GB2544536A - Method and system for controlling the condition of a biological sample - Google Patents

Method and system for controlling the condition of a biological sample Download PDF

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GB2544536A
GB2544536A GB1520477.9A GB201520477A GB2544536A GB 2544536 A GB2544536 A GB 2544536A GB 201520477 A GB201520477 A GB 201520477A GB 2544536 A GB2544536 A GB 2544536A
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sensor
biological sample
computer
based resource
environmental factor
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Peer Akshay
Howlett Paul
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TRAKCEL Ltd
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TRAKCEL Ltd
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
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    • A01N1/02—Preservation of living parts
    • A01N1/0236—Mechanical aspects
    • A01N1/0263—Non-refrigerated containers specially adapted for transporting or storing living parts whilst preserving, e.g. cool boxes, blood bags or "straws" for cryopreservation
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
    • A01N1/00—Preservation of bodies of humans or animals, or parts thereof
    • A01N1/02—Preservation of living parts
    • A01N1/0236—Mechanical aspects
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    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
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Abstract

A computer-implemented system for controlling the condition of a biological sample, comprises a computer-based resource arranged to transmit configuration data to a sensor associated with the biological sample. The configuration data specifies an acceptable value or range of values, such as a threshold value, for an environmental factor relating to the biological sample e.g. geographical location or temperature. The sensor may repeatedly send data relating to the environmental factor to the computer-based resource. Alternatively, the sensor may be arranged to start recording and/or transmitting data relating to the environmental factor: (i) after the sensor has been configured; and/or (ii) after a specified period of time or at a specified time; (iii) upon detection of a pre-determined condition. Deviation of the environmental data from an acceptable range of values may result in an alarm or alert notification being generated. The sensor may be arranged to delay operation until a specified time period has elapsed, or until a certain condition is met e.g. the temperature of the sample has stabilised. The system may allow real-time monitoring of the biological sample. The biological sample may be stem cells, bone marrow, blood or tissue.

Description

Method and System for Controlling The Condition of A Biological Sample
This invention relates generally to processing and handling of biological materials and samples, and more particularly to the control and monitoring of such processing to ensure that the integrity of the biological substance is preserved. The invention is particularly suited for situations where environmental parameters such as temperature, orientation and/or location etc. must be detected, controlled and/or alerted. The invention provides a solution for automated configuration of real-time sensing and alert apparatus, and ensures that accurate notification of potential problems is provided.
Regenerative medicine is the process of replacing or regenerating human cells, tissues or organs to restore or establish normal function. This field holds the promise of regenerating damaged tissues and organs in the body by replacing damaged tissue and/or by stimulating the body's own repair mechanisms to heal previously irreparable tissues or organs.
Regenerative medicine is enshrined in legislation. As new regenerative medicinal therapies progress through Phase I to Phase III and eventual commercialisation, a need for a technological innovation that ensures a patient receives the correct therapeutic agent, in a viable condition, becomes imperative to protect against deleterious conditions such as host versus graft disease. Under FDA and EMA regulations, these therapies need to be administered by qualified professionals, in the correct location. There is also a need to ensure correct donor/recipient matching, in an controlled environment, whilst providing the necessary documentation. Such documentation may include evidence of cell analysis, the temperature range that the cells have been stored/transported at, etc.. Also, documentation is required of the ‘Chain of custody’ as the samples and therapeutic agent moves from one facility to the next.
During processing, the biological material will need to be transported and handled by operatives. Potentially, it may be transported over a long distance. Whether transportation is performed by road, air or any other means it is important to ensure that the material is handled appropriately during transit. For example, it must be maintained within an optimal temperature range, kept upright and/or reach its destination within a certain time frame.
In the past, such environmental factors have been monitored using USB data loggers which record data collected in relation to the material. The data is collected by a sensor which is included within the packaging that contains the biological material during transit. The operator handling the material at the start of the transportation process sets the sensor ready for recordal of data during transportation. However, such solutions are not real-time in that the data is not collected and communicated continuously during transit. This means that an excursions from the acceptable range of parameters is not detected as it happens, and may not be remedied in time to prevent degradation of the biological material.
As a result, patient welfare may suffer because the patient is not able to receive the treatment that is needed. Also, the process may need to be conducted again using a new sample, and this duplication of effort has a significant impact on costs. Moreover, the data collection process is dependent upon manual intervention by an operator at the site of the material. The operator needs to configure the sensor appropriately for the given sample. This provides an opportunity for user error.
Thus, it is desirable to provide a solution which enables the real-time collection of data relating to environmental factors or conditions which may impact upon the quality or condition of a biological sample. Such a solution would, ideally, enable detection of potentially unacceptable conditions by sensing environmental parameters, and generate an alert to enable rectification of a deviant parameter. Additionally or alternatively, it would also enable automated configuration of the sensing apparatus to remove or reduce the need for human input. Such an improved solution has now been devised.
Thus, in accordance with the present invention, systems and methods are provided as defined in the appended claims.
Therefore, in accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a computer-implemented system, and corresponding method, for controlling, monitoring and/or alerting the condition of a biological sample. The biological sample can be any portion or quantity of biological material, but preferably it is a biological material suitable for therapeutic or medical purposes eg regenerative medicine. The biological could be, for example, stem cells, bone marrow, blood, tissue. The invention may be used in relation to a biological sample which is to be transported from one location to another. It may be used to ensure that certain parameters relating to the sample are not deviated from, thus preserving the integrity of the biological sample and providing assurance that the sample reaches the end of the process in a viable condition. Detection of the deviation may be corrected by technical means, such as automated operation of a temperature-controlled unit to bring the parameter back to an acceptable value.
According to a first aspect, the system comprises a computer-based resource arranged to transmit configuration data to a sensor associated with the biological sample; wherein: the configuration data specifies an acceptable value or range of values for an environmental factor relating to the biological sample; and the sensor is arranged to repeatedly send data relating to the environmental factor to the computer-based resource.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer-implemented system for controlling the condition of a biological sample, the system comprising a computer-based resource arranged to transmit configuration data to a sensor associated with the biological sample; wherein: the configuration data specifies an acceptable value or range of values for an environmental factor relating to the biological sample; and the sensor is arranged to start recording and/or transmitting data relating to the environmental factor: i) after the sensor has been configured based upon the configuration data sent from the computer-based resource; and/or ii) after a specified period of time or at a specified time; iii) upon detection of a pre-determined condition.
Any feature described in relation to the first aspect of the invention may also be used in relation to the second aspect of the invention and vice versa.
The computer-based resource may be a server. Hereafter, the term ‘server’ will be used for the sake of convenience. The server may be provided remotely from the sensor and sample. The server may be in wireless communication with the sensor such that data may be sent wirelessly to it and received wirelessly from it.
The configuration data may be transmitted (pushed) from the server to the sensor so as to set one or more parameters to be used during operation of the sensor. The configuration data may be sent prior to the sensor beginning the sensing and monitoring process. The advantage of pushing this data from the server is that it automates and centralises the configuration process and allows an administrator or operator at the server end to specify the parameters which are suitable for the sample. The operator at the sample end does not, therefore, need to configure the sensor manually. This simplifies the configuration process because the server-end operator can set up multiple sensors, each having different configurations depending upon the respective samples which they will be monitoring. For example, one sensor may need to operate on a sample which needs to be kept below 0 degrees Celsius, whereas another may need to be kept within the range of 10 to 20 degrees. Many samples may be being processed, and centralised configuration of the individual sensors means that the operator at the sensor end does not need to be trained on how to perform the set up process.
The environmental factor may relate, for example, to the geographical location of the biological sample, the temperature of the biological sample, and/or the ambient temperature i.e. the environment surrounding the biological sample. Therefore, the invention allows the sensor to be configured so that it knows what temperature the sample should be maintained at, or which route it should be transported along, or which destination it should arrive at and/or by what time. Thus, the sensor apparatus may comprise a temperature sensor and/or GPS technology. Other environmental factors may be monitored by the invention. For example, the orientation or position of the sample (relative to its surroundings) may be monitored if it is important that a particular sample be kept upright or flat.
The biological sample and the sensor may be logically linked. They may be associated with each other via one or more identifiers. Thus, the sensor may be provided with an identifier and the sample may also have an identifier. The identifier of the sample may be provided in any suitable format. It may, for example, be provided as a barcode on a label attached to a container in which the sample is located. Any other suitable reading technology could be used, such as RFID tags.
An identity capture device may be used to read the identifier(s). This device may be arranged to capture and/or transmit the identity of the biological sample and/or the sensor. It may be a handheld electronic device having data reading capabilities, such as a smartphone, bar code reader, camera, or other data capture device. The identity capture device may be arranged for wireless communication with the server. It may be arranged to send the identifier of the sample and/or the sensor to the server. Thus, in use, an operator may scan or otherwise read the sample identifier (ID) using the handheld device. This data may then be transmitted to the server. The server may comprise or have access to configuration data for the specified sample. The operator may also scan or otherwise read the identifier (ID) for the sensor. Thus, the sensor and the sample may be linked or coassociated via their identifiers, and the server may ‘know’ that a particular sample is to be monitored by a particular sensor. The server may send configuration data for the particular sample to the sensor specified by the scanned ID. This may initialise the sensor settings ready for use. The sensor may be activated for operation. This may occur upon scanning of the sensor ID.
The sensor and the biological sample may be provided within, or carried on, a container or packaging material. The container may be a temperature controlled receptacle such as a refrigerated or heated box.
The sensor and/or computer-based resource may be arranged to detect deviation of the environmental data from the acceptable value or range of values. Thus, during operation, the sensor may continuously record data relating to the environmental factor (e.g. temperature, location, orientation etc). The sensor and/or the server may check that the data complies with the configuration data. For example, that the data captured by the sensor lies within a pre-specified, acceptable range, or does not go above or below a specified threshold. If it does not, then a deviation from expected or acceptable operating conditions may have been detected. The system may be arranged to correct the deviation without manual intervention eg by controlling a piece of equipment. For example, instructions may be sent to the refrigeration unit to boost the cooling effect until the temperature surrounding the sample is brought back to an acceptable level.
The sensor and/or computer-based resource may be arranged to transmit an alarm or alert notification upon detection of the deviation. The alert or notification may be transmitted, preferably wirelessly, to another device. The alert or notification can take any form such as an electronic message, SMS text etc. Additionally or alternatively, an audible and/or visual alert may be generated. This enables investigation and correction of the deviation. Thus, the invention provides an improved alert generation arrangement.
The sensor may be arranged to repeatedly send the data to the computer based resource to enable real-time monitoring of the biological sample. Thus, the sensor may continuously capture the data and send it to the server. This provides an important advantage because any deviation can be detected as soon as it occurs and remedial action can be taken immediately. If the sensor data is not collected until the end of the process, as with prior art USB-based systems, the condition of the sample may be compromised to such an extent that the sample is no longer viable for use with the intended patient. This is not only costly in financial terms but means that the patient is unable to receive the treatment that he/she requires.
The sensor may be arranged to start recording and/or transmitting data relating to the environmental factor: i) after the sensor has been configured based upon the configuration data sent from the computer-based resource; ii) after a specified period of time or at a specified time; and/or iii) upon detection of a pre-determined condition.
Thus, the sensor may be configured to delay monitoring of the environmental factor until a certain condition has been satisfied. For example, until the temperature of the sample or its surroundings have remained at a particular temperature for at least two minutes. This is advantageous because conditions may need to stabilise upon activation to prevent misleading readings or interpretations of the data. For example, the door of a refrigerated container may be open while the sample and sensor are being placed therein. The temperature inside the container will be higher than expected at this time, but will fall to acceptable levels once the door has been closed and operation has begun. Thus, the sensor could be configured to start monitoring at two minutes after activation, or once the temperature has been below 10 degrees C for at least two minutes. If the temperature (or other factor) does not stabilise within a specified time period, an alert may be generated. For example, the door may have been left open, or the sample container may have been left off the vehicle so not moved from its source location. This initialisation process provides a more accurate technique for monitoring the sample at the start of the transportation process.
Also in accordance with the invention, methods are provided in correspondence with the systems described above. Thus, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer-implemented method corresponding to the system described above. The method can be used for controlling the condition of a biological sample.
The method may comprise the steps of: transmitting configuration data from a computer-based resource to a sensor associated with the biological sample; wherein the configuration data specifies an acceptable value or range of values for an environmental factor relating to the biological sample; using the sensor to repeatedly record data relating to the environmental factor and send said data to the computer-based resource.
The environmental factor may relate to the geographical location of the biological sample, or the temperature of the biological sample, or the ambient temperature of the surrounding the biological sample. The biological sample and the sensor may be associated with each other via one or more identifiers. The sensor may be arranged to repeatedly send the data to the computer based resource to enable real-time monitoring of the biological sample.
The method may further comprise the step of providing the sensor and the biological sample within or on a container or packaging material.
The method may further comprise the step of arranging the sensor and/or computer-based resource to detect deviation of the environmental data from the acceptable value or range of values. The method may further comprise the step of transmitting an alarm or alert notification upon detection of the deviation.
The method may further comprise the step of arranging the sensor to start recording and/or transmitting data relating to the environmental factor: i) after the sensor has been configured based upon the configuration data sent from the computer-based resource; ii) after a specified period of time or at a specified time; and/or iii) upon detection of a pre-determined condition.
The method may further comprise the step of using an identity capture device to capture and/or transmit the identity of the biological sample and/or the sensor.
Also, in accordance with the second aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer-implemented method for controlling the condition of a biological sample, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting configuration data from a computer-based resource to a sensor associated with the biological sample; wherein the configuration data specifies an acceptable value or range of values for an environmental factor relating to the biological sample; and arranging the sensor to start recording and/or transmitting data relating to the environmental factor: i) after the sensor has been configured based upon the configuration data sent from the computer-based resource; ii) after a specified period of time or at a specified time; and/or iii) upon detection or satisfaction of a pre-determined criteria.
These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to, the embodiment described herein. An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompany drawings, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates an overview of a process in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
During processing of a biological substance (hereinafter referred to as a ‘sample’), it is important that certain environmental factors or conditions are detected as swiftly as possible so that any deviation from acceptable operating conditions, which may have a detrimental effect on the integrity of the sample, can be investigated and potentially corrected. Such factors or conditions relate to the operating environment to which the sample is subjected. These can include factors such as temperature (of the sample or its immediate surroundings), location, position or orientation etc.
Figure 1 shows an overview of a process conducted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The example discussed below illustrates how the invention can be used to advantage during transit of the sample from one location to another, but it should be noted that this is not a limitation of the invention.
The invention comprises a plurality of electronic devices which are configured for wireless communication. These devices include a central computing resource e.g. a server, which collects, maintains and provides access to data relating to biological samples and their sources and/or recipients. The server is in communication with one or more sensing devices, and one or more identity capture (tracking) devices.
In use, when a sample is to be transported, an operator authenticates with the system - step 1 of Figure 1. This may be performed using a tracking device. The tracking device may be a dedicated device arranged purely for use with the invention, or may be a suitably configured computing device such as a smart phone, laptop computer or other device. The method of authentication may comprise any known authentication technology or technique such as, for example, username and password, PIN entry, biometric authentication, scanning of an RFID card. This ensures that only registered operators who are authorised to use the system are able to gain access, and thus ensures that correctly trained personnel handle the sample or enter any data relating to it.
The location of the user and/or tracking device may also need to be verified. Thus, the user may be required to provide data relating to his/her location. The data may be collected autonomously, without the user’s input. For example, the user’s location may be determined by a GPS enabled device. Additionally or alternatively, it may be determined by the user’s manual input into the system.
Once logged in, the operator initialises the monitoring process by capturing the identity (ID) of the sample - step 2 of Figure 1. This may be performed by scanning or otherwise reading a label on the vial or other receptacle holding the biological material, or by use of an RFID tag. The person skilled in the art will understand that this ID reading step can be performed in a variety of ways.
Once the sample ID has been captured, it is transmitted wirelessly to the server. The sensor ID is also scanned or otherwise captured - step 3 of Figure 1 - and transmitted to the server. Again, the capture of the sensor ID may be performed using any known technical arrangement. As a result, the sample and the sensor are now linked or associated with each other.
The server uses the sample ID to locate data in its database relating to this particular sample and how it should be processed. Configuration data specific to the sample is transmitted (pushed) from the server to the sensor so that the sensor is initialised for operation - step 4 of Figure 1. The configuration data includes data relating to acceptable operating conditions which must be maintained during transportation. For example, the sample is expected to be at a particular geographic location within 3 hours, or not stray beyond a certain route, or go beyond a specified temperature.
As the configuration data is sent to the sensor, the operator at the sample end does not need to manually set the sensor. Many different sensors can be set by the server, each one having a different set of configuration parameters. This provides a simpler and quicker device configuration process which is less prone to human errors, and thus in turn preserves the integrity of the biological material.
The shipment is then packaged for transportation - step 5 of Figure 1. The sample and its associated sensor are placed within the container eg refrigerated box ready for transportation. The sensor continuously monitors the environmental factor(s) by capturing data. The data is checked to see whether it falls within the acceptable operating range as specified by the configuration data. If it does not, an alert is generated and sent to a destination device such as the server, or another device. The alert can take any suitable form e.g. email, text message, audible/visual alarm. Corrective steps can then be taken to ensure that sample-related conditions are brought back to an acceptable state. As the monitoring and alert process is conducted in real-time, this provides the advantage that the problem can be rectified swiftly, before the condition of the biological sample has been adversely affected.
Advantageously, the invention also provides a mechanism whereby the start of the monitoring process is delayed to enable stabilisation of the parameters and thus avoidance of inaccurate or misleading alarms - step 6 of Figure 1. For example, the sensor can be configured to delay the data capture process until a certain period of time has elapsed from activation. Alternatively or additionally, the monitoring may begin once a specified condition has been met eg transportation has begun (as detected by a GPS device) or the temperature has remained within a specified range for a certain period of time. If the condition is not met, perhaps within a specified time limit, an alert can be generated. For example, it is a known problem that during handling and packaging of the sample the refrigerated container will either be left open, or be opened frequently. Thus, it may take a while after packing is complete for the correct temperature inside the container to be reached. During this period the temperature will be stabilising and so it is desirable to avoid generating alerts during this time until a stable operating temperature has been reached.
Once the shipment in dispatched, the server is notified - step 7 of Figure 1. When the sample reached its destination, the server is notified again so that its arrival can be recorded. This may be performed using a tracking device, either by automated or manual means. The system is then able to verify whether or not the sample was subjected to adverse conditions during the transportation process which may have compromised its viability. A record of the sensor data can be produced to verify this.
Any or all users may be required to authenticate prior to using the system. This can include operators at the server-end of the system such as those who enter the configuration data into the server. It can also include operators of the tracking device(s) who are involved in handling the sample itself.
It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be capable of designing many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed in parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" and "comprises", and the like, does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in any claim or the specification as a whole. In the present specification, “comprises” means “includes or consists of’ and “comprising” means “including or consisting of’. The singular reference of an element does not exclude the plural reference of such elements and vice-versa. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims (17)

CLAIMS:
1. A computer-implemented system for controlling the condition of a biological sample, the system comprising a computer-based resource arranged to transmit configuration data to a sensor associated with the biological sample; wherein: the configuration data specifies an acceptable value or range of values for an environmental factor relating to the biological sample; and the sensor is arranged to repeatedly send data relating to the environmental factor to the computer-based resource.
2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the environmental factor relates to the geographical location of the biological sample, or the temperature of the biological sample, or the temperature of the environment surrounding the biological sample or the orientation or position of the sample relative to its surrounding environment.
3. A system according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the sensor and the biological sample are provided within, or carried on, a container or packaging material.
4. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the biological sample and the sensor are associated with each other via one or more identifiers.
5. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the sensor and/or computer-based resource is arranged to detect deviation of the environmental data from the acceptable value or range of values.
6. A system according to claim 5 wherein the sensor and/or computer-based resource is arranged to transmit an alarm or alert notification upon detection of the deviation.
7. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the sensor is arranged to repeatedly send the data to the computer based resource to enable real-time monitoring of the biological sample.
8. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the sensor is arranged to start recording and/or transmitting data relating to the environmental factor: i) after the sensor has been configured based upon the configuration data sent from the computer-based resource; and/or ii) after a specified period of time or at a specified time; iii) upon detection of a pre-determined condition.
9. A system according to any preceding claim and further comprising an identity capture device arranged to capture and/or transmit the identity of the biological sample and/or the sensor.
10. A computer-implemented method for controlling the condition of a biological sample, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting configuration data from a computer-based resource to a sensor associated with the biological sample; wherein the configuration data specifies an acceptable value or range of values for an environmental factor relating to the biological sample; using the sensor to repeatedly record data relating to the environmental factor and send said data to the computer-based resource.
11. A method according to claim 10 wherein: i) the environmental factor relates to the geographical location of the biological sample, or the temperature of the biological sample, or the ambient temperature surrounding the biological sample; ii) the biological sample and the sensor are associated with each other via one or more identifiers; and/or iii) the sensor is arranged to repeatedly send the data to the computer based resource to enable real-time monitoring of the biological sample.
12. A method according to claim 10 or 11 and further comprising the step of: providing the sensor and the biological sample within or on a container or packaging material.
13. A method according to claim 10 to 12 and further comprising the step of: arranging the sensor and/or computer-based resource to detect deviation of the environmental data from the acceptable value or range of values.
14. A method according to claim 13 and further comprising the step of: transmitting an alarm or alert notification upon detection of the deviation.
15. A method according to claims 10 to 14 and comprising the step of arranging the sensor to start recording and/or transmitting data relating to the environmental factor: i) after the sensor has been configured based upon the configuration data sent from the computer-based resource; ii) after a specified period of time or at a specified time; and/or iii) upon detection of a pre-determined condition.
16. A method according to claims 10 to 15 and further comprising the step of: using an identity capture device to capture and/or transmit the identity of the biological sample and/or the sensor.
17. A computer-implemented system for controlling the condition of a biological sample, the system comprising a computer-based resource arranged to transmit configuration data to a sensor associated with the biological sample; wherein: the configuration data specifies an acceptable value or range of values for an environmental factor relating to the biological sample; and the sensor is arranged to start recording and/or transmitting data relating to the environmental factor: i) after the sensor has been configured based upon the configuration data sent from the computer-based resource; and/or ii) after a specified period of time or at a specified time; iii) upon detection of a pre-determined condition.
GB1520477.9A 2015-11-20 2015-11-20 Method and system for controlling the condition of a biological sample Withdrawn GB2544536A (en)

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WO2009042640A2 (en) * 2007-09-24 2009-04-02 Savi Technology, Inc. Method and apparatus for tracking and monitoring containers
US20090303052A1 (en) * 2008-06-09 2009-12-10 Alexander Aklepi Freshness tracking and monitoring system and method
US20110173023A1 (en) * 2010-01-12 2011-07-14 Gryphes Inc. Method and System for Managing Organ Transplant Transporation
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