rack are filled and/or which positions are vacant. The sample container rack may also comprise an NFC (near field communication) unit or a Bluetooth unit, preferably a Bluetooth device. Furthermore, the sample container may comprise an ID-chip unit, (ii) A device for determining the temperature of the sample container, preferably a device which allows to determine the temperature at different positions, e.g. the outside and inside of a sample container, (iii) A device capable of de termining vibrations and centrifugal forces exerted on the rack and/or the sample con tainer provided in the rack. This device is preferably capable of registering, documenting and categorizing vibrations and/or gravitational changes, e.g. due to pressure changes, downfalls, fast horizontal or vertical movements etc. An example of a suitable sensor is a piezoelectric device, (iv) A geographic tracking device. This device is designed to regis ter and document geographic changes of the sample container rack. Preferably, a GPS sensor system may be used to track geographic positions. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based radio navigation system operated by the United States Air Force. It is a global navigation satellite system that provides geolocation and time information to a GPS receiver anywhere on or near the Earth where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. The GPS does not require the user to transmit any data, and it operates independently of any telephonic or internet reception, though these technologies can enhance the usefulness of the GPS positioning information. The GPS provides critical positioning capabilities to military, civil, and commercial users around the world. The present invention further envisages the use of alternative geolo cation systems such as Galileo, Glonass, GSM triangulation or Beidou. In specific embod- iments, more than one geolocation may be used, (v) A device capable of determining time parameters of the sample container rack's use. The device may, for example, reg ister the time and date of a placing of a sample container in the rack and its removal. It may further register the beginning and/or ending of movement phases, e.g. in combina tion with the geographic tracker and/or the vibrational sensor as described above. Fur- thermore, beginning and course of temperature changes may be determined, e.g. in combination with the temperature determining device, (vi) A communication module which allows for wireless communication with a remote receiving station. This commu nication module is, in certain embodiments, based on high-speed wireless communica tion standards such as LTE (long-term evolution), or GSM/EDGE or UMTS/HSPA technol- ogies, or any other suitable high-speed wireless communication technology or standard, e.g. also technologies which will be developed in the future, or are not yet commercially available such as 5G or successors thereof. It is preferred that the communication mod ule allows for real-time communication with a remote receiving station. The communi cation may preferably be connected with all other modules in the sample container rack and thus collect and transmit data from the modules present to the remote receiving station. The communication module may, in further embodiments, also be equipped with a second or further communication module, e.g. a Bluetooth device or a WiFi or WLAN module for local data transfer in a surrounding which provides suitable receiving possibilities. In alternative embodiments, the communication module may be capable, or may additionally be capable of transferring data with further protocols such as Nar- rowBand IOT (NB-loT). NarrowBand loT (NB-loT) is a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) radio technology standard developed to enable a wide range of devices and services to be connected using cellular telecommunications bands. NB-loT is a narrow- band radio technology typically designed for the Internet of Things (loT) and is one of a range of Mobile loT (MloT) technologies standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The present invention further envisages the use of similar technologies such as eMTC (enhanced Machine-Type Communication) and EC-GSM-loT. In further embodiments, the communication module may further be capable of receiving infor- mation form a remote receiving station, e.g. with respect to encoded patient infor mation, sample shipping destinations etc. (vii) A light sensor module. This module may determine light intensity on or in the vicinity of a sample container. The use of this mod ule is particularly advantageous in case of light sensitive samples. In certain specific em bodiments, a light sensor module may be present on the sample container directly, thus allowing for a light intensity check at the first moment of filling the sample. In further embodiments, the light sensor module may be present in or on the sample container, as well as in the sample container rack, (viii) A digital memory module. This memory module may collect and store information from one or more of the above mentioned modules (i) to (v) or (vii). It may serve as documentation center for the sample container rack during travelling or transport periods. The digital memory module may further be closely connected to the communication module (vi) and provide information to be sent out to a remote receiving station, (ix) An acoustic and/or optical alarm module. This module may serve as signaling center for the sample container rack during travelling or transport periods informing about an abnormal status of samples in the sample con- tainer rack. The incoming alerts may be received as alarm tones or a visual signal such as a flashing lamp. The acoustic alarm module may be configured to provide a direct acoustic alarm at the rack, or it may be configured to send an acoustic alarm signal to connected devices such as a handheld device, smartphone or the like. The optical alarm may be implemented as display or color LEDs on the rack. Also envisaged is a combina- tion of acoustic and optical alarm options such that an alarm is provided acoustically and at the same time optically. The alarm module further comprises a switch or similar ele ment which allows to terminate the alarm, e.g. after the cause of the alarm has been eliminated, or independent of such an elimination, (x) An electric power source. In order to be operational, the sample container may have its independent electric power source. This may, for example, be a battery or a rechargeable battery. In further embod iments, the electric power may be provided externally, e.g. by wireless power transfer (WPT) or wireless energy transmission. These technologies use different types of elec tromagnetic energy, including electric fields, magnetic fields, radio waves, microwaves or infrared waves. In a WPT scenario a transmitter module may be present in the vicinity of a sample container rack. This technology may further be used to recharge batteries of a sample container rack during recovery periods or in a magazine. The power source may be used for the support of one or more of the above mentioned modules, e.g. the communication, tracking, memory, and interaction modules or the alarm modules, (xi) The sample container rack may further itself be provided with an identifier. For example, the sample container rack may comprise a barcode, or a matrix code, or alternatively an RFID tag or NFC tag, or an electronic code such as flash memory, EPROM or EEPROM.

[0080] The sample container rack may comprise one or more of the following: an RFID (radio frequency identification) unit, a barcode reader, an RFID reader, a digital memory, a data processing unit, a device for determining the temperature and/or humidity of the sample container and/or of the sample container rack, a device capable of determining vibrations and centrifugal forces exerted on the rack, a geographic tracking device, pref erably a GPS device, a device capable determining time parameters of the sample con tainer rack's use, a light sensor capable of detecting the opening or closing of the sample container rack, an acoustic alarm module, an electric power source, preferably a battery, and a communication module allowing for wireless and/or real-time communication with a remote receiving station.

[0081] The term "sample analyzer" as used herein relates to a device which is designed to receive one or more sample container rack(s) as described herein. The sample ana- lyzer may further be equipped with an RFID reader which allows for (a) the coupling with a sample container rack RFID tag providing information on the rack's content and/or (b) with one or more sample container(s) comprising also RFID tags providing information on the container's content, the patient etc. The analyzer may also comprises a commu nication module allowing for wireless and/or real-time communication with either the sample container rack which is also equipped with a communication module, e.g. based on LTE or 5G transmission standards, or with a remote receiving station, e.g. a cloud based server as described herein above, or with a sample analyzer system, preferably an LIS (Laboratory Information System). By communicating with the rack or the remote receiving station, any information concerning the sample container status, e.g. quality parameters etc. as mentioned above, as well as decisions take with respect to the fur ther fate or steps to be performed with the sample may be provided to the analyzer. Accordingly, the analyzer is preferably equipped with a structure, which allows to dis card or destroy certain samples or sample containers, or to recheck certain quality pa rameters of a sample. The sample analyzer may further allow for wireless and/or real time communication with a web-based server system feeding a dashboard. The term "dashboard" as used herein, relates to an overview of key parameters or indicators in a report format. The information is preferably provided on a web page which is linked to a database, e.g. the remote receiving station as defined herein, that allows the report to be constantly or periodically updated.

[0082] The sample analyzer may also be capable of organizing one or more sample con tainer rack(s) according to further steps to be performed, e.g. according to the sample type, the assay to be performed, the fate of the sample. Furthermore, the analyzer may comprise components which allow a partition of a sample into sub-portions so that dif ferent assays may be performed with one sample. Also envisaged is a module, which allows for a subsequent storage of samples, e.g. a refrigerator or freezing device, or ef fector elements such as a heater or cooler which may be used to modulate the temper- ature of a sample or of reagents. The analyzer comprises further, for example, modules for one or more different or one or more similar assay(s), e.g. a nucleotide amplification or sequencing module, a peptide or protein detection module, a metabolite detection module, a pH sensor, a sensor for ionic concentrations, an antibody binding section etc. Also envisaged is the presence of reaction zones, which comprise one or more reagent(s) necessary for the performance of an assay, e.g. buffers, ions, nucleotides, antibodies etc. The analyzer may further or alternatively be equipped with an image recognition module. For example, a microscopic module may be present which allows for visible or UV image taking. The analyzer may accordingly also be equipped with microfluidic ele- ments, which allow to transport samples or sample portions to different areas of the device. Furthermore, robotic components including robotic arms etc. may be included. In further embodiments, the analyzer may be used in combination with one or more further analyzer(s). For example, a chain or conveyer structure may be provided in which a sample is analyzed by 2 or more analyzers in a row. These analyzers may further be connected and/or share data with each other and/or the remote receiving station. In further embodiments, the analyzers may be integrated in a laboratory management sys tem, e.g. a laboratory information management system. Accordingly, exchange of data and information may be implemented in the system. The system may further be con nected to hospital systems or database structures. In further embodiments, the analyzer may additionally comprises one or more processing unit(s), which are capable of sorting and/or opening and/or labeling and/or tapping a sample container. Also envisaged are processing units which are capable of taking an aliquot of the content comprised in a sample container. The present invention additionally envisages further processing units known to the skilled person as being typically comprised in a LIS or analyzer system, e.g. the Cobas platform.

[0083] The term "LIS" as used herein refers to an information management system, typ ically comprising a complex of hardware and software components that support the management of collection, processing, storage, distribution, and information represen tation procedures used with information that has been obtained as a result of laboratory activities. Typically, the LIS comprises the one or more of the following function(s): (i) enrolment of samples, i.e. the assignment or reception of a unique identifier and record ing of information (e.g. customer, description of sample, security information, storage conditions, performed tests, costs, etc.); (ii) assignment of a sample to analysis, i.e. dis play of a list of all required tests in combination with monitoring of the execution of assigned analyses, or tracking of time; (iii) process of analysis proper, i.e. tracking of reagents (for example type, batch lots, order numbers, etc.) equipment and laboratory personnel involved with the samples; (iv) manual or automatic input of results and sta tistical processing, whereby unusual results or results that fall outside the range may be marked (to avoid loss of data, back-up copies and emergency recovery may also be in cluded; (v) verification and validation (e.g. by using audit trails); and (vi) generation of report forms (e.g. quality certificates, test protocols, and analysis certificates).

[0084] As used herein the term "status feedback" relates to conveying information on the status of the parameters detected in a sample and/or sample container to the user. The status feedback may, for example, comprise a simple summary of the performed checking of one or more of the parameter(s) mentioned herein. Also included may be a time stamp of the checking or an information about the planned next steps, expected arrival times of the rack etc. The status feedback may be provided via a digital feedback display panel or dashboard and supporting software to provide digital computer status feedback for a user. The supporting software may detect the status of notification mes sages which are processed and communicated to the digital feedback display panel. The status feedback may further be relayed via email or may be displayed on an app via smartphone or tablet PC.

[0085] The term "alert feedback" as may refer to conveying of information on the devi- ation of a checked parameter from a predetermined value. The deviation may be a de viation of about 0.1% to 10% from a predetermined value, or the detection of a specific color, or the non-detection of a solid phase in a sample etc. For example, a deviation may be given if the checked parameter falls below or exceeds a pre-defined limit, e.g. temperature, hemolysis index, which is not in conformity with existing official or gov- ernmental standards, or SOPs. Further deviations may be given if in view of the presence and readability of a barcode, centrifugation deviations during plausibility checks, e.g. in view of the type of sample container used. The alert feedback may be in the form of icons that are associated with warning, for example warning triangle or icons in warning colors.

[0086] The checking may comprise one or more parameter(s) selected from:

(i) filling volume of the sample container;

- (ii) type of sample container, preferably identifiable via a cap color code;

(iii) integrity of sample container;

(iv) potential hemolysis and/or icterus and/or lipaemia in the sample container;

(v) presence of barcode;

(vi) readability of barcode;

- (vii) presence of labels;

(viii) readability of labels;

(ix) presence of order form and/or additional document;

(x) readability of order form and/or additional document;

(xi) temperature of the sample and/or sample container and/or sample container rack, preferably at the time point of sample container placement in the sample container rack or after a predefined period subsequent to sample container placement in the sample container rack;

(xii) determinability of temperature as defined in (xi)

(xiii) centrifugation status of the sample;

- (xiv) presence of liquid and/or solid phase in the sample;

(xv) ratio of liquid and solid phases in the sample;

(xvi) technical functionality of camera and/or internal memory;

(xvii) availability of insertion slot in sample container rack;

(xviii) removal of an inserted sample containerfrom an insertion slot in the sample container rack;

(xix) time requirements; and

(xx) affectation by shock. [0087] In one embodiment, the status feedback is provided if a sample container has been detected in the sample container rack, and optionally if one or more the parame ters) (i) to (xx) have been obtained, preferably if all of the parameters (i) to (xx) have been obtained. [0088] The alert feedback is provided if one or more of the parameter(s) (i) to (xx) show the following corresponding conditions:

(i) the filling volume of the sample container or sample volume differs from a predefined volume;

(ii-a) the type of sample container, preferably identifiable via a cap color code, does not match a predefined type, preferably a predefined color;

(ii-b) the type of sample container, preferably identifiable via a cap color code, does not match the information of the order form;

(ii-c) the type of sample container, preferably identifiable via a cap color code, does not match the information on the barcode and/or label;

- (ii-d) the type of sample container, preferably identifiable via a cap color code, does not match the information predefined in an analyzer information technology unit and/ or in the remote receiving station;

(iii) integrity of sample container is compromised, preferably identifiable by sample container shape;

- (iv) a potential hemolysis and/or icterus and/or lipaemia is detected in the sample container via its content color, preferably by image capture;

(v) a barcode on sample container is missing;

(vi) a barcode on sample container is not readable;

(vii) a label is missing;

- (viii) a label is not readable;

(ix) an order form and/or an additional document is missing;

(x) an order form and/or an additional document not readable is not readable;

(xi) temperature of the sample and/or sample container and/or sample container rack differs from a predefined temperature, preferably at the time point of sample container placement in the sample container rack or after a predefined period subsequent to sample container placement in the sample container rack;

(xii) temperature as defined in (xi) cannot be determined, and /or temperature of the sample and/or sample container does not differ from the environmental temperature;

(xiii) sample in the sample container has not been centrifuged;

(xiv) phase boundary between liquid and solid phase in the sample is not sharp;

(xv) ratio of liquid and solid phase in the sample differs from a predefined value;

(xvi) camera and/or internal memory and/or other sensor is not operational; - (xvii) no further insertion slot in sample container rack is available;

(xviii) an inserted sample container has been removed from insertion slot in the sample container rack;

(xix) time requirements are not met; or

(xx) sample container or sample container rack has been affected by shock. [0089] The mentioned parameters may preferably be measured with devices or sensors as described herein above. The monitoring may, in further embodiments, comprise a registering and storing of correspondingly obtained information, as well as a comparison with predefined target values or corridors of values. For example, any parameter meas ured or monitored may be compared with a database entry as to a desired or undesired value of said parameter, or a corridor of desired values with corresponding limits. In case an undesired value is measured or the parameter leaves the predefined corridor, an alert is produced and/or a decision as to the fate and future of the sample which is as sociated with the measured value is started.

[0090] The "filling volume of the sample container or sample volume" is meant to con- stitute a parameter which is connected to the sample type or the subsequent analysis planned. The checking may, for example, be performed via an identification of the shape or color of the sample container, e.g. with specific shapes or color, e.g. cap colors, being associated with certain filling volumes or sample volumes. An alert feedback may be provided if a deviation in the predefined volume of the sample occurs. For example, a deviation of about 0.5-30 % or higher.

[0091] The "type of the sample container" may be checked with respect to predeter mined types, e.g. in a manner that relates to the cap color code. For example sample containers may differ with respect to the subsequent analysis planned, the identity or form of the sample, e.g. whether it is a blood, a serum, a plasma, a urine, a feces sample etc., or the amount of sample used, the transport conditions etc. The information on the cap color of sample containers may be compared with information on the cap color pre sent at the analyzer location or in a remote server database. The type of sample con- tainer may also differ with respect to the information provided of the order form. For example, an alert feedback is to be provided if the cap color code of a sample container does not match the predefined information of the order form. Similarly, an alert may be provided if a scanner detects a deviation between the predefined cap color code and the associated barcode and/or label of the sample container. Furthermore, an alert may be provided if the cap color code deviates from the information predefined in an ana lyzer information technology unit and/or in the remote receiving station.

[0092] The "order form" may comprise information on the samples, the origin of the samples, the destination of the transport, the planned analyses etc. Such information may be checked according to the claimed methodology, when the sample containers are provided in the sample container rack. The order form may be an electronic or pa per-based order form.

[0093] The term "integrity of the sample container" is meant to constitute a parameter which is connected to the intactness of the sample container material. The checking may, for example, be performed via an identification of the shape of the sample con- tainer. An alert feedback is to be provided if deformities in the sample container shape or leaks are detected. [0094] The term "hemolysis, icterus or lipaemia" means that the color of the sample container content is determined since it can potentially indicate hemolysis, icterus or lipaemia. Accordingly, a potential disease state of a patient and/or a corresponding us age modification of the sample from said patient can be detected via the color of the sample in the sample container. The term "hemolysis" as mentioned herein refers to the rupture of erythrocytes resulting in the release of its intracellular components, e.g. he moglobin, and flooding the plasma or serum with potassium and other internal compo nents. The hemolysis of samples may be detected according to a color change of the serum or plasma sample, e.g. from pink to red, depending on the number of cells that have lysed. The term "icterus" as used herein means jaundice or hyperbilirubenemia, which are typically associated with the presence of high levels of bilirubin due to in creased bilirubin production or inappropriate extraction, e.g. in diseases such as hemo lytic anemia, liver diseases, biliary tract obstruction, etc. Icteric serum or plasma may be detected via changes in sample color from normal straw color to dark or bright yellow. The term "lipaemia" as used herein refers to the presence of excess lipids or fats due to increased concentration of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein in blood resulting in the cloudy/turbid appearance of serum or plasma. The checking may, for example, be per formed via image capture of the sample container content by an inside camera. The information on the color of sample container content may be compared with infor- mation on a reference sample and an alert is to be provided if a change in color is de tected.

[0095] The "temperature of the sample and/or sample container and/or sample con tainer rack" may be determined via sensors and compared with a predetermined range of temperatures. The information on the detected temperature may determine the eli- gibility of the sample for further analysis. An alert feedback is meant to be provided if a deviation in the predefined temperature of the sample and/or sample container and/or sample container rack of the sample occurs. For example, a deviation of about 5-20% or higher. An alert feedback is also to be provided if the temperature cannot be deter mined. [0096] The "centrifugation status of the sample" as used herein relates to the determi nation of a previous centrifugation step performed with the sample or sample container in case of liquid samples, e.g. blood samples. It is specifically envisaged that the centrif ugation status is be determined if needed for future analysis. For samples, which do not require centrifugation, the feature determination may be excluded. This can be detected by assessing the presence of different phases in the liquid sample or the presence of a precipitate in the sample container. For example, the presence of liquid or solid phases may provide information on a previous centrifugation or the form and details of a cen trifugation. Similarly, a ratio of liquid and solid phases may be determined which also allows to determine whether a centrifugation has been performed and in which form and length. Should there be, for example, no phases in the sample container detectable, this would indicate that no centrifugation has been performed or that the centrifugation was not performed in a suitable length. An alert feedback is accordingly provided if the phase boundary between liquid and solid phase in the sample is not sharp. Furthermore, if the ratio of liquid and solid phases differs from a predetermined value by more than 5% an alert feedback is provided. The detection may be performed, for example, via detecting or read-out of markers attached to the tube indicating centrifugation.

[0097] The term "time requirements" as used herein relates to any pre-defined periods of time required for the checking, processing, controlling or other activities performed with the sample or sample container or sample container rack.

[0098] The "insertion slot" as used herein relates to at least one sample container slot within the sample container rack, which is configured to check one or more parameter(s) of a sample container. This checking may, for example, be performed between the step of filling the sample in the container and the initiation of the transport of said sample container in a sample container rack. It is preferred that the checking is performed im mediately after the sample container is filled with the sample or after a pre-treatment of the sample in the container is finished. It is further preferred that the checking is performed before the sample container is transported within the sample container rack to a distant location, e.g. an analyzer site. The insertion slot is preferably suited to check one or more parameter(s) as mentioned herein. Accordingly, one or more or all slot(s) in the rack may be equipped with suitable sensors, a camera, a scanner unit, an RFID unit etc. as mentioned herein to detect one or more parameter(s) as mentioned. An alert feedback may, for example, be provided if no further insertion slot in the sample rack is available or an inserted sample container has been removed from the insertion slot.

[0099] In a further embodiment, said checking is performed in at least one sample con tainer slot within the sample container rack, which is configured to check one or more said parameter(s) of a sample container. Such a slot may fulfil the function of a master check-in slot. The term "master check-in slot" as used herein relates to at least one sam ple container slot within the sample container rack, which is configured to check one or more parameter(s) of a sample container. The slot is preferably suited to check one or more parameter(s) as mentioned herein. Accordingly, the master check-in slot may be a specific slot in the rack equipped with suitable sensors, a camera, a scanner unit, an RFID unit etc. as mentioned herein to detect one or more parameter(s) as mentioned. In case the order form is to be checked, said order form may, for example, be provided or attached in the vicinity of the mater check-in slot so that a camera or scanner unit is capable of capturing a corresponding image. The obtained parameter values or the in- formation on the status of the sample or sample containers or the sample container rack may be stored within the rack or be transmitted to a remote receiving station via a wire less and/or real-time communication.

[0100] In yet another embodiment, the fact that parameters have been checked and no deviation from a predetermined value have been detected, is transmitted in the form of a contentless short signal. In another embodiment, said alert feedback is provided as acoustic signal or as optical signal. In a further embodiment, said acoustic signal is speech output or an alert sound. In yet another embodiment, said optical signal is a display output. [0101] "No deviation from a predetermined value" refers to a range at which no changes in the value of a detected parameter compared to a reference value takes place or the occurring changes are defined as negligible. For example, a value does not deviate if the compared reference value is in the range of about 0% to 5%, preferably in the range of about 0% to 2%, more preferred in the range of about 0% to 1%. A contentless short signal may be provided in the case of no detected deviation in the checked parameters, for example in the form of a green status symbol, ticked box or the like, for the respec tive parameter.

[0102] An "acoustic signal" may constitute the provision of a direct acoustic alarm at the rack, or it may be configured to send an acoustic alarm signal to connected devices such as a handheld device, smartphone or the like. The "optical signal" may be displayed on a display or as color LEDs on the rack. Also envisaged is a combination of acoustic and optical alarm options such that an alarm is provided acoustically and at the same time optically. The alarm signal further may be terminated via a switch or similar element, e.g. after the cause of the alarm has been eliminated, or independent of such an elimi nation.

[0103] In a further embodiment, the status feedback or alert feedback with respect to the fact that all parameters have been checked and no deviation from a predetermined value has been detected feedback is provided before the transport of the sample con- tainer is initiated. In yet another embodiment, said status feedback or alert feedback is provided locally, preferably within the sample container rack. For example, the status alert may be displayed as color LEDs or on display on the sample container rack.

[0104] In yet another embodiment, said status feedback or alert feedback is provided locally and/or by a remote computer sever system, preferably by a cloud based com- puter server system and/or is provided on request by an operator via a cloud-based computer server system and/or is visualized by a web-based dashboard. [0105] The term "web-based dashboard" refers to a graphical management tool dis played on a web page which is linked to a database. It allows the visual tracking, analys ing and display of key performance indicators, notifications, e.g. status and alert feed back, metrics, and key data points to monitor specific parameters. Checked parameters may be displayed in the form of tables, line chars, bar charts and gauges. It is envisaged that the dashboard is enabled for real-time monitoring of parameters as defined herein.

[0106] In a further embodiment, said status feedback or alert feedback is recorded in a remote computer sever system, preferably in a cloud based computer server system and can be downloaded in real-time, preferably by a LIS or a mobile device, wherein said status feedback or alert feedback optionally is recorded for a predefined period or is recorded for the most previous status feedback or alert feedback.

[0107] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a computer implemented method for providing a feedback alert upon checking one or more parameter(s) of a sample container between the step of filling the sample in the container and the initia tion of the transport of said sample container in a sample container rack designed to receive one or more sample container(s) as a base station, wherein said alert is provided to a remote receiving station designed to receive in a wireless and/or real-time commu nication fashion information of a sample container rack, or to sample analyzer designed to receive one or more sample container rack(s), wherein said sample analyzer com- prises an RFID reader, a Bluetooth device, a barcode reader, an interface between said reader and an analyzer information technology unit, and a communication module al lowing for wireless and/or real-time communication with a remote receiving station, or to a remote laboratory comprising said sample analyser, or to an operator handling the sample container or the system. [0108] In one embodiment, said parameters comprise one or more selected from:

(i) filling volume of the sample container;

(ii) type of sample container, preferably identifiable via a cap color code;

(iii) integrity of sample container; (iv) potential hemolysis and/or icterus and/or lipaemia in the sample container;

(v) presence of barcode;

(vi) readability of barcode;

(vii) presence of labels;

- (viii) readability of labels;

(ix) presence of order form and/or additional document;

(x) readability of order form and/or additional document;

(xi) temperature of the sample and/or sample container and/or sample container rack, preferably at the time point of sample container placement in the sample container rack or after a predefined period subsequent to sample container placement in the sample container rack;

(xii) determinability of temperature as defined in (xi);

(xiii) centrifugation status of the sample;

(xiv) presence of liquid and/or solid phase in the sample;

- (xv) ratio of liquid and solid phases in the sample;

(xvi) technical functionality of camera and/or internal memory;

(xvii) availability of insertion slot in sample container rack;

(xviii) removal of an inserted sample containerfrom an insertion slot in the sample container rack;

- (xix) time requirements; and

(xx) affectation by shock.

[0109] Also envisaged is, in another aspect of the invention, a data processing device comprising means for carrying out a method as defined herein above.

[0110] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to computer program com- prising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the com puter to carry out the method as defined herein above.

[0111] Any of the software components or computer programs or functions described herein may be implemented as software code to be executed by a processor using any suitable computer language such as, for example, Java, Python, Javascript, VB.Net, C++, C#, C, Swift, Rust, Objective-C, Ruby, PHP, or Perl using, for example, conventional or object-oriented techniques. The software code may be stored as a series of instruc tions or commands on a computer readable medium for storage and/or transmission, suitable media include random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a magnetic medium such as a hard-drive, or an optical medium such as a compact disk (CD) or DVD (digital versatile disk), flash memory, and the like. The computer readable medium may be any combination of such storage or transmission devices. Such pro grams may also be encoded and transmitted using carrier signals adapted for transmis- sion via wired, optical, and/or wireless networks conforming to a variety of protocols, including the Internet. As such, a computer readable medium according to the present invention may be created using a data signal encoded with such programs. Computer readable media encoded with the program code may be packaged with a compatible device or provided separately from other devices (e.g., via Internet download). Any such computer readable medium may reside on orwithin a single computer program product (e.g. a hard drive, a CD, or an entire computer system), and may be present on or within different computer program products within a system or network. A computer system may include a monitor, printer, or other suitable display for providing any of the results mentioned herein to a user. Particularly preferred is the provision of a smartphone, ta- ble or mobile device app, or of a corresponding desktop computer app or program, which allows for a user interphase communication and the entry of information. Also particularly preferred is the provision of suitable software or computer programs capa ble of controlling wearables and of transmitting data between wearables and receiving devices. Further particularly preferred is the provision of suitable server software, e.g. cloud based servers, which implements decision making on the basis of received infor mation, the organization and management of data from one to many sample rack enti ties or wearables and the presentation of information on one or more different inter face^) such as a web-interface or a tablet or smartphone app. [0112] Any of the monitoring methods described herein may be totally or partially per formed with a computer system including one or more processor(s), which can be configured to perform the steps. Accordingly, some of the present embodiments are directed to computer systems configured to perform the steps of any of the monitoring methods described herein, potentially with different components performing respective steps or a respective group of steps. Corresponding steps of methods may further be performed at a same time or in a different order. Additionally, portions of these steps may be used with portions of other steps from other methods. Also, all or portions of a step may be optional. Additionally, any of the steps of any of the methods can be per- formed with modules, circuits, or other means for performing these steps.

[0113] The figures and drawings provided herein are intended for illustrative purposes. It is thus understood that the figures and drawings are not to be construed as limiting. The skilled person in the art will clearly be able to envisage further modifications of the principles laid out herein.

Claims

1. A method for providing a status feedback or an alert feedback upon checking one or more parameter(s) of a sample container between the step of filling the sample in the container and the initiation of the transport of said sample container in a sample container rack designed to receive one or more sample container(s) as a base station, wherein said alert is provided to a remote re ceiving station designed to receive in a wireless and/or real-time communi cation fashion information of a sample container rack, orto a sample analyzer designed to receive one or more sample container rack(s), wherein said sam ple analyzer comprises an RFID reader, a Bluetooth device, a barcode reader, an interface between said reader and an analyzer information technology unit, and a communication module allowing for wireless and/or real-time communication with a remote receiving station, or to a remote laboratory comprising said sample analyser, or to an operator handling the sample con tainer or the system.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said parameters comprise one or more se lected from:

- (i) filling volume of the sample container;

(ii) type of sample container, preferably identifiable via a cap color code;

(iii) integrity of sample container;

(iv) potential hemolysis and/or icterus and/or lipaemia in the sample container;

- (v) presence of barcode;

(vi) readability of barcode;

(vii) presence of labels;

(viii) readability of labels;

(ix) presence of order form and/or additional document; (x) readability of order form and/or additional document;

(xi) temperature of the sample and/or sample container and/or sample container rack, preferably at the time point of sample container placement in the sample container rack or after a predefined period subsequent to sample container placement in the sample container rack;

(xii) determinability of temperature as defined in (xi);

(xiii) centrifugation status of the sample;

(xiv) presence of liquid and/or solid phase in the sample;

(xv) ratio of liquid and solid phases in the sample;

- (xvi) technical functionality of camera and/or internal memory;

(xvii) availability of insertion slot in sample container rack; and

(xviii) removal of an inserted sample container from an insertion slot in the sample container rack;

(xix) time requirements; and

- (xx) affectation by shock

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the status feedback is provided if a sample container has been detected in the sample container rack, and optionally if one or more the parameter(s) (i) to (xx) have been obtained, preferably if all of the parameters (i) to (xx) have been obtained.

4. The method of claim 2 or 3, wherein the alert feedback is provided if one or more of the parameter(s) (i) to (xx) show the following corresponding condi tions:

- (i) the filling volume of the sample container or sample volume differs from a predefined volume;

(ii-a) the type of sample container, preferably identifiable via a cap color code, does not match a predefined type, preferably a predefined color; (ii-b) the type of sample container, preferably identifiable via a cap color code, does not match the information of the order form;

(ii-c) the type of sample container, preferably identifiable via a cap color code, does not match the information on the barcode and/or label;

(ii-d) the type of sample container, preferably identifiable via a cap color code, does not match the information predefined in an analyzer information technology unit and/ or in the remote receiving station;

(iii) integrity of sample container is compromised, preferably identifiable by sample container shape;

(iv) a potential hemolysis and/or icterus and/or lipaemia is detected in the sample container via its content color, preferably by image capture;

(v) a barcode on sample container is missing;

(vi) a barcode on sample container is not readable;

(vii) a label is missing;

(viii) a label is not readable;

- (ix) an order form and/or an additional document is missing;

(x) an order form and/or an additional document not readable is not readable;

(xi) temperature of the sample and/or sample container and/or sample container rack differs from a predefined temperature, preferably at the time point of sample container placement in the sample container rack or after a predefined period subsequent to sample container placement in the sample container rack;

(xii) temperature as defined in (xi) cannot be determined, and /or temperature of the sample and/or sample container does not differ from the environmental temperature;

(xiii) sample in the sample container has not been centrifuged;

(xiv) phase boundary between liquid and solid phase in the sample is not sharp;

(xv) ratio of liquid and solid phase in the sample differs from a predefined value;

(xvi) camera and/or internal memory and/or other sensor is not operational;

(xvii) no further insertion slot in sample container rack is available;

- (xviii) an inserted sample container has been removed from insertion slot in the sample container rack;

(xix) time requirements are not met; or

(xx) sample container or sample container rack has been affected by shock.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said checking is performed in at least one sample container slot within the sample container rack, which is configured to check one or more said parameter(s) of a sample container.

6. The method of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the fact that parameters have been checked and no deviation from a predetermined value have been detected, is transmitted in the form of a contentless short signal.

7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said alert feedback is pro vided as acoustic signal or as optical signal.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein said acoustic signal is speech output or an alert sound.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein said optical signal is a display output

10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the status feedback or the alert feedback with respect to the parameter whether a sample container has been detected in the sample container rack is provided immediately after the sample container has been introduced into the sample container rack, at the latest before the transport of the sample container is initiated and/or at pre defined timepoints.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein said status feedback or alert feedback is provided locally, preferably within the sample container rack.

12. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the status feedback or alert feedback with respect to the fact that all parameters have been checked and no deviation from a predetermined value has been detected feedback is pro vided before the transport of the sample container is initiated.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said status feedback or alert feedback is provided locally and/or by a remote computer server system, preferably by a cloud based computer server system and/or is provided on request by an op erator via a cloud-based computer server system and/or is visualized by a web-based dashboard.

14. The method of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein said status feedback or alert feedback is recorded in a remote computer sever system, preferably in a cloud based computer server system and can be downloaded in real-time, preferably by an LIS or a mobile device, wherein said status feedback or alert feedback optionally is recorded for a predefined period or is recorded for the most previous status feedback or alert feedback.

15. A computer implemented method for providing a feedback alert upon check ing one or more parameter(s) of a sample container between the step of fill ing the sample in the container and the initiation of the transport of said sam ple container in a sample container rack designed to receive one or more sample container(s) as a base station, wherein said alert is provided to a re mote receiving station designed to receive in a wireless and/or real-time communication fashion information of a sample container rack, or to sample analyzer designed to receive one or more sample container rack(s), wherein said sample analyzer comprises an RFID reader, a Bluetooth device, a barcode reader, an interface between said reader and an analyzer information tech nology unit, and a communication module allowing for wireless and/or real time communication with a remote receiving station, or to a remote labora tory comprising said sample analyzer, or to an operator handling the sample container or the system.

16. The computer implemented method of claim 15, wherein said parameters comprise one or more selected from:

(i) filling volume of the sample container;

- (ii) type of sample container, preferably identifiable via a cap color code;

(iii) integrity of sample container;

(iv) potential hemolysis and/or icterus and/or lipaemia in the sample container;

(v) presence of barcode;

- (vi) readability of barcode;

(vii) presence of labels;

(viii) readability of labels;

(ix) presence of order form and/or additional document;

(x) readability of order form and/or additional document;

- (xi) temperature of the sample and/or sample container and/or sample container rack, preferably at the time point of sample container placement in the sample container rack or after a predefined period subsequent to sample container placement in the sample container rack; (xii) determinability of temperature as defined in (xi) (xiii) centrifugation status of the sample;

(xiv) presence of liquid and/or solid phase in the sample;

(xv) ratio of liquid and solid phases in the sample;

(xvi) technical functionality of camera and/or internal memory; - (xvii) availability of insertion slot in sample container rack;

(xviii) removal of an inserted sample container from an insertion slot in the sample container rack;

(xix) time requirements; and

(xx) affectation by shock.

17. A data processing device comprising means for carrying out the method of any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A computer program comprising instructions, which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computerto carry out the method of claim

1 to 16.