MACHINE READABLE ASSAYING SYSTEM USING CHANGEABLE INDICIA

Abstract: A machine readable assaying system including a test card (10) providing a machine readable assaying arrangement. At least one analysis strip (32a/32b) is provided, possibly including antibodies and/or reagents capable of detecting and optically indicating the presence or absence of at least one substance present within a volume of physiological fluid. The analysis strips (32a/32b) composing, at least in part, an assaying mechanism in the form of a pattern of elements (32a/32b), generally additionally including at least one fixed strip (33a), and at least one blank region (33b). Each analysis strip, upon contacting the physiological fluid of a donor for a suitable temporal interval, may effect a change from a first state having a first reflectance level to a second state having a second substantially different reflectance level, thereby altering the pattern formed by the assaying mechanism. The particular pattern that results from an exposure to the volume of the physiological fluid is contemplated to produce a distinct machine readable indicia. The assaying system may also include a scanner (54a) and decoder (54b) to optically scan and read the machine readable indicia and transmit read information over a communication link (86) to a remote location (12) for processing.

Description: TITLE: Machine Readable Assaying System Using Changeable Indicia BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field Of The Invention This invention relates to assaying systems incorporating machine readable changeable indicia, wherein the change is related to one or more monitored parameters or variable quantities. Embodiments of the invention are suitable, for example, for analyzing a specimen of physiological fluid to detect the presence, or absence, of particular substances therein. 2. Background Of The Invention The advent of machine readable indicia has been long noted in the art. Such indicia, including for example bar code symbols and other specialized characters, enable encoded data to be read by suitable known apparatus to accurately determine the encoded data. It is this characteristic that has lead to the rapid acceptance of such coding arrangements as defacto standards, especially in inventory intensive establishments that must manage and track a large plurality of items with a significant accuracy. Presently there are a number of industry symbologies and accepted standards available in the art, and a full range of devices to accurately and rapidly read (scan) these indicia. There is also an on-going need to perform various assaying procedures that provide "assay result indications" which minimize errors attributable to human intervention. Such assaying procedures can be used for example, to monitor or determine the levels of various parameters such as monitoring of temperature, humidity, saline concentrations (of a fluid), gas concentrations (e.g., the level of exhaust fume gases), chemical residues and associated concentrations, light intensities, magnetic field strengths, radiation exposures, etc. A particularly significant assaying procedure is frequently performed to detect the presence, or absence, of particular substances in a physiological fluid, e.g., urine. When performing such a procedure, it is generally important to maintain the confidentiality of the assay result indications so that they are not even apparent to a person administering the procedure. In a typical situation involving an employee applicant, for example, a urine specimen is first collected from the applicant, i.e. donor, and a highly sensitive screening test is performed, usually at a remote centralized laboratory. If the specimen tests positive for a prescribed substance, a further more sensitive analysis is frequently performed. In order to reduce costs and expedite processing, "on-site" testing procedures and devices have been developed. However, the use of such "on-site" techniques has made it more difficult to maintain the confidentiality of the test results. The present invention is directed to enhanced assaying system embodiments characterized by one or more of the following characteristics: an assaying system that produces machine readable result indications; machine readable indicia having changeable or alterable encoded data content; assay provided by 'elements' composing a machine readable indicia; a reliable and expeditious assaying arrangement; provides assay means wherein assay result indications are not readily "human readable", thus preserving confidentiality; may be employed on-site using a number of relatively low cost "off-the-shelf components; assaying means includes analysis elements that are arranged to provide an optically detectable machine readable change in the assaying indicia; 2 an on-site assaying system which allows the results of said assay to be encoded in a machine readable format (such as bar-coded indicia) such that the encoded results are visually undetectable and must be de-coded by appropriate apparatus; assaying means including analysis strips that upon contacting, in a suitable manner, the physiological fluid to be tested, are capable of providing an optically detectable machine readable change indicating the presence or absence of one or more substances (within the fluid); a remote location may be efficiently employed to indicate the outcome of the assay activities, rapidly via "electronically" exchanged information and data, for example by way of a communication link established by a network or modem; may employ conventional bar-code reading apparatus, such as optical scanning units, to determine the (encoded) results of an assay; includes means capable of detecting adulteration of the volume of physiological fluid. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A system in accordance with the invention is characterized by a substrate surface bearing an assaying test strip. The assaying strip comprises assaying indicia having an initial encoded value, representing a machine readable source of data, and is capable of detecting and optically signaling the presence of a desired state. Once the desired state of a monitored parameter is detected (i.e., occurs or is present) the assaying indicia forms a second encoded value, different from the initial encoded value. The change of encoded value from the first or initial value to the second value is arranged to be machine readable by a suitable reading apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the assaying indicia includes an analysis element capable of changing from a first state having a first reflectance level to a second state having a second substantially different reflectance level, thereby providing an optical change in reflectance that can be detected and read by a 3 suitable reading apparatus. If the initial encoded value of the assaying indicia is known, or has been previously read/scanned, a change in the encoded value, as provided by the analysis elements (possibly in combination with other elements composing the 5 assaying indicia), can be machine scanned and read to determine if the desired state has or had been attained. A preferred machine readable assaying system in accordance with the invention uses machine readable assaying strips defining patterns (e.g., barcode like) which change in response to a physical, chemical or biological !P_ reaction, induced by contacting a physiological fluid specimen, e.g., urine. The assaying result is read by an appropriate reading apparatus (e.g., a suitable barcode reader/scanner), which can then be transmitted, if desired, to a remote location for analysis and review. The assaying strips provide a machine readable source of data alterable to indicate the presence or absence of one or 15 more substances, which may be arranged so that the optical change (and associated test result) is un-decipherable by a test administrator or another observer - while being readily machine readable. Accordingly, the privacy interests of the donor or donor individuals are preserved, while errors due to human interpretation, transcription, and translation, are reduced or eliminated. 20 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings, like elements are assigned like reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, with the emphasis instead placed upon 25 the principles of the present invention. The drawings are briefly described as follows: FIG 1 illustrates a diagrammatic perspective view of an embodiment of an assay test card of the machine readable assaying arrangement of the present 30 invention. FIG 2A illustrates an enlarged portion showing an assaying indicia depicted with the embodiment of the assay test card in FIG 1. FIG 2B illustrates another enlarged portion of the assay test card of Fig. 1 showing another embodiment of an assaying indicia. FIGS 3A and 3B depict possible encoded values that may be provided (as sources of data) by the assaying indicia of FIG 2A. FIGS 4A, 4B, and 4C depict possible encoded values that may be provided (as sources of data) by the assaying indicia of FIG 2B. FIG 5 illustrates a high level system architecture of an embodiment of the assaying arrangement of the present invention. FIG 6 illustrates an embodiment of the assay card reader of FIG 5. FIG 7 provides another embodiment of an apparatus to read/interpret test cards of the present invention. FIG 8 is a high level functional diagram depicting embodiments of assaying arrangements in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS It is helpful to first establish the definition of several important terms that will be used throughout this disclosure. The term ' encoded value ' , as applied for assaying purposes, may be assumed to indicate the value provided by reading or interpreting the characters, digits, and or information coded by an assaying indicia of the invention. This value may or may not change as a result 5 of assaying activities. Further, the encoded value is capable of being machine read and, therefore, may be termed a ' machine readable source of data'. The definition of a parameter or variable being monitored or checked for by an assaying arrangement in accordance with the invention may include any quantity or item, e.g., temperature, humidity, pressure, saline concentrations (of a fluid), pH levels, gas concentrations (e.g., the level of exhaust fume gases), chemical residues and associated concentrations, light intensities, magnetic field strengths, radiation exposures, shock forces, as well as others. The term ' desired state' connotes that a certain level or threshold of a parameter has been reached. For example, a desired state may be reached or present if a temperature (being monitored) reaches a critical predefined level, wherein the temperature is the parameter and the desired state is defined as a temperature equal to or above, say, 30 degrees Celsius. Finally, 'reflectance level', 'level of reflectance ' , 'reflectivity' and 'reflectance ' , refer generally to the measure of the amount of light of a specified wavelength (or series of wavelengths) that is reflected from a surface. Other terms and definitions will be provided as required. FIG 1 illustrates an assay or test card 10 defining a substrate 20 having a surface 20a carrying at least one assaying strip defining assaying indicia 32a and 32b. Note: the assaying indicia 32a and 32b. The assaying indicia of the present invention will be designated, when referred to generally, as an assaying indicia 32a/32b, represents a machine readable source of data, and is arranged with an initial encoded value. The initial encoded value may be pre-defined (resulting from the manufacture of the assay card 10) and known, or may be determined or ascertained by employing a suitable reading apparatus. For example, the initial encoded value of the assaying indicia 32a/32b is contemplated to be determinable using a scanner unit, as depicted in FIG 6. The assaying indicia of the invention are capable of detecting and optically signaling, in a machine readable fashion, the presence of at least one desired state associated with one or more parameters being monitored. It is important to understand that embodiments of the assaying indicia of the present invention, 6 including 32a and 32b, may be arranged to monitor a wide range of parameters and items, as stated and further implied throughout this disclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the assaying indicia 32a/32b include at least one analysis element 34, as best seen in FIGS 2A and 3A. Each included analysis element 34, regardless of its shape or composition, may be arranged to monitor one or more parameters to detect and optically signal the presence of a desired state. For example, assume the assaying indicia 32a, as shown in FIG 2A, is configured to determine if an assay card 10 has been exposed to a strong light source, wherein with such exposure the indicia changes from an initial encoded value, to the second encoded value. The change in encoded value may be provided by the inclusion of at least one analysis element that is capable of changing from a first state having a first reflectance level, say when not exposed to a strong light source, to a second state having a second substantially different reflectance level (when exposed), thereby providing an optical change in reflectance that can be detected and read by the suitably arranged reading apparatus - as would be well understood by skilled persons. Referring again to FIG 1, the assay card 10 may further include quality control indication means 38 provided upon the assay cards 10 to ensure that the analysis elements 34 are functioning properly. As an example, the quality control indication means 38 may be configured to generate a signal if the assay card 10 is improperly stored or if the shelf life thereof has been exceeded, and the assay card 10 should be discarded. As those skilled in the art will recognize, it is often desirable to have items such as production batch numbers of the assay card 10, the date of manufacture, the specific parameters or quantities the assay card is configured to monitor, etc., provided upon the surface of the assay card. As can be seen in FIG 1 , the assay card 10 may include an identification code 42, which may be provided as one or more machine readable patterns, for example as bar code indicia, which encodes the required identification information. As the identification information, for the most part, will generally be fixed at the time of manufacture, it is contemplated the such information may be provided as both 7 human readable and machine readable, if advantageous. Also seen in FIG 1 are alignment aids 46 that may be provided to aid in the alignment of the assay card 10 for reading or scanning by a properly arranged reading apparatus. It is important to note that other arrangements of the identification code 42, the quality control indication means 38, and the assaying indicia 32a/32b are possible and contemplated. For example, skilled persons will appreciate modifications such as including the quality control indication means 38 and the identification code 42 wiδhin the elements composing the assaying indicia 32a/23b. Accordingly, such items, when included within the elements of the assaying indicia may assist in determining the overall "coding" (i.e., the encoded value of the machine readable source of data) provided by said assaying indicia, still other modifications are possible and contemplated. A better understanding of the assaying indicia of the invention, including assaying indicia 32a and 32b, may be gained through FIGS 2A and 2B. As can be seen in FIG 2A, the assaying indicia 32a may be comprised of a plurality of elements including fixed elements 33a, blanks regions 33b, and at least one analysis element 34. In a preferred embodiment of the analysis elements 34, a change will occur if a desired state is present (or achieved), such as, for example, a relative humidity level reaching approximately 50%, where the analysis elements 34 will change from a first state having a first reflectance level to a second state having a second substantially different (i.e. machine detectable) reflectance level. Therefore, this substantially different reflectance level change may result in an optically detectable "change", which in accordance with the present invention, may be employable to alter, for example a pattern formed by a plurality of elements, as exemplified in FIGS 2A through 4C. As seen in detail in FIGS 3A and 3B, a plurality of individual analysis elements 34 are use of in the machine readable assaying indicia 32a, to form a bar-code like appearance. The analysis elements 34 may assume either a first state having a first level of reflectance (e.g., high) or a second state, having a second level of reflectance (e.g., low). Therefore, as analysis element 34 in the first state may be considered to be the (scanned) equivalent to a ' bar ' type 8 element of a bar code symbol. However, clearly the reciprocal arrangement, wherein the first state exhibits a low level of reflectance may be employed. Regardless of the particulars, it must be understood that a "desired state" is indicated by at least one analysis element 34 essentially changing from a reflective element to a non-reflective element, or visa-versa. As mentioned earlier, each of the analysis elements 34 may be capable of detecting and optically indicating or signaling the presence of a desired state (which is to be assayed), wherein once the desired state is detected the assaying indicia forms a second encoded value, different from its initial encoded value. Therefore, as can be seen in the arrangement depicted in FIG 3A, the pattern of analysis elements 34, fixed elements 33a, and blank regions 33b, (which may also be termed "bars" and "spaces" by those skilled in the art), when configured to compose the encoded machine readable data source may be provided to encode one or more characters/digits of information or data. Accordingly, by the inclusion of the analysis elements 34 along with the plurality of fixed elements 33a and blank regions 33b, the detection of one or more desired states may cause the overall pattern of fixed elements 33a (bar), analysis elements 34 (bar, spaces), and blank regions 33a (spaces) to vary, and hence, result in the encoded information contained therein being altered. Referring now to FIG 3A, there is depicted a sample arrangement of fixed elements 33a, blank regions 33b, and analysis elements 34. As can be seen in FIG 3B, with two analysis elements 34, a number of possible patterns may be generated or produced resulting in a variety of machine readable and decodeable data patterns. Those skilled in the art will appreciate several considerations that must be addressed when employing standard and or known "symbologies", as well as the symbology exemplified in FIGS 3A and 3B. First, many commonly employed bar code symbologies include ' check digits ' (and the like), as well as items such as guard bars, and start and stop characters. For example, the well known Code-39 symbology, includes a start character on the left side of a bar code and a stop character on the right side. In addition, check or error detecting characters must be considered when one or more analysis 9 elements 34 change from a first state to a second state. This is especially true if it is desirable to employ standard bar code reading equipment with one or more embodiments of the assaying indicia 32a/32b of the invention. Skilled individuals will appreciate these and other considerations that must be addressed to provide for the machine reading of the machine readable sources of data disclosed herein. It must also be understood that the analysis elements 34 may be arranged to change from the first state to the second state, in the presence of the desired state, and hold the second state, even if the desired state is lost/removed. Alternately, assay card 10 may be arranged with analysis elements 34 that will assume the first state in the presence of the desired state, and assume the second state in the absence of the desired state. The assay card 10 as provided in the embodiment of FIG 1 inherently offers an advantage over many known assaying arrangements. Traditionally, assaying means have been configured to visually indicate the positive presence of a desired state. If a "positive" indication was given, it was automatically inferred that the desired state has (or had) occurred. This typically would be clearly discernible to an assay administrator or other person in a position to review the assay results. If for example, an assay test is being conducted for the purposes of drug screening a prospective employee, the individual administering the test would generally have access to the results of the assay, which may represent a violation of the privacy and civil liberties of the prospective employee. Due to the encoded nature of the source of data of the assaying indicia of the present invention, such privacy concerns may be fully addressed with properly configured assaying indicia 32a/32b provided upon the assay card 10. When the apparatus of Fig 1 is used for such a drug screening application, the analysis strips 34 would typically include antibodies and or reagents capable of chemically analyzing a sample volume of physiological fluid, such as human or animal urine, to detect and indicate the presence or absence of a particular substance. It is contemplated that such substances may be 10 present as a result of the recent use of drugs (possibly including illegal drugs such as marijuana and or cocaine), or other substances such as bacteria and viruses. It is important to understand that the detection and indication function of the assaying means 32 is induced by the contacting of the analysis strips 34 with the physiological fluid, for a sufficient temporal period. After the temporal period has elapsed, a change may have been effected in that the analysis strip 34 will have changed from a first state having a first reflectance level to a second state having a second substantially different (i.e. machine detectable) reflectance level. Therefore, this substantially different reflectance level change can produce an optically detectable "change", which in accordance with the present invention, alters the optical pattern formed by the plurality of elements depicted in Fig 2A. As previously noted, this pattern (of elements) may be configured as, and referred to, as a series of bars and spaces (especially as applied to bar code indicia) and represents an example of a machine readable source of data. The machine readable source of data (e.g., the pattern) may or may not result in the optical reflectivity change discussed above, and may accordingly indicate the presence of at least one specific substance (to be screened), or the absence of at least one specific substance. Indeed, if a plurality of analysis strips 34 are employed, each may be configured to detect and indicate distinct substances, by either providing the reflectivity change with the presence or absence of the substance. Further, it is contemplated that respective assay test cards 10 may be specifically configured with analysis strips 34 that may react differently to the same or similar substances. Traditionally, assaying means have been configured merely to visually indicate the positive presence of particular substances. If a "positive" indication was given, it was automatically inferred that the donor individual who provided the specimen (for example urine) tested positive, thereby posing great threats to individual privacy and civil liberty concerns. The utilization of an encoded assaying means in accordance with the present invention, however, mitigates this and other deficiencies. 11 It is contemplated in a preferred embodiment of the assay test card 10 that one or more of the individual analysis strips 34 which comprise the bar code indicia of the machine readable assaying means 32 contain reagents or antibodies whose visual appearance is altered in response to the contacting of the physiological fluid, regardless of whether any particular substance is present within the fluid. Accordingly, a negative assay may be determined either by one or more analysis strips 34 becoming darker (becoming a 'bar') or by remaining light (i.e., a space). This characteristic avoids a test administrator from learning the outcome of the assay. Therefore, only a suitably configured reader device, capable of decoding the encoded bar code indicia, will be able to determine the results of the assay. The test card 10 of FIG 1 A also preferably includes adulteration detection means 36. The adulteration detection means 36 is configured to be capable of determining whether a particular specimen of fluid, such as urine, may have been tampered with by administering various checks including chemical analysis (to ensure that the chemical composition of said specimen is consistent with that of standard, non-adulterated physiological fluid), temperature analysis (to ensure, for example, that the specimen has been recently excreted from the donor and has not been brought to the test site by the donor from an earlier excretion), and or other known adulteration checks. Furthermore, quality control indication means 38 are also be present upon the test cardl 0 to ensure that the analysis strips 34 are functioning properly. Said quality control indication means 38 may be configured to generate a signal upon contact with the physiological fluid, regardless of the presence or absence of one or more substances to be screened or checked for, to indicate that the analysis strips 34 have not been degraded due to, for example, improper storage, the test cards exceeding their shelf life, and the like. If the quality control indication means 38 fails to generate a signal upon contact with the volume of physiological fluid, the test card 22 may be assumed to be defective and should be discarded. Referring now to FIG 2B, there is illustrated an alternate embodiment of the assaying indicia of the resent invention. Assaying indicia 32b provides a 12 plurality of generalized elements 35, which may be provided by fixed elements 33a, blank regions 33b, and analysis elements 34. As can be clearly seen, the elements 35 may be arranged in a grid or other suitable or advantageous pattern. It should also be noted that the generalized elements 35 may be embodied in other preferred shapes, such as circular or curved bar like versions (not illustrated). The arrangement of FIG 2B may include a large number of analysis elements 34, with each capable of monitoring a specific parameter. Consider, the exemplary assaying indicia 32b provided in FIG 4A that consists of thirty-two (32) generalized elements 35. Accordingly, assaying indicia 32b of FIG 4A may be arranged to monitor 32 individual desired states, if it is assumed that each generalized element 35 is actually provided as an assaying element 34. Such an indicia is depicted in FIG 4B. Alternately, the arrangement of elements may be provided to provide a "quantized measure" of the level of a parameter being monitored, much as provided by the well known ' bar-type' graphic symbol/element. As shown in FIG 4B a plurality of parameters, including temperature, humidity, pressure, etc., may be monitored. Consider the TEMP (temperature) elements, which are shown with a dotted line there around. If each element is configured to have a different desired state (i.e., a different temperature threshold value to detect the attaining of the specific desired temp level), say, with each respective element arranged to detect a 5 degree increase in temperature. This simple arrangement provides for the quantized "machine readable" measurement of the present temperature level. Further, if the analysis elements are not sequenced in an ascending or descending order (e.g., they are randomized with respect to their order), the indicated optical assay result (assuming the optical change is in the human visible range) may not be human readable. Accordingly, the analysis elements 34 of FIG 4B are arranged in a pattern whereby an associated reflective characteristic is formed by a specific plurality of the analysis elements assuming the first reflective state, while a second mutually exclusive plurality of the analysis elements are assuming the second reflective state. The reflectance characteristic may then be read or determined via a suitable reading or interpreting apparatus. 13 It should fully understood that the appearance of the indicia of the present invention, including identification code 42 or assaying indicia 32b, may be provided in many contemplated optical forms. These forms include other patterns that are optically very different in appearance, to those illustrated in FIGS 2A, 3A, and 3B (i.e., the standard bar code type indicia). A key feature, especially considering the arrangement of FIG 5, is the machine readability of the source of encoded data provided by any employed pattern. Although it may be desirable to utilized standard bar code reading devices, such as scanners and the like, it must be understood that the scope of the present invention should not be limited to just this embodiment of the assaying indicia described herein. Turning now to FIG 5, there is provided a high level functional block diagram of an assay test card reading apparatus 60. As shown, an assay card reader 54 is included, which is operatively coupled to a suitable computer means 62. The assay card reader 54 is provided to scan and generally "read" and determine the particular patterns, indicia, markings, and the like present upon the assay card 10. As such, the reading of the assay card 10 results in the determining of information, in the form of a plurality of digits or characters, that may possibly be stored by the assay card reader 54. The information may then be communicated to the computer means 62, with the determined characters or digits analyzed and applied to determine items, including, for example, the date of manufacture of the assay card, the desired state provided by the assaying indicia, the type/configuration of card, quality control status, etc. Accordingly, all of these items may be provided as "machine readable" indicia and information with a variety of embodiments of the invention. Subsequently, the determined characters or digits may be transmitted, via a communication link 66, to a remote location, such as a central laboratory for checking, decoding, and or general evaluation. Therefore, the pattern of the assaying means 32, the condition of the adulteration detection means 36 and the quality control indication means 38, and the identification code 42 information may be provided as "machine readable" and may be transmitted in an anonymous and confidential manner to 14 the central laboratory, in accordance with the privacy features of present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the available means to embody the assay card 1'0 of the invention, and further may provide modifications and alterations, as well as alternate architectures to the disclosed embodiment of the assay card reading apparatus 60 of FIG 5. Also, although the assay card reader 54 may be provided as shown in FIG 6, comprised of a scanner unit and decoder (which themselves may include computing modules), other arrangements are certainly possible. The computer means 62 of FIG 5 may be embodied as shown by having a processor 62a, a memory unit 62b (providing a suitable application program), and any required interface circuitry 62c. The computer means 62 may be arranged to receive from the assay card reader 54 the information including the one or more (decoded) digits or characters. The information may then be processed for checking and analysis. As can be seen in FIG 5, a user interface module 64 may be included to enable an individual (such as an assay administrator) to enter information into the assay card reading apparatus 60 and provide information to said individual. The user interface may include known items such as a display 64a, a keyboard 64b, an audio unit 64c, and printer 64d. For example, the administrator's name may be entered into the system, say via keyboard 64b of the user interface module 64. Other user interface items may also be provided (which are not shown in FIG 5) including pointing devices, a fax transmission modules, touch screen displays, etc. Such devices are known to skilled artisans. It should be noted that the computer means 62 may be provided by known programmable single chip microcomputers and any additional analog/digital circuitry required. Further, it is contemplated that the computer means 62 may be provided (in an alternate embodiment to that shown in FIG 5) by one or more programmable logic devices (PLDs), or by discrete components including digital MSI and LSI logic functions. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the number of commercially available (off-the-shelf) devices and components that may be utilized to embody 15 the assay card reader 54 and the assay card reading apparatus 60. They will further recognize alterations and variations are possible, such as including the user interface 64, and or the decoder 54b, as components of a suitably arranged computer means 62. Also, although the scanner unit 54a may in a preferred embodiment be realized by an optical laser scanning device, other suitable devices, such as a CCD imaging device, may be employed. It is also contemplated that the assay card reading apparatus 60 may be realized by a properly configured personal or workstation computer. For example, the ubiquitous IBM ® compatible PC may be arranged with a scanner 54a, required interface and other circuitry, and a suitable custom application program. In such an embodiment, the functionality of the assay card reading apparatus 60 may be essentially provided by the execution of the application program. The aforementioned configurations of the machine readable assaying system of the present invention, in one contemplated field of use, may utilize these systems on-site at a place of employment for the drug screening of prospective employees. For example, a company that hires skilled and professional employees that are in great demand, may employ the present invention on-site to expedite the hiring process. In a preferred embodiment, a donor individual may be given a collection container (not shown) and provided a private environment where the donor excretes a specimen or volume of urine, into the collection container for analysis. A volume of the urine may then be brought into suitable contact with the assay card 10 (for example, by bathing the assay card 10 with a small amount of urine, inserting the assay card 10 into the urine, etc.). The quality control indication means 38 may then be checked, say via scanning and decoding, to verify the integrity of the results indicated by the assaying indicia 32a/32b. Assuming that the assay system is functioning properly, the results of the assay as provided by the reading the assay card 10, may then stored in the memory unit 62b of the computer means 62, and possibly transmitted to a predetermined remote location, such as a centralized laboratory (not shown) for immediate analysis and review. An alternate embodiment of the card reader unit 54 is shown in FIG 7. 16 An important feature of this embodiment is the use of an "interpretation means", such as interpreter 72, which will "read" the test card 10, along with an encoder 76 that may be employed to generate (e.g. print) a result summary 82. The result summary 82 is contemplated to possibly include one or more printed bar code indicia. In a preferred embodiment of this embodiment of the invention, the result summary 83 may be provide (printed) using standard bar code symbologies (such as Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5, PDF417, etc.), and accordingly could be read using an "off-the-shelf reader 55 and decoders to implement scanner 54a and decoder 54b of FIG 6. An advantage of the arrangement of FIG 7, is that the assaying means 32 need not be configured to provide and generate a source of data that is in a "standard" bar code symbology. For instance, rather than configuring the machine readable assaying means 32 in standard bar code language format, a customized configuration can be employed (by using, for example, optical scan sheets, and the like). It is the function of the interpreter 72 and the encoder 76 to then decipher this customized indicia pattern and provide a standard barcode indicia (that is scannable by low cost and readily available devices and apparatus). Fig 8 depicts a further assaying system embodiment in which test card 10 is read by card reading apparatus 60 to assay a specimen of physiological fluid (e.g., urine, saliva or blood). Once the test card 10 is contacted with the fluid, and a sufficient temporal period has elapsed, the test card 10 may be scanned and read to produce a plurality of characters or digits, or alternately one or more scannable bar-code indicia which can then be transmitted to a remote location 12. At the remote location 12, a remote communication system 86 is configured to communicate the received information directly to a computer 90 or produce a hard copy 92 (possibly including one or more bar-code indicia) that may be scanned or generally entered into computer 90. Regardless of the architecture of the remote communication system 86 and associated components, the transmitted data and information is coupled to the computer 90 for evaluation, decoding, and or analysis, in order to rapidly determine if a respective assay is negative. Once the result of an assay is determined, say, to be negative, the 17 party awaiting the test results (e.g., prospective employer) can be rapidly notified. Such notification can be almost immediate when supported by a suitable communication system 86. It should be understood that the architectural and operational embodiments described herein are exemplary of a plurality of possible implementations for providing the same (or equivalent) features, characteristics, and system operation. Therefore, while there have been described the currently preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the appended claims. 18

Claims: CLAIMS 1. An on-site machine readable assaying system for detecting the absence of proscribed substances in human physiological fluids such as urine, said fluids emanating from a donor individual, comprising: a) a test card; and b) machine readable assaying means comprising at least one individual analysis strip imprinted upon the test card, each analysis strip consisting of reagents which are capable of analyzing, detecting and visually signaling the presence of proscribed substances within human physiological fluid, at least one fixed strip and at least one blank region also located upon the test card, organized in a pattern with the individual analysis strips to produce an encoded machine readable source of data, wherein the analysis strips, upon detecting a proscribed substance, will change from a first color to a second darker color, hence altering the initial pattern of fixed strips, blank regions and analysis strips, thus producing encoded data which is distinct from that data which was previously encoded therein. 2. The on-site machine readable assaying system of claim 1, wherein adulteration detection means which are capable of determining whether a particular specimen of physiological fluid such as urine has been tampered with are located upon the test card. 3. The on-site machine readable assaying system of claim 2, further 19 comprising quality control indication means which are configured to generate a signal upon contact with physiological fluid, regardless of the presence of proscribed substances, to ensure that the analysis strips of the machine readable assaying means are functioning properly. 4. The on-site machine readable assaying system of claim 3, wherein the adulteration detection means and quality control indication means are configured within the pattern of analysis strips, fixed strips and blank regions which comprise the machine readable source of data. 5. The on-site machine readable assaying system of claim 4, wherein a machine readable pattern encoding test card production information is located upon the test card. 6. The on-site machine readable assaying system of claim 5, further comprising alignment aids located upon the test card for assisting in the alignment of the test card for reading by an appropriate device. 7. The on-site machine readable assaying system of claim 1 , further comprising a) a test card reading unit for scanning and decoding the encoded machine readable data source on the test card; b) a controller module comprising a processor and a memory unit, the 20 processor capable of processing and the memory unit of storing the decoded machine readable source of data gathered by the test card reading unit; and c) a communication module and a communication link, the communication module capable of transmitting the decoded data processed by the processor and stored in the memory unit to a distinct location such as a central laboratory via the communication link. 8. The on-site machine readable assaying system of claim 2, further comprising a) a test card reading unit for scanning and decoding the encoded machine readable data source on the test card; b) a controller module comprising a processor and a memory unit, the processor capable of processing and the memory unit of storing the decoded machine readable source of data gathered by the test card reading unit; and c) a communication module and a communication link, the communication module capable of transmitting the decoded data processed by the processor and stored in the memory unit to a distinct location such as a central laboratory via the communication link. 9. The on-site machine readable assaying system of claim 7, further comprising a user interface module, the user interface module having a keyboard for allowing an individual such as the assay administrator to input certain data which is transmitted by the communication module along with the 21 decoded and processed information gathered by the test card reading unit. 10. The on-site machine readable assaying system of claim 8, further comprising a user interface module, the user interface module having a keyboard for allowing an individual such as the assay administrator to input certain data which is transmitted by the communication module along with the decoded and processed information gathered by the test card reading unit. 11. A method of utilizing the on-site machine readable assaying system of claim 7, comprising the steps of: a) bringing the volume of physiological fluid which as emanated from the donor into contact with the machine readable assaying means located upon the test card; b) allowing a fixed period of time to elapse; and c) placing the test card reading apparatus adjacent to the test card, in order to scan and decode the encoded machine readable data source contained thereon. 12. The method of claim 12, further comprising the steps of: a) transmitting the decoded data to a distinct location such as the centralized laboratory, by means of the communication link. 22 13. A machine readable assaying system comprising: a) a test surface having machine readable bar-code indicia imprinted thereupon; and b) analysis means configured within said machine readable bar-code indicia, capable of detecting and optically signaling the presence of a desired state, wherein the analysis means, upon detecting said state, cause the configuration of the machine readable bar-code indicia to change from a first configuration to a second configuration, thus producing encoded date in the second configuration which is distinct from that data which was previously encoded in the first configuration. 14. A machine readable assaying system comprising: a test surface; and analysis means impregnated upon said test surface, said analysis means capable of detecting and optically signaling the presence of a desired state, wherein the analysis means, upon detecting the desired state, form a configuration of machine readable indicia which possesses specific encoded data. 15. A machine readable assaying system for analyzing a volume of physiological fluid comprising: a) a substrate; and 23 b) assaying means carried by said substrate, the assaying means being capable of detecting and optically providing a machine readable indication of the presence or absence of at least one specific substance that may be contained in the fluid. 16. The assaying system according to claim 15, wherein the assaying means includes at least one analysis strip that upon contacting the physiological fluid of a donor individual for a suitable temporal interval changes from a first state having a first reflectance level to a second state having a second substantially different reflectance level, thereby providing an optically detectable change employable to alter the machine readable source of data to indicate at least one of: a) the presence of at least one specific substance; and b) the absence of at least one specific substance. 17. The assaying system according to claim 16, wherein the assaying means further includes at least one fixed strip and at least one blank region, which in conjunction with the analysis strips, form the alterable machine readable source of data. 24 18. The assaying system according to claim 17, further comprising; a) means capable of optically scanning and reading the source of data provided by the assaying means upon the substrate after the analysis means has suitable contacted the volume of physiological fluid; and b) a communication module for establishing a communication link, the communication module capable of transmitting the read machine readable source of data to a remote location via the communication link. 19. The assaying system according to claim 17, wherein the machine readable source of data is provided by at least one bar-code symbol comprised, at least in part, by the analysis strips. 20. The assaying system according to claim 19, wherein the substrate further includes at least one of: a) adulteration detection means capable of determining whether the volume of physiological fluid may have been tampered with; b) quality control indication means capable of determining if the analysis strips are functioning properly; and c) test card production information. 25 21. The assaying system according to claim 20, wherein the adulteration detection means, quality control indication means, and the test card production information may each be provided as machine readable sources of data. 22. An on-site machine readable assaying system for detecting the presence or absence of at least one proscribed substance in a volume of physiological fluid emanating from a donor, the assaying system comprising; a) a test card; and b) machine readable assaying means having at least one individual analysis strip provided upon the test card, each analysis strip including reagents capable of detecting optically signaling the presence of at least one substance within the physiological fluid, upon contacting said fluid for a suitable temporal interval; c) the test card further having at least one fixed strip and at least one blank region arranged along with the analysis strips to form a machine readable pattern, wherein the analysis strips upon contacting the physiological fluid of the donor, may effect a change from a first state having a first reflectance level to a second state having a second substantially different reflectance level, and thereby possibly altering the initial machine readable pattern to provide a second distinguishable machine readable pattern. 26 23. A machine readable assaying arrangement, comprising: a) an assay card including a substrate having a surface; and b) at least one assaying indicia provided upon the surface of the assay card and having an initial encoded value representing a machine readable source of data, the assaying indicia capable of detecting and optically signaling the presence of a desired state, wherein once the desired state is detected the assaying indicia forms a second machine readable encoded value, different from the initial encoded value; c) each assaying indicia including at least one analysis element, at least one fixed element and at least one blank region therebetween, which collectively form the initial and second encoded values; each analysis element capable of changing from a first state having a first reflectance level to a second state having a second substantially different reflectance level when the desire state is detected, thereby providing an optical change in reflectance producing a change from the initial encoded value to the second encoded value. 24. The machine readable assaying arrangement according to claim 23, wherein a plurality of analysis elements are provided, each capable of monitoring a specific parameter and an associated desired state. 25. The machine readable assaying arrangement according to claim 24, 27 wherein the analysis elements are arranged in a pattern whereby an associated reflective characteristic is formed by a plurality of the analysis elements assuming the first reflective state, while a second mutually exclusive plurality of the analysis elements are assuming the second reflective state. 26. The machine readable assaying arrangement according to claim 24, wherein the substrate further includes at least one of: a) quality control indication means capable of determining if the changeable assaying indicia of the assay card are capable of functioning properly; b) assay card production information; and c) assay card identification information. 27. A machine readable, optically changeable assaying indicia provided upon a substrate for monitoring a present or past desired state of a monitored parameter, the assaying indicia comprising: a) at least one fixed element; b) at least one blank region; and c) at least one analysis element, which when considered along with the fixed elements and blank regions, establishes an initial encoded value representing a machine readable source of data; 28 d) each analysis element capable of changing from a first state having a first reflectance level to a second state having a second substantially different reflectance level when the desire state is detected, thereby optically signaling the presence of the desire state, wherein once the desired state is detected the assaying indicia forms a second machine readable encoded value, different from the initial encoded value, that is machine readable by a suitable reading apparatus. 29

Applicants: NAT MEDICAL REVIEW OFFICES INC, NATIONAL MEDICAL REVIEW OFFICES, INC.
Application year: 1999
Main classification: G01N33
IPC codes: B01L3, G01N33, G06K7, G06K19