TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical sampling, in general, and more specifically to a medical sampling system and associated medical sampling method, as well as a medical sample collection pack and associated method of collecting a medical sample from a user.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application .

[0003] In medicine, sampling is the gathering of matter from the body to aid in the process of a medical diagnosis and/or evaluation of an indication for treatment, further medical tests or other procedures. Pathology tests can be performed on many different types of samples (also called specimens) . Most commonly these are blood, urine, saliva, sputum, faeces, semen and other bodily fluids, as well as tissue.

[0004] Some tests can be performed on more than one type of sample. For example, glucose testing can be performed on blood, urine and other samples. The sample used for testing is often determined by the purpose of the particular test. A blood glucose test is used to help diagnose diabetes and monitor blood glucose levels in diabetics while urine glucose is one of the substances tested when a urinalysis is performed, such as when a urinary tract infection or kidney disorder is suspected .

[0005] Sample collection usually takes place in a doctors' rooms or in a testing laboratory collection centre where there are trained specimen collectors or phlebotomists. Samples can also be collected at hospitals and day clinics. Samples can even be taken for analysis during a surgical procedure. Most of the common tests can be collected without an appointment. However, some specialised tests involve complicated collection procedures and must be performed by someone who is specially trained or performed under a doctor's supervision.

[0006] While specimen courier tracking systems and methods are known, such as US 2011/0047092 to Taylor and US 2014/0317005 to Theranos Inc., which specifically deals with chain of custody and secure transport by couriers, the Applicant has identified shortcomings in the art of medical sample or specimen collection, specifically the inconvenience to users of having samples collected, as well as lost samples, often requiring recollection, and efficient reporting of pathology results to medical providers.

[0007] The current invention was conceived with these shortcomings in mind in an attempt to ameliorate, at least partially, the conventional practices of medical sampling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is to be understood that reference herein to a 'GUI' refer to a Graphical User Interface, being a user interface that allows a user to interact with an electronic device, such as a terminal, processing or computing system through manipulation of graphical icons, visual indicators, text-based typed command labels and/or text navigation, including primary and/or secondary notations, as is known in the art of computer science.

[ 0009 ] The skilled addressee is further to appreciate that reference herein to 'the Internet' generally refers to any suitable communications network and typically includes reference to a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to link processing devices worldwide. Such a network includes a 'network of networks' that may consist of private, public, academic, business, and government networks of local to global scope, linked by a broad array of electronic, wireless, and optical networking technologies. In this context, the Internet carries a vast range of information resources and services, such as the inter-linked hypertext documents and applications of the World Wide Web (WWW), electronic mail, telephony, and file sharing, etc.

[ 0010 ] The skilled addressee will also appreciate that reference herein to 'automatic identification and data capture' or AIDC generally refers to any suitable technique of methodology for automatically and without user data entry, identifying an object and entering relevant data directly into a computer system. Examples of AIDC technologies include bar codes, Quick Response (QR) tags, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Near-Field Communication (NFC), data tags, magnetic stripes, smart cards, etc.

[ 0011 ] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a medical sampling system comprising: a user GUI, provided via a suitable processing system operatively connected to the Internet, whereby a user is able to: i) capture a pathology request from a medical provider; and ii) generate a sample collection appointment request indicative of a collection location and time; an administration server connected to the Internet and configured to: i) upon receipt of the pathology and appointment requests, prepare a first AIDC identifier uniquely indicative of a sample to be collected from the user; and ii) facilitate preparation of a sample collection pack including collection equipment and instructions specific to the pathology request, the first AIDC identifier associated with the sample collection pack which is subsequently sent to the user;

- a portable scanner whereby a sample collector, being a phlebotomist, nurse, or similar medical professional, is able to scan the first AIDC identifier, said scanner configured to capture a second AIDC identifier uniquely associated with a sample collected from the user; and

- a medical GUI, provided via a suitable processing system operatively connected to the Internet, whereby the administration server is able to provide status information regarding the pathology request, sample collection appointment request, second AIDC identifier and/or pathology results generated following pathology analysis of the collected sample.

[ 0012 ] It is to be appreciated that the user generally comprises a patient or person from whom the sample is to be collected. Additionally, the act of sample collection is inclusive of actual extraction, removal or retrieval of a medical sample from a body of the user and may also include collection for transport. Such sample collection is typically performed by a phlebotomist, nurse, or similar medical professional, rather than a courier or delivery driver, i.e. sample collection in a medical sense, rather than collection in a transport sense.

[0013] Typically, the user GUI comprises an interface provided via a suitable mobile application or 'app' running on a mobile handset or tablet of the user, or via a webpage, or the like.

[0014] Accordingly, the suitable processing system may comprise a mobile phone or smartphone handset, a tablet, a personal computer, or the like.

[0015] Typically, the user GUI allows a user to access a unique user profile.

[0016] Typically, the pathology request from a medical provider is captured by means of a camera, the administration server configured with image and/or character recognition in order to extract information therefrom.

[0017] In another embodiment, the pathology request includes a form, whether paper and/or electronic, which is completed and captured in a suitable manner.

[0018] Typically, the pathology request includes information selected from a group consisting of user name, user medical provider, user medical insurance or associated details, sample or specimen required, pathology test required, user medical history, anticipated medical diagnosis, or the like.

[0019] Typically, the GUI allows the user to generate the sample collection appointment request indicative of a collection location and time by means of a suitable scheduling application or software.

[0020] Accordingly, the sample collection appointment request indicates an address and a time at which the user is desirous of having the sample collected. [0021] Typically, the administration server allows the user to track, via the user GUI, a location of a sample collector once the collection time is forthcoming.

[0022] Typically, the first AIDC identifier uniquely indicative of a sample to be collected from the user comprises a QR code, but variations hereon are within the scope of the invention.

[0023] Typically, the administration server facilitates preparation of a sample collection pack by correlating the pathology request with required collection equipment, such correlation provided to a compiler of the sample collection pack.

[0024] Typically, the instructions specific to the pathology request includes user instructions to follow to ensure a useful sample is collectible by the sample collector. [0025] Typically, the instructions include dietary or other instructions, such as fasting necessary to ensure useful sample collection.

[0026] Typically, the administration server is configured to send the instructions to the user via the user GUI.

[0027] Typically, the sample collection pack is sent to the user by means of a delivery service, such as a courier, post, etc. It is to be appreciated that the delivery service is not generally the sample collector.

[0028] Typically, the administration server allows the user to track, via the user GUI, a location of the sample collection pack after it has been dispatched.

[0029] Typically, the portable scanner comprises an AIDC scanner arranged in communication with the administration server via the Internet.

[0030] Typically, the portable scanner is configured to record the captured second AIDC identifier against a unique user profile in order to allow tracking of said collected sample.

[0031] Typically, the second AIDC identifier includes a biometric identifier of the user from whom the sample is collected, e.g. a fingerprint, a retinal scan, etc.

[0032] Typically, the system includes a vein finder to facilitate sample collection by the sample collector.

[0033] Typically, the medical GUI provides status information regarding the pathology request, sample collection appointment request, second AIDC identifier and/or pathology results generated following pathology analysis of the collected sample to a pathology laboratory and/or a medical provider.

[0034] Typically, the medical GUI allows a pathology laboratory to monitor a scheduled sample collection appointment request.

[0035] Similarly, the medical GUI allows a pathology laboratory to track collected samples.

[0036] Typically, the medical GUI allows a pathology laboratory to upload pathology results following pathology analysis of the collected sample.

[0037] Typically, the uploaded pathology results are uniquely associated with a user profile of a user from which the sample was collected.

[0038] Typically, the medical GUI notifies a medical provider once a pathology analysis of a collected sample is uploaded.

[0039] Typically, the medical GUI allows a medical provider to view the pathology results.

[0040] In an embodiment, the medical GUI is configured to allow generation of the pathology request, such request subsequently sent to the user GUI by the administration server. [ 0041 ] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided a medical sampling method comprising the steps of:

- providing a user GUI, via a suitable processing system operatively connected to the Internet, whereby a user is able to: i) capture a pathology request from a medical provider; and ii) generate a sample collection appointment request indicative of a collection location and time;

- upon receipt of the pathology and appointment requests, preparing, via an administration server connected to the Internet, a first AIDC identifier uniquely indicative of a sample to be collected from the user;

- preparing and sending to a user a sample collection pack including collection equipment and instructions specific to the pathology request, the first AIDC identifier associated with said sample collection pack;

- scanning, via a portable scanner, by a sample collector the first AIDC identifier when the sample is collected, the scanner configured to capture a second AIDC identifier uniquely associated with a sample collected from the user;

- providing, via a suitable processing system operatively connected to the Internet, a medical GUI whereby the administration server is able to provide status information regarding the pathology request, sample collection appointment request, second AIDC identifier and/or pathology results generated following pathology analysis of the collected sample.

[ 0042 ] Typically, the user GUI comprises an interface provided via a suitable mobile application or 'app' running on a mobile handset or tablet of the user, or via a webpage, or the like. [0043] Accordingly, the suitable processing system may comprise a mobile phone or smartphone handset, a tablet, a personal computer, or the like.

[0044] Typically, the user GUI allows a user to access a unique user profile.

[0045] Typically, the pathology request from a medical provider is captured by means of a camera, the administration server configured with image and/or character recognition in order to extract information therefrom.

[0046] In another embodiment, the pathology request includes a form, whether paper and/or electronic, which is completed and captured in a suitable manner.

[0047] Typically, the pathology request includes information selected from a group consisting of user name, user medical provider, user medical insurance or associated details, sample or specimen required, pathology test required, user medical history, anticipated medical diagnosis, or the like.

[0048] Typically, the GUI allows the user to generate the sample collection appointment request indicative of a collection location and time by means of a suitable scheduling application or software.

[0049] Accordingly, the sample collection appointment request indicates an address and a time at which the user is desirous of having the sample collected.

[0050] Typically, the administration server allows the user to track, via the user GUI, a location of a sample collector once the collection time is forthcoming.

[0051] Typically, the first AIDC identifier uniquely indicative of a sample to be collected from the user comprises a QR code, but variations hereon are within the scope of the invention. [0052] Typically, the step of preparing the sample collection pack is performed by the administration server facilitating preparation by correlating the pathology request with required collection equipment, such correlation provided to a compiler of the sample collection pack.

[0053] Typically, the compiler of the sample collection pack is a person and/or an automated compiler.

[0054] Typically, the instructions specific to the pathology request includes user instructions to follow to ensure a useful sample is collectible by the sample collector. [0055] Typically, the instructions include dietary instructions, such as fasting necessary to ensure useful sample collection.

[0056] Typically, the method includes the step of sending the sample collection pack to the user by means of a delivery service, such as a courier, post, etc.

[0057] Typically, the method includes the step of sending the instruction to the user via a suitable processing system of said user, i.e. an electronic notice, or the like.

[0058] Typically, the administration server allows the user to track, via the user GUI, a location of the sample collection pack after it has been dispatched.

[0059] Typically, the portable scanner comprises an AIDC scanner arranged in communication with the administration server via the Internet.

[0060] Typically, the portable scanner is configured to record the captured second AIDC identifier against a unique user profile in order to allow tracking of said collected sample.

[0061] Typically, the second AIDC identifier includes a biometric identifier of the user from whom the sample is collected, e.g. a fingerprint, a retinal scan, etc. [0062] Typically, the sample collector includes a phlebotomist, nurse or similar medical professional.

[0063] Typically, the method includes the step of the phlebotomist using a vein finder or similar apparatus to facilitate sample collection.

[0064] Typically, the medical GUI provides status information regarding the pathology request, sample collection appointment request, second AIDC identifier and/or pathology results generated following pathology analysis of the collected sample to a pathology laboratory and/or a medical provider.

[0065] Typically, the medical GUI allows a pathology laboratory to monitor a scheduled sample collection appointment request.

[0066] Similarly, the medical GUI allows a pathology laboratory to track collected samples.

[0067] Typically, the medical GUI allows a pathology laboratory to upload pathology results following pathology analysis of the collected sample.

[0068] Typically, the uploaded pathology results are uniquely associated with a user profile of a user from which the sample was collected.

[0069] Typically, the medical GUI notifies a medical provider once a pathology analysis of a collected sample is uploaded.

[0070] Typically, the medical GUI allows a medical provider to view the pathology results.

[0071] Typically, the user GUI allows a user to view the pathology results.

[0072] According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided a sample collection pack comprising: collection equipment and instructions specific to a pathology request; and a first AIDC identifier uniquely associated with the sample collection pack and pathology request by an administration server; wherein the sample collection pack is sendable to a user from which a sample is to be collected, a sample collector (such as a phlebotomist, nurse, or similar medical professional) able to scan the first AIDC identifier via a portable scanner when collecting the sample, and to capture a second AIDC identifier uniquely associated with a sample collected from the user to store and/or transmit both first and second AIDC identifiers to the administration server.

[ 0073 ] Typically, the first AIDC identifier comprises a QR code.

[ 0074 ] Typically, the second AIDC identifier includes a biometric identifier of the user from whom the sample is collected, e.g. a fingerprint, a retinal scan, etc.

[ 0075 ] According to a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of collecting a sample from a user, said method comprising the steps of: sending a sample collection pack to a user, said pack comprising collection equipment and instructions specific to a pathology request and a first AIDC identifier uniquely associated with the sample collection pack and pathology request by an administration server; collecting a sample from the user and scanning, via a portable scanner, the first AIDC identifier at the time of such collection; and scanning a biometric identifier of the user from whom the sample is collected; wherein the collected sample is uniquely linked to the user via both AIDC identifiers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of an example processing system that can be utilised to embody or give effect to a particular embodiment of a suitable processing system or the administration server, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates an example of diagrammatic network infrastructure that can be utilised to embody or give effect to a particular embodiment of a communications network whereby processing systems can be arranged in signal communication;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of constituent components for one embodiment of a medical sampling system, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; and

Figure 4 is a functional block diagrammatic representation of method steps for a medical sampling method, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0076] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention to the skilled addressee. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout. [0077] With brief reference firstly to Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown one broad example of a medical sampling system 10. As described in more detail below, such a system 10 comprises a number of constituent components, including one or more suitable processing systems 14, 24 that are operatively networked together by means of a suitable communications network, such as the Internet, or the like, in order to fulfil their functions as part of the present invention.

[0078] Accordingly, with reference firstly to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a broad example of a processing system 100 that can be used, in different configurations as will be readily apparent to the skilled addressee, to implement a suitable processing system 14 and 24, as well as an administration server 26, as described in more detail below. Similarly, Figure 2 shows a broad example of a networked communications system 200 whereby the respective processing and computer systems can be arranged in signal communication.

[0079] It is to be appreciated that any reference herein to "means" specifically includes any one or more of a computer programme product for use in a local or dispersed computing system, a computer readable modulated carrier signal for interpretation by a local or dispersed computing system, or a computer readable medium of instructions for enabling a local or dispersed computing system to provide such "means" within the context of the description. In addition, such "means" may further expressly comprise any of the hardware and/or software components, independently or in combination, provided for in the description below, as will be understood by the skilled addressee.

[0080] By way of background, in a general networked information or data communications system, a user has access to one or more terminals which are capable of requesting and/or receiving information or data from local or remote information sources. In such a communications system, a terminal may be a type of processing system, computer or computerised device, personal computer (PC), mobile, cellular or satellite telephone, mobile data terminal, portable computer, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), pager, thin client, or any other similar type of digital electronic device. The capability of such a terminal to request and/or receive information or data can be provided by software, hardware and/or firmware. A terminal may include or be associated with other devices, for example a local data storage device such as a hard disk drive or solid-state drive.

[0081] An information source can include a server, or any type of terminal, that may be associated with one or more storage devices that are able to store information or data, for example in one or more databases residing on a storage device. The exchange of information (i.e. the request and/or receipt of information or data) between a terminal and an information source, or other terminal(s), is facilitated by a communication means. The communication means can be realised by physical cables, for example a metallic cable such as a telephone line, semi-conducting cables, electromagnetic signals, for example radio-frequency signals or infra-red signals, optical fibre cables, satellite links or any other such medium or combination thereof connected to a network infrastructure .

[0082] The Internet, which often serves as an enabling part of communications network 200, is the large-scale interconnection of public and private networks. The network infrastructure can include devices such as a telephone switch, base station, bridge, router, or any other such specialised network component, which facilitates the connection between a terminal and an information source. Collectively, an interconnected group of terminals, communication means, infrastructure and information sources is referred to as a network. The network itself may take a variety of forms. For example, it may be a computer network, telecommunications network, data communications network, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), wireless network, Internetwork, Intranetwork, the Internet and developments thereof, transient or temporary networks, combinations of the above or any other type of network providing for communication between computerised, electronic or digital devices. More than one distinct network can be provided, for example a private and a public network. A network as referenced in this specification should be taken to include any type of terminal or other similar type of electronic device, or part thereof, which is rendered such that it is capable of communicating with at least one other terminal.

[ 0083 ] One example of facilitating communication across such networks, is the Hyper-Text Mark-Up Language (HTML) and Hyper-Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and developments thereof, which have made the Internet or World Wide Web (WWW) very accessible. The exchange of information on the Internet is further facilitated through hyper-text documents. Hyper-Text documents are unique in that they use tags to define links which, when selected, retrieve the related information from within the same document or from a new document altogether. [ 0084 ] The links are defined using HTML which provides a document formatting method which adapts in a consistent manner to any computer on which it is displayed. HTML tags are used to define various components of text, visual or audio which make up a hyper-text document, including such things as formatting and linking to other documents. HTML tags which link documents on one Internet information source to those on another do so by associating a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) with the referenced information. The skilled addressee will appreciate that other communication protocols may be used and are within the scope of the present invention.

[0085] In light of this background, the processing system 100 of Figure 1 generally includes at least one processor 102, or processing unit or plurality of processors, memory 104, at least one input device 106 and at least one output device 108, coupled together via a bus or group of buses 110. Typically, the processor 102 comprises any suitable processor or microcontroller configured to receive input, perform logical and arithmetical operations on a suitable instruction set, and provide output, as well as transitory and/or non-transitory electronic storage, such as memory 104 and storage device 114, or the like.

[0086] In certain embodiments, input device 106 and output device 108 could be the same device, e.g. a touchscreen. An interface 112 can also be provided for coupling the processing system 100 to one or more peripheral devices, for example interface 112 could be a PCI card or PC card. At least one storage device 114 which houses at least one database 116 can also be provided. The memory 104 can be any form of memory device, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory, solid state storage devices, magnetic devices, etc. The processor 102 could include more than one distinct processing device, for example to handle different functions within the processing system 100.

[0087] Input device 106 receives input data 118 and can include, for example, a keyboard, a pointer device such as a pen-like device or a mouse, audio receiving device for voice- controlled activation such as a microphone, data receiver or antenna such as a modem or wireless data adaptor, data acquisition card, a touchscreen for receiving tactile input, etc. Input data 118 could come from different sources, for example keyboard instructions in conjunction with data received via a network, or a dedicated global navigation satellite system (GNNS) sensor, as is known in the art, or the like. Output device 108 produces or generates output data 120 and can include, for example, a display device or monitor in which case output data 120 is visual, a printer in which case output data 120 is printed, a port for example a USB port, a peripheral component adaptor, a data transmitter or antenna such as a modem or wireless network adaptor, etc. Output data 120 could be distinct and derived from different output devices, for example a visual display on a monitor in conjunction with data transmitted to a network.

[0088] A user could view data output, or an interpretation of the data output, on, for example, a touchscreen, a monitor or using a printer. The storage device 114 can be any form of data or information storage means, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory, solid state storage devices, magnetic devices, etc.

[0089] In use, the processing system 100 is adapted to allow data or information to be stored in and/or retrieved from, via wired or wireless communication means, the at least one database 116. The interface 112 may allow wired and/or wireless communication between the processing unit 102 and peripheral components that may serve a specialised purpose. The processor 102 receives instructions as input data 118 via input device 106 and can display processed results or other output to a user by utilising output device 108. More than one input device 106 and/or output device 108 can be provided. It should be appreciated that the processing system 100 may be any form of terminal, server, specialised hardware, or the like.

[0090] As described, the processing system 100 is generally part of a networked communications system 200, as shown in Figure 2. Processing system 100 could connect to network 202, for example the Internet or a WAN. Input data 118 and output data 120 could be communicated to other devices via network 202. Other terminals, for example, thin client 204, further processing systems 206 and 208, notebook computer 210, mainframe computer 212, PDA 214, pen-based computer 216, server 218, portable scanner 36, etc., can be connected to network 202. A large variety of other types of terminals or configurations could be utilised. The transfer of information and/or data over network 202 can be achieved using wired communications means 220 or wireless communications means 222. Server 218 can facilitate the transfer of data between network 202 and one or more databases 224.

[ 0091 ] Other networks may communicate with network 202. For example, telecommunications network 230 could facilitate the transfer of data between network 202 and mobile or cellular telephone 232 or a PDA-type device 234, by utilising wireless communication means 236 and receiving/transmitting station 238. Similarly, portable scanner 36 can be networked in this manner. Satellite communications network 240 could communicate with satellite signal receiver 242 which receives data signals from satellite 244 which in turn is in remote communication with satellite signal transmitter 246. Terminals, for example further processing system 248, notebook computer 250 or satellite telephone 252, can thereby communicate with network 202. A local network 260, which for example may be a private network, LAN, etc., may also be connected to network 202. For example, network 202 could be connected with Ethernet 262 which connects terminals 264, server 266 which controls the transfer of data to and/or from database 268, and printer 270. Various other types of networks could be utilised.

[ 0092 ] The processing system 100 is adapted to communicate with other terminals, for example further processing systems 206, 208, by sending and receiving data, 118, 120, to and from the network 202, thereby facilitating possible communication with other components of the networked communications system 200. Thus, for example, the networks 202, 230, 240 may form part of, or be connected to, the Internet, in which case, the terminals 206, 212, 218, for example, may be web servers,

Internet terminals or the like. The networks 202, 230, 240,

260 may be or form part of other communication networks, such as LAN, WAN, Ethernet, token ring, FDDI ring, star, etc., networks, or mobile telephone networks, such as GSM, CDMA or 3G, etc., networks, and may be wholly or partially wired, including for example optical fibre, or wireless networks, depending on a particular implementation.

[ 0093 ] Accordingly, in the manner described above, the processing systems 14 and 24, as well as administration server 26, and even portable scanner 36 can be realised by suitable versions of the processing system 100, as described above, and networked together, as exemplified in Figure 2, to perform the functions and provide the features broadly described herein. [ 0094 ] In light of this background, Figure 3 shows an example of the medical sampling system 10, as per the present invention. Sampling system 10 generally comprises a user GUI 12 which is provided to a user (diagrammatically represented by reference numeral 16) via a suitable processing system 14 operatively connected to the Internet 18.

[ 0095 ] The user GUI 12 generally comprises an interface provided via a suitable mobile application or 'app' running on a mobile handset or tablet of the user, or via a webpage, or the like. Accordingly, as described above, the suitable processing system 14 may comprise a mobile phone or smartphone handset, a tablet, a personal computer, or the like. The user GUI 12 generally allows a user 16 to access a unique user profile, as is known in the art for uniquely creating a record for a particular user.

[0096] Via the user GUI 12, the user 16 is generally able to i) capture a pathology request from a medical provider (diagrammatically represented by reference numeral 20), and ii) generate a sample collection appointment request indicative of a collection location and time.

[0097] The pathology request from a medical provider is typically captured by means of a camera forming part of the user's processing system 14. In such an example, the administration server 26 may be configured with image and/or character recognition in order to extract information from the pathology request from a medical provider. Similarly, the pathology request may include a form, whether paper and/or electronic, which is completed and captured in a suitable manner, e.g. a form can be downloaded and completed, or completed online, or the like. In another embodiment, the pathology request from a medical provider may include an online request submitted via the medical GUI by a medical provider. [0098] As is known in the art, the pathology request generally includes information such as user name and address, user medical provider, user medical insurance or associated details, sample or specimen required, pathology test required, user medical history, anticipated medical diagnosis, or the like.

[0099] The user GUI 12 generally allows the user 16 to generate the sample collection appointment request indicative of a collection location and time by means of a suitable scheduling application or software, as is known in the art. Accordingly, the sample collection appointment request typically indicates an address and a time at which the user is desirous of having the sample collected, e.g. at home, at the office, or the like. [00100] System 10 also includes the administration server 24 which is connected to the Internet 18 and is configured to i) upon receipt of the pathology and appointment requests, prepare a first AIDC identifier 34 uniquely indicative of a sample to be collected from the user 16, and ii) facilitate preparation of a sample collection pack 28 which includes collection equipment 30 and instructions 32 specific to the pathology request.

[00101] Importantly, the first AIDC identifier 34 is uniquely associated with the sample collection pack 28 which is subsequently sent to the user 16. In one embodiment, the first AIDC identifier 34 which is uniquely indicative of a sample to be collected from the user 16 comprises a QR code, but variations hereon are within the scope of the invention. The sample collection pack 28 is generally sent to the user 16 by means of a delivery service, such as a courier, via post, etc. such delivery is, of course, made before the time scheduled by the sample collection appointment request from the user 16.

[00102] The administration server 26 generally facilitates preparation of the sample collection pack 28 by correlating the pathology request with required collection equipment 30, such correlation provided to a compiler of the sample collection pack. For example, if a blood sample has been requested in the pathology request, the required collection equipment 30 may include a vein finder, collection tubes and syringes, or the like. In contrast, if a buccal swab has been requested, the required collection equipment 30 may include a swab kit, or the like. The compiler of the sample collection pack may be a person and/or an automated compiler, i.e. packing machine, or the like.

[00103] The administration server 26 generally sends the instructions to the user by means of the user GUI 12, but may include a text message, an email, etc. The administration server 26 also typically allows the user 16 to track, via the user GUI 12, a location of a sample collector 38 once the collection time is forthcoming. Similarly, the administration server 26 also allows the user 16 to track, via the user GUI 12, a location of the sample collection pack 28 after it has been dispatched to the user 16, as is known in the art.

[00104] It is to be appreciated that the sample collector 38 may include a phlebotomist, nurse or any other suitable technician for collecting the sample, requirements dependent. In addition, the instructions 32 specific to the pathology request generally includes user instructions for the user 16 to follow to ensure a useful sample is collectible by the sample collector 38. Typically, the instructions include dietary instructions, such as fasting necessary to ensure useful sample collection, or the like. Similarly, the instructions may include instructions such as cessation of certain medication, a level of activity to maintain, e.g. remain supine for a period of time before the sample collection, etc.

[00105] The system 10 also includes a portable scanner 36 whereby the sample collector 38 is able to scan the first AIDC identifier 34, said scanner 36 further configured to capture a second AIDC identifier (not shown) uniquely associated with a sample collected from the user 16. For example, the second AIDC identifier may comprise a sample tube barcode containing a collected sample, or the like.

[00106] Typically, the portable scanner 36 comprises an AIDC scanner arranged in communication with the administration server 26 via the Internet 18. The portable scanner 36 is also generally configured to record the captured second AIDC identifier against a unique user profile of the user 16 in order to allow tracking of a collected sample, e.g. a personal electronic health profile, or the like. In one embodiment, the second AIDC identifier includes a biometric identifier of the user 16 from whom the sample is collected, e.g. a fingerprint, a retinal scan, etc. to facilitate unique association with the collected sample for tracking and identification purposes. [00107] The system 10 further includes a medical GUI 22, provided via a suitable processing system 24 operatively connected to the Internet 18, whereby the administration server 26 is able to provide status information regarding the pathology request, sample collection appointment request, second AIDC identifier and/or pathology results generated following pathology analysis of the collected sample. The medical GUI 22 generally provides such status information to a pathology laboratory and/or a medical provider (either represented by reference numeral 20). However, relevant status information can also be provided via the user GUI 12 to a user 16, requirements dependent.

[00108] Accordingly, the medical GUI 22 generally allows a pathology laboratory 20 to monitor a scheduled sample collection appointment request and the medical GUI 22 allows a pathology laboratory 20 to track collected samples. Similarly, the medical GUI 22 generally also allows a pathology laboratory 20 to upload pathology results following pathology analysis of the collected sample. Such uploaded pathology results are generally uniquely associated with a user profile of a user from which the sample was collected, as described above.

[00109] The medical GUI 22 also typically notifies a medical provider 20, such as a doctor or medical specialist, once a pathology analysis of a collected sample is uploaded. The medical GUI 22 allows such a medical provider 22 to view the pathology results, generally against a unique user profile, as is known in the art. [00110] With reference to Figure 4 of the accompanying Figures, the present invention includes an associated medical sampling method 300. Such a method 300 generally comprises the steps of providing a user GUI 302, via a suitable processing system operatively connected to the Internet 18, whereby a user 16 is able to i) capture a pathology request from a medical provider 20, and ii) generate a sample collection appointment request indicative of a collection location and time.

[00111] The method 300 then features the steps of, upon receipt of the pathology and appointment requests, preparing 304, via the administration server 26 connected to the Internet 18, the first AIDC identifier 34 uniquely indicative of a sample to be collected from the user, and preparing and sending 306 to a user a sample collection pack 28 including collection equipment 30 and instructions 32 specific to the pathology request. As described, the first AIDC identifier 34 is associated with said sample collection pack 28.

[00112] The method 300 then includes the steps of scanning 308, via the portable scanner 36, by the sample collector 38 the first AIDC identifier 34 when the sample is collected, the scanner 36 configured to capture the second AIDC identifier uniquely associated with a sample collected from the user. [00113] Finally, the method includes the step of providing 310, via a suitable processing system 24 operatively connected to the Internet 18, the medical GUI 22 whereby the administration server 26 is able to provide status information regarding the pathology request, sample collection appointment request, second AIDC identifier and/or pathology results generated following pathology analysis of the collected sample to a pathology laboratory 20, medical provider 20 and/or user 16. [00114] The invention also extends to a computer programme product which, when executed by a suitable processing system 100, facilitates the performance of the method 300.

[00115] The Applicant believes it advantageous that the inventions described herein allow for an elegant and efficient way to collect medical samples from users at a time and place convenient for the user, such as at their homes or places of work. The invention further enables accurate tracking of collected samples, along with efficient reporting of pathology results to medical providers and users themselves.

[00116] Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. In the example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee.

[00117] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including, " and "containing" are to be construed as open- ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. [00118] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive sense. Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Variations (e.g. modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor(s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor(s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.