Abstract:
A system and method for the management of specimens and particularly for the management of cryogenically stored biological specimens. The management functions can be performed remotely via the Internet. Management functions include the establishment, dispatch, retrieval, delivery to third parties, disposal, etc., of the samples. Environmental factors of the cryogenic storage means can be controlled, and varying access may be authorized. Data pertaining to the samples may be logged for historical data, analyzed, processed in report form, etc. The specimens may be biological specimens, or samples of plants, plant extracts, insects or other samples. The specimens may be stored in ambient, refrigerated, frozen, ultracold, cryogenic or other environmental conditions.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/381,115, filed Jun. 30, 2003, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGEMENT OF SPECIMENS” which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to a system and method for the management of specimens. The system and method is particularly applicable, although not limited to, the management of cryogenically stored biological specimens, whereby management functions may be performed remotely via the Internet. The system may, for example, be used for the management of the specimens such as plants, plant extracts, insects, extracts of insects or other natural specimens, and, the storage of the specimens may be performed at ambient, refrigerant, frozen (e.g. −20.degree. C.), ultracold (e.g. −80.degree. C.), or other temperatures and environmental conditions.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.  
         [0004]     The storage time of biological specimens is known to be extended by cooling such specimens to “cryogenic” temperatures. Biological specimens stored using cryogenics includes plasma, DNA, cell lines, and tissues. There are various approaches to cryo-preservation of biological specimens, each of which require the control of the storage condition parameters, such that a cryobiologist is able to bring the specimens to cryogenic temperatures and then return them to physiological conditions, without injury.  
         [0005]     The storage of biological samples involves the collation of a large amount of data pertaining to each individual specimen. Each specimen must be categorized according to the type of specimen, the storage conditions required, the storage duration, etc. The management of data pertaining to cryogenically stored biological specimens is critical to optimize the probability of successfully storing the sample and being able to conveniently access the sample when required, but has herebefore typically been recorded manually, possibly with the use of stand-alone PCs utilizing Excel spreadsheets or Microsoft Access. The Internet has changed the fundamental aspects of the way scientists work in that it provides a unique forum for the dissemination and exchange of information. The Internet provides a forum whereby collective information can be exchanged at a rapid rate and whereby various systems can be remotely managed.  
         [0006]     In a networked data communications system, users have access to terminals which are capable of requesting and receiving information from local or remote information sources. In such a system a terminal may be any type of computer or computerized device, a personal computer (PC), a mobile or cellular phone, a mobile data terminal, a portable computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a pager, or any other similar type of electronic device. The capability of the terminal to request and/or receive information can be provided by an application program, hardware or other such entity. A terminal may be provided with associated devices, for example an information storage device such as a hard disk drive.  
         [0007]     In such a system an information source may be a server or any other type of terminal (for example, a PC computer) coupled to an information storage device (for example, a hard disk drive). The exchange of information (i.e., the request and/or receipt of information) between the terminal and the information source, or other terminal(s), is facilitated by a connection referred to as a communication channel. The communication channel can be physically realized via a metallic cable (for example, a telephone line), semi-conducting cable, an electromagnetic signal (for example, a radio frequency (RF) signal), an optical fiber cable, a microwave link, a satellite link or any other such medium or combination thereof connected to a network infrastructure.  
         [0008]     The infrastructure may be a telephone switch, a base station, a bridge, a router, or any other such specialized component, which facilitates the connection between the terminal and the network Collectively, the interconnected group of terminals, physical connections, infrastructure and information sources is referred to as a computer network or data communications network.  
         [0009]     The computer network itself may take a variety of forms. It may be located within a local geographic area, such as an office building, and consist of only a limited number of terminals and information sources. This type of computer network is commonly referred to as a Local Area Network (LAN). On a broader scale, it may be larger and support more users over a wider geographic area, such as across a city. This type of network is commonly referred to as a Wide Area Network (WAN). On an even broader scale LAN and WAN networks may be interconnected across a country or globally. An example of a globally connected computer network is the Internet.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     In one broad form, the present invention provides a system for the management of specimens.  
         [0011]     Preferably, the specimens are biological samples, but alternatively, the specimens may be plants, plant extracts, insects, or any other samples or specimens.  
         [0012]     Preferably, said stored biological samples or other specimens are stored under cryogenic conditions.  
         [0013]     Also preferably, however, the specimens may be stored in other environmental conditions, such as ambient, refrigerated, frozen, ultracold or other conditions.  
         [0014]     Preferably, said stored biological samples or other specimens are managed remotely from storage means, via a computer network, such as the Internet.  
         [0015]     Preferably, the management of said biological samples or other specimens includes the control of the environmental conditions at said storage means.  
         [0016]     Preferably, said environmental conditions includes temperature, humidity, etc., of one or more freezer unit.  
         [0017]     Preferably, said environmental conditions may be set or adjusted.  
         [0018]     Preferably, said system includes a profile database having profile data correlating to sample data of said biological samples or other specimens.  
         [0019]     Preferably, said profile database is searchable for identification of predetermined parameters pertaining thereto.  
         [0020]     Preferably, said profile database is searchable from a remote location, via a computer network, such as the Internet.  
         [0021]     Preferably, the management of said system includes the instruction of setting up, retrieval, delivery to third parties, and/or, disposal of said biological samples or other specimens.  
         [0022]     Preferably, the management of said system is controllable by one or more users. Preferably, said system includes authentication means to authenticate the authority of said one or more users to manage said system.  
         [0023]     Preferably, said authentication means includes the supply of a user name and password, the use of biometric (e.g. fingerprint or iris scan) identification means, and/or other authentication means.  
         [0024]     Preferably, a user can access the management system from any type of terminal. Preferably, varying levels of authentication means are enabled to different users, dependent upon individual access and management authorities.  
         [0025]     Preferably, said system includes validation means for indication to a user of a management instruction.  
         [0026]     Preferably, said validation means includes the supply of return data or some means of visual indication (such as the greying of a screen) being provided to the user.  
         [0027]     Preferably, said system includes logging means, to record ongoing data pertaining to each sample/specimen or groups of samples/specimen.  
         [0028]     Preferably, historical data pertaining to said sample/specimen or groups of samples/specimens is retrievable from said logging means.  
         [0029]     Preferably, said system further includes analyzing means to analyze data pertaining to a sample/specimen or groups of samples/specimens, produce reports thereabouts, etc.  
         [0030]     Preferably, said system uses one or more graphical interface.  
         [0031]     Also preferably, said system includes replication and/or queuing means.  
         [0032]     Preferably, said system is used for the management of biological samples or other specimens by academic and/or research institutions, pathology practices, clinical trial purposes, agricultural purposes, etc.  
         [0033]     Preferably, the present invention provides that the system may utilize a computer network which be any network of two or more communicating computers or terminals including but not limited to, an internetwork, an intranetwork, a LAN, a WAN, or the Internet.  
         [0034]     Preferably, in accordance with the present invention information or data is exchanged by means including but not limited to: metallic cables; semi-conducting cables; optical fiber cables; satellite links; electromagnetic waves; microwave links; exchanging of memory devices; or any other such medium or combination thereof connected to a network infrastructure.  
         [0035]     In another preferred form of the invention there is provided a computer-readable medium of instructions for management of stored biological samples.  
         [0036]     In yet another preferred form of the invention there is provided a method for the management of stored biological samples or other specimens.  
         [0037]     In a further broad form, a system for the management of stored biological specimens, including: 
        a repository of biological specimens, each specimen having sample data pertaining thereto;     a processor, including: 
            a database containing profile data correlating to said sample data;     searching means for one or more user to search said database; and     control means, for one or more user to control the management of said specimens, including the retrieval, delivery and disposal of each sample, and, the environmental conditions in which each sample is stored.    
               
 
         [0043]     Preferably, said processor is accessed by said one or more user from a remote location, such as via the Internet.  
         [0044]     Also preferably, said processor includes authentication means to authenticate the authority of said one or more users, wherein each said one or more users may have differing authority levels.  
         [0045]     Also preferably, said processor further includes identification means to determine the identity of each of said one or more users, wherein said identification means includes the supply of a user name and password, the use of biometric identification means, or other like identification means.  
         [0046]     In yet a further broad form, the present invention provides a method for managing the storage of biological specimens, including the steps of: 
        providing a repository of biological specimens, each specimen having been sampled to obtain sample data pertaining thereto;     entering profile data, correlating to said sample data of said biological specimens into a database;     managing the identification retrieval, delivery and disposal of each sample, and, the environmental conditions in which each sample is stored via a control means by one or more user.        
 
         [0050]     Preferably, said one or more user accesses said database and/or said control means from a remote location via a communications carrier, such as via the Internet.  
         [0051]     Also preferably, said managing step further includes authenticating the authority of said one or more user, wherein users may have a differing authority level.  
         [0052]     Also preferably, said managing step further includes identifying said one or more user, including by the supply of a user name and password, the use of biometric identification means, or other like identification means.  
         [0053]     In a further broad form, the present invention provides a computer readable medium of instruction for the management of stored biological samples. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0054]     The present invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description of the preferred but non-limiting embodiments thereof.  
         [0055]     The system and method of the present invention has been established to provide a secure, off-site, low-temperature storage facility for specimens such as plasma, DNA, cell lines, tissues and other biological specimens, for natural or artificial products, including plants, plant extracts, insects, etc. At a central storage facility, unique identifiers streamline sample handling and processing, while the proprietary inventory management system stores all sample data and user defined information. Sample information can be securely accessed at any time via the Internet.  
         [0056]     The inventory management system of the present invention permits persons to access information about the samples at any time via the Internet. This management service stores all data associated with the sample including location, temperature records and all user-defined information. Individual persons or corporations are able to define and/or determine the security level of access required from username/password through to biometric identification (e.g. fingerprint or iris scan). The audit trail is able to determine the complete history of a sample including every movement within the facility, the time and duration of each opening of the storage vessel and who accessed the vessel.  
         [0057]     Parties can use the system to access all information about all or a determined selection of the samples, request retrieval, delivery to third parties or disposal. Additionally, controls on who has access to the material, who can move, retrieve or dispose of samples can easily be established. Parties can select their own identification system for vials based on their own requirements.  
         [0058]     Parties are able to access the database via their web browser to store information about samples. They may store the information on their own premises or they can record sample information via the browser and request storage of the samples from a centralized facility.  
         [0059]     Some of the individual modules that make up the software are:  
         [0060]     Wizards used to configure protocols include the following: 
        Freezer wizard     a Box wizard     Vial wizard        
 
         [0064]     User definable data types for fields to record data, include the following: 
        Data (collection data, test data, storage data, processing data)     Type (blood, serum, plasma, urine, semen, seeds)     Storage conditions (ambient, refrigerant, frozen (e.g. −20.degree. C.), ultracold (e.g. −80.degree. C.), cryogenic, etc.)     Storage duration, eg. Store until advised, specific date, time from receipt of samples.        
 
         [0069]     Users can process various on-line requests including the following: 
        Add box and vial data     Request sample shipping to centralized location     Request return of samples to user or other party     Request disposal of samples     On-line monitoring of the environmental conditions of individual sample, such as temperature     Request archival report of environmental conditions        
 
         [0076]     Searches on any data fields to select samples with defined characteristics include the following: 
        Analysis of data.     Produce reports based on database searches, hard copy or file.        
 
         [0079]     Access to the system may be determined by the user. By setting up a hierarchy of access, the user can determine what level of access privileges they or their employees are assigned. A key user, for example, may be permitted full system access so that they can set up the system parameters, such as, freezer, box and vial configurations and then construct a storage protocol. A more junior member of staff may only be able to add samples and information, whereas, another employee may be able to make database queries on all of the data in their department.  
         [0080]     Once a storage protocol has been set up, the user can add sample data. All samples that are stored on the database are identified by a barcode number, or the like. The system can accommodate all common barcode formats.  
         [0081]     The first step is to record the storage box details, including the box barcode number. The vials are then added to the box. At this point, the system automatically allocates the next available storage position—the random placing of vials in a box is not permitted.  
         [0082]     If the user wishes to ship the samples to a centralized storage facility, a request for shipping may be sent, via email. The centralized facility will then act on this request and arrange the appropriate shipping.  
         [0083]     Upon receipt of the samples at the centralized storage facility, the box is assigned a storage location by the system. By linking the box ID with the individual vial ID&#39;s, the system can report such information as environmental monitoring down to the individual vial level.  
         [0084]     The described embodiment of the system and method of the present invention has been designed from the ground-up as a web based application. As such, the system provides global access to the same data elements at the same time. There are no special configuration requirements, however, and the system may be supported on a variety of platforms, including Mac and PC Internet platforms. The other feature of web based systems is that the transaction security is based on known third party standards.  
         [0085]     It will be appreciated that the present invention, rather than being around the object stored (vial), is based around the process. This means that in the present system, users define protocols for storage, and this then drives the other parts of the process. The application may typically impose regiments such as: 
        You can&#39;t store this vial in this box (it&#39;s too big)     You can&#39;t use this protocol (it belongs to someone else)     The application will tell you where to store a vial (but can be overridden)        
 
         [0089]     The system of the present invention may be implemented whereby it uses graphical representations of various aspects, such as the box, freezer, etc.  
         [0090]     It will be understood that the system of the present invention uses a high level of audit control. There is a copy of every record ever made. Every time a box is moved the transaction is recorded and a copy kept. This will provide a complete audit trail.  
         [0091]     As such, the system of the present invention will integrate environmental monitoring with storage records. For every record, the user will be able to see a temperature graph of the storage conditions.  
         [0092]     The system of the present invention is designed to be preferably used within an Internet framework. This includes the usual client side HTML web pages and extends to the replication of data between servers connected via the Internet.  
         [0093]     When data is changed on one server, it is preferably replicated to at least one other server in the domain. This design is enabled by every business object being able to be called from the web server and also from the “router”. The router is the software component of the system that receives (or sends) database updates between servers.  
         [0094]     Every database table and all key allocation is handled within a common business object. These are configurable per installation.  
         [0095]     Rather than writing the data in real time across the Internet the transactions are queued and held locally until they can be forwarded. This provides a measure of recovery in case of database server melt down.  
         [0096]     The design of the system to include replication and queuing minimizes the possibility that data will be lost in the event of a node failure. It also permits the continued operation of the system in the event of breakdown in communication between the various nodes. In the same way that samples are distributed over the system (on and off-site) data is also distributed.  
         [0097]     The following table, labeled Table 1, provides a listing of various components of the system of the present invention, a description of same and of their functionality.  
                       TABLE 1                       Component   Description   Functionality                   Freezer wizard   Client can select a freezer   Clients define the arrangement of the shelves/racks and boxes in the freezer.           configuration from a list of freezers or   The application is then able to calculate the number of storage units (eg           input user defined configuration   boxes) that the freezer can store. It is also the basis from which capacity               data is calculated.       Box wizard   Allows client to define the dimensions   The box is treated as a matrix with alpha characters used to label the X axis           of the storage unit and the number of   and numeric characters to label the Y axis. Eg for a 100 place box, the           vials that can be stored   matrix would be A-J, I-10.       Vial wizard   Client can define the dimensions of the   Data that can be defined is, height, diameter, volume, internal or external           storage vial   thread.       Vial storage   Automatic allocation of vial   After a box has been defined and a number assigned using a barcode, the       allocation       client can commence storing vials. The application automatically assigns               the next available vial location.       Hierarchy of storage   Permits the user to define a hierarchy   The application directs the placement of items for storage. This permits       requirements   of storage requirements.   users and management to develop a hierarchy of “placement directives” in               relation to incoming samples. Eg. A new box to be stored in the facility will               be automatically assigned a place near to existing samples from the same               client. Or conversely will be stored in a separate freezer from all existing               material.       Adding sample data   Allows input of data about the sample   Clients can input data attached to the sample. This data is stored on the               Cryosite database server. The individual samples are identified by a               barcode number, the system records and tacks movement of the sample               through the system by this unique number.       Box storage location   Automatic allocation of box storage   System automatically assigns a box storage location in the nominated           position   storage location       Environmental   On-line monitoring of freezer   Client is able to view current temperature of the freezer in which any       monitoring   temperature   individual samples is stored. Can also request report on historical records       Database searches   Dynamically configurable searches   Clients can search on user-defined categories and alter these dynamically.               The results obtained presented as a hard copy report or as a file (Word or               Excel)       Integration   The storage management component   Included are the courier system, finance system, monitoring systems,           integrates with all of the other   security systems.           supporting systems       Sample audits   Client can enquire on their samples   Whether samples are stored on-site or off-site, clients can produce a               complete list of samples that have been registered on the database.               Depending on the access levels       Security   A high security module provides   Physical security. All freezers have been modified by the addition of           protection against physical and   proximity readers to control and monitor access.           electronic tampering   Data security - 128 bit encryption, Virtual Private Network, Encrypted data               storage               Security is also implemented by administrative users selecting a level of               ‘time-out”, whereby users are logged out of the system after a defined               period of inactivity.       User configuration   Users can configure their own storage   This set-up allows users to define both physical attributes of the equipment,           protocols   such as, box dimensions, and information attributes, (eg. sample type, test               result)       WAP Support   Management is able to use a WAP   This permits the use of portable WAP enabled devices to be used to receive           based interface to receive system   system alerts.           alerts.       Courier Interface   Permits the user to tack the movement   This permits the user to track the progress of shipments to and from the           of samples that are in transit.   central facility by having the application interface with the tracking software               of the courier company.       Integration with   Permits direct inventory updating.   The user will be able to use wireless handheld devices to interrogate the       handheld devices.       database and track inventory movements in real-time.       Biometric   Users can require biometric   The user will be able to require that biometric (or other) identification is       authentication   authentication   needed before certain processes can be authorised. Eg. The destruction of               samples.       User zones   Different zones for different user   The administrative function can define user “zones” that permit access to           groups   information within the database. This is used on an institution wide basis to               share varying amounts of information between user groups.       Store/Recall   Permits the user to ship/recall samples   The user will be able to designate samples (usually in conjunction with the       function   from an off-site facility   search function) to be shipped to or from an off-site storage facility.                  
 
         [0098]     The following table, labelled Table 2, lists various layers of a preferred embodiment of a system of the present invention, the main layers being the user, business and database layers.  
                       TABLE 2                           Class Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bBox   Method Name           Update           Insert           Read           FLBProtocol           FLBFreezer           Recall           FLBActive           Store           ReadBlank       Class Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bBoxList   Method Name           Search           FLBProtocol       Class Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bBoxType   Method Name           Insert           Read           Search           Update           ReadBlank       Class Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bControl   Method Name           ReadConlrol           UpdateControl           FLBConMand           ListControls           FLBActive       Class Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bdatatype   Method Name           Read           ReadBlank           Update           Insert       Class Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bDataTypeList   Method Name           Search       Class Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bEntity   Method Name           Read           Update           Insert           ReadBlank       Class Name   Class Type   Business Layer       BEntityList   Method Name           Search       Class Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bEntityListBoxes   Method Name           FLBEntityType           FLBEntityStatus           FLBBankName           FLBSellerStatus           FLBCollectMethod           FLBAcctType           FLBBuyerStatus           FLBCreditBand           FLBPayMethod       Class Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bFreezer   Method Name           Read           Update           Insert           FillListBoxCustomer           Delete           FillListBoxSite           ReadBlank           FillListBoxFreezer       Class Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bFrelist   Method Name           Search       Class Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bLocation   Method Name           FLBLocationStatus           Update           FLBLacationType           FLBLocationCountry           FLBLocationState           FLBProVilType           Read           Insert           ReadBlank       Class Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bLocationList   Method Name           Search           FLBLocationType       Class Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bPerson   Method Name           Read           Search           FLBPersonActive           FLBPersonTitle           FLBPersonType           Update           ReadBlank           DelRoleRow           FLBRoleList           Insert           RoleInsert       Class Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bProtocol   Method Name           Read           FLBProBxtType           FLBProTrlType           FLBProStorLen           Update           ReadBlank           FLBProSamType           FLBProVilType           FLBProFreType           FLBProSamFateType           Insert           FLBProSite           FLBConDatatype       Class Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bProtocolList   Method Name           Search       Class Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bProtocolManual   Method Name           ReadMan           ReadBlankMan           UpdateMan           InsertMan           ReadVial       Class Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bRole   Method Name           Read       Class Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bSeller   Method Name           ReadTrans       Class Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bvial   Method Name           ReadVial           Update           Insert           ReadBlank       Class Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bVialList   Method Name           Search           FLBVilProt       Class Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bVialType   Method Name           FLBVialMat           Read           Update           Insert           Search           ReadBlank       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       uBox   Method Name           box edit       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       uBoxList   Method Name           box search       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       uBoxType   Method Name           box type edit       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       uBoxTypeList   Method Name           box type search       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       uCapacityDetail   Method Name           CapacityDetail       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       uCapacitySearch   Method Name           capacity search       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       uControl   Method Name           control search           ControlEdit       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       uDatatype   Method Name           DataType View/Edit       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       uDataTypeList   Method Name           Data Type Search       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       uEntity   Method Name           entity view/edit       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       uEntityList   Method Name           entity search       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       ufreezer   Method Name           Freezer View/Edit       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       ufreList   Method Name           freezer search       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       UGenericScreens   Method Name           Generic Search           Generic View/Edit       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       uLocation   Method Name           location view/edit       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       aLocationList   Method Name           location search       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       uPerson   Method Name           person view/edit       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       uPersonList   Method Name           person search       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       uProtocol   Method Name           protocol edit       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       uProtocolList   Method Name           ProtocolSearch       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       uRole   Method Name           RoleList       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       uRoleList   Method Name           Role List       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       uVial   Method Name           ProtocolManViewEdit           vial view/edit       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       uVialList   Method Name           vial search       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       uVialType   Method Name           vialtype view/edit       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       uVialTypeList   Method Name           vialtype search       Class Name   Class Type   User Layer       uWelcome   Method Name           home       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bBox   Property Name           box_active   Description           smp_id   Description           box_entkey   Description           box_name   Description           box_id   Description           box_cstid   Description           box_height   Description           box_width   Description           box_depth   Description           box_comments   Description           smp_name   Description           bxt_name   Description           box_prtkey   Description           box_prot   Description           box_key   Description           bxt_xstart   Description           bxt_xlength   Description           smp_cstid   Description           bxt_ystart   Description           bxt_ylength   Description           box_frepos   Description           box_rckpos   Description           box_shlpos   Description           bop_x   Description           bop_y   Description           smp_key   Description           box_frekey   Description           box_rcpkey   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bBoxList   Property Name           box_cstkey   Description           box_loc   Description           box_name   Description           box_id   Description           box_cstid   Description           box_lastupdwhen   Date           box_bxtkey   Description           prt_name   Description           box_key   Description           in_box_id   Description           in_box_cstid   Description           in_box_prot   Firstname       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bBoxType   Property Name           bxt_key   Description           bxt_type   Description           bxt_xlength   Description           bxt_ylength   Description           bxt_width   Description           bxt_comments   Description           bxt_lastupdwhen   Date           bxt_name   Description           bxt_active   Description           bxt_xstart   Description           bxt_ystart   Description           bxt_height   Description           bxt_depth   Description           bxt_lastupdby   Description           bxt_lastupdaction   Description           in_bxttype   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bControl   Property Name           prt_key   Description           prt_name   Description           ct2_text   Description           prt_key   Description           ct2_type   Description           ct2_key   Description           ct2_top   Description           ct2_visible   Description           ct2_name   Description           ct2_valuereqd   Description           ct2_tabnum   Description           ct2_left   Description           ct2_width   Description           ct2_height   Description           ct2_tabstop   Description           ct2_tabindex   Description           ct2_prtkey   Description           ct2_visible   Description           ct2_lastupdby   Description           ct2_lastupdwhen   Date       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bdatatype   Property Name           dat_key   Description           dat_lastupdwhen   Date           dat_name   Description           dat_lastupdby   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bDataTypeList   Property Name           dat_key   Description           in_name   Description           dat_name   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bEntity   Property Name           ent_rg_psnkey   Description           ent_hl_psnkey   Description           ent_defdel_location   Description           ent_hl_psnname   Description           ent_key   Integer           ent_abn   Description           in_key   Description           ent_website   Description           ent_acn   Description           ent_id   Description           ent_trade_name   Description           ent_admin_lockey   Integer           ent_defdel_lockey   Integer           ent_reg_name   Description           ent_admin_location   Description           ent_rg_psnname   Description           ent_since   Date           ent_lastupdby   Description           ent_lastupdwhen   Date           ent_lastupdaction   Description           ent_active   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   Business Layer       BEntityList   Property Name           in_name   Description           in_id   Description           ent_key   Description           ent_reg_name   Description           ent_id   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bFreezer   Property Name           FRE_FREXSTART   Description           FRE_ID   Description           FRE_NAME   Description           FRE_MAXTEMP   Description           FRE_POLFREQ   Integer           FRE_FREXLEN   Integer           IN_KEY   Integer           FRE_FREYSTART   Description           FRE_COMMENT   Description           FRE_KEY   Integer           FRE_MINTEMP   Description           FRE_TYPE   Description           FRE_LASTUPDWHEN   Date           FRE_FREYLEN   Integer           FRE_SHLXSTART   Description           FRE_SHLYSTART   Description           FRE_RCKXSTART   Description           FRE_CSTKEY   Integer           FRE_SITKEY   Integer           FRE_RCKYSTART   Description           FRE_NOSHELVES   Integer           FRE_NOLOC   Integer           FRE_SHLXLEN   Integer           FRE_SHLYLEN   Integer           FRE_RCKXLEN   Integer           FRE_RCKYLEN   Integer       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bFrelist   Property Name           fre_name   Description           fre_noshelves   Integer           in_freid   Description           in_frename   Description           fre_key   Integer           fre_id   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bLocation   Property Name           loc_entkey   Description           loc_status   Description           loc_name   Description           loc_add1   Description           loc_add3   Description           loc_state   Description           loc_pcode   Postcode           loc_key   Description           loc_type   Description           loc_shortname   Description           loc_add2   Description           loc_city   Description           loc_country   Description           loc_phone   Description           loc_fax   Phone No           loc_notes   Description           loc_lastupdwhen   Date           in_key   Integer           loc_lastupdby   Description           loc_lastupdaction   Description           loc_add4   Description           loc_entname   Description           loc_ean   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bLocationList   Property Name           in_name   Description           in_shortname   Description           in_type   Description           loc_shortname   Description           loc_entname   Description           loc_name   Description           loc_type   Description           loc_status   Description           loc_key   Description           loc_entkey   Description           loc_add1   Description           loc_add2   Description           loc_add3   Description           loc_add4   Description           loc_city   Description           loc_country   Description           loc_fax   Description           loc_lastupdaction   Description           loc_lastupdby   Description           loc_lastupdwhen   Description           loc_notes   Description           loc_pcode   Description           loc_phone   Description           loc_state   Description           loc_ean   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bPerson   Property Name           ent_reg_name   Description           psn_wkfax   Description           psn_hrnemail   Description           psn_password   Description           psn_initcalkey   Description           psn_familyname   Description           psn_lastupdby   Description           psn_lastupdwhen   Date           psn_lastupdaction   Description           psn_givenname   Description           psn_dob   DOB           in_familyname   Firstname           in_givenname   Firstname           in_dob   DOB           psn_name   Date           psn_wkphone   Phone No           psn_hmfax   Phone No           psn_wkemail   Description           psn_type   Description           psn_status   Description           psn_key   Integer           psn_title   Description           psn_namesuffix   Description           per_key   Description           zTab4ent_key   Description           zTab4rol_key   Description           pre_key   Description           psn_active   Description           psn_maidenname   Description           psn_prefername   Description           psn_hmphone   Description           psn_username   Description           psn_desc   Description           psn_notes   Description           rol_name   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bProtocol   Property Name           prt_name   Description           prt_frekey   Description           prt_bxtkey   Description           prt_smpfate   Description           prt_trlkey   Description           prt_message   Description           prt_lastupdwhen   Date           prt_temp   Description           prt_vilkey   Description           prt_storlen   Description           prt_smptype   Description           prt_key   Description           prt_lastupdby   Description           prt_sitkey   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bProtocolList   Property Name           prt_key   Description           prt_temp   Description           vil_type   Description           prt_name   Description           bxt_type   Description           in_proname   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bProtocolManual   Property Name           smp_date2   DOB           smp_text3   Description           prt_message   Description           smp_date1   DOB           smp_date3   DOB           smp_date4   DOB           smp_date5   DOB           smp_date6   DOB           smp_date7   DOB           smp_date8   DOB           smp_date9   DOB           smp_date10   DOB           smp_time1   Description           smp_time2   Description           smp_time3   Description           smp_time4   Description           smp_time5   Description           smp_time6   Description           smp_time7   Description           smp_time8   Description           smp_time9   Description           smp_time10   Description           smp_text1   Description           smp_text2   Description           prt_name   Description           vil_type   Description           bxt_type   Description           trl_name   Description           prt_frekey   Description           prt_smptype   Description           prt_smpfate   Description           prt_stortype   Description           prt_storlen   Description           prt_temp   Description           smp_key   Description           smp_text4   Description           smp_text5   Description           smp_text6   Description           smp_text7   Description           smp_text8   Description           smp_text9   Description           smp_text10   Description           smp_numerical1   Description           smp_numerical2   Description           smp_numerical3   Description           smp_numerical4   Description           smp_numerical5   Description           smp_numerical6   Description           smp_numerical7   Description           smp_numerical8   Description           smp_numerical9   Description           smp_numerical10   Description           smp_id   Description           smp_cstid   Description           prt_key   Description           smp_prtkey   Description           smp_name   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bRole   Property Name           rol_active   Code           rol_lastupdby   Description           rol_lastupdaction   Description           rol_key   Primary Key           rol_name   Description           rol_lastupdwhen   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bSeller   Property Name           ent_sel_dispute_val   Description           ent_reg_name   Description           trn_goodsdesc   Description           trn_status   Description           ent_key   Description           trn_tran_date   Description           trn_selref   Description           trn_seltotal   Description           ent_sel_debt   Description           trn_buy_reg_name   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bvial   Property Name           smp_date2   DOB           smp_text3   Description           prt_message   Description           smp_date1   DOB           smp_date3   DOB           smp_date4   DOB           smp_date5   DOB           smp_date6   DOB           smp_date7   DOB           smp_date8   DOB           smp_date9   DOB           smp_date10   DOB           smp_time1   Description           smp_time2   Description           smp_time3   Description           smp_time4   Description           smp_time5   Description           smp_time6   Description           smp_time7   Description           smp_time8   Description           smp_time9   Description           smp_time10   Description           smp_text1   Description           smp_text2   Description           prt_name   Description           vil_type   Description           bxt_type   Description           trl_name   Description           prt_frekey   Description           prt_smptype   Description           prt_smpfate   Description           prt_stortype   Description           prt_storlen   Description           prt_temp   Description           smp_key   Description           smp_text4   Description           smp_text5   Description           smp_text6   Description           smp_text7   Description           smp_text8   Description           smp_text9   Description           smp_text10   Description           smp_numerical1   Description           smp_numerical2   Description           smp_numerical3   Description           smp_numerical4   Description           smp_numerical5   Description           smp_numerical6   Description           smp_numerical7   Description           smp_numerical8   Description           smp_numerical9   Description           smp_numerical10   Description           smp_id   Description           smp_cstid   Description           prt_key   Description           smp_prtkey   Description           smp_name   Description           smp_lastupdwhen   Description           bop_x   Description           bop_y   Description           box_key   Description           smp_lastupdby   Description           smp_lastupdaction   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bVialList   Property Name           prt_key   Description           smp_key   Description           smp_cstid   Description           smp_id   Description           smp_name   Description           smp_desc   Description           smp_loc   Description           smp_freezer   Description           trl_name   Description           in_smpid   Description           in_SmpcstId   Description           in_boxid   Description           in_Protocol   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   Business Layer       bVialType   Property Name           ent_reg_name   Description           in_vialtype   Description           vil_entkey   Description           vil_height   Description           vil_key   Primary Key           vil_lastupdaction   Description           vil_lastupdby   Description           vil_lastupdwhen   Date           vil_material   Description           vil_name   Description           vil_outdia   Description           vil_type   Description           vil_volume   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   User Layer       uBox   Property Name           box_active   Description           smp_id   Description           box_entkey   Description           box_trlkey   Description           box_name   Description           box_id   Description           box_cstid   Description           box_height   Description           box_width   Description           box_depth   Description           box_comments   Description           smp_name   Description           bxt_name   Description           box_prtkey   Description           box_prot   Description           box_key   Description           bxt_xstart   Description           bxt_xlength   Description           box_frekey   Description           box_rcpkey   Description           box_rckpos   Description           box_shlpos   Description           box_frepos   Description           bop_x   Description           bop_y   Description           VialKey   Description           smp_key   Description           smp_cstid   Description           bxt_type   Description           bxt_ystart   Description           bxt_ylength   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   User Layer       uBoxList   Property Name           in_id   Description           in_protocol   Description           BoxCustid   Description           Box_Protocol   Description           Box_lastupdby   Description           Box_lastupdaction   Description           Box_key   Description           in_cstid   Description           Box_id   Description           BoxName   Description           box_location   Description           Box_lastupdwhen   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   User Layer       uBoxType   Property Name           Active   Description           BxtName   Description           Depth   Description           Lastupdaction   Description           Lastupdwhen   Date           Width   Description           Xstart   Description           Ystart   Description           BxtKey   Description           Comments   Description           Height   Description           Lastupdby   Description           Type   Description           Xlength   Description           Ylength   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   User Layer       uBoxTypeList   Property Name           Lastupdwhen   Date           Type   Description           Width   Description           xLength   Description           Xstart   Description           Lastupdby   Description           Active   Description           Ystart   Description           BxtName   Description           Height   Description           in_Type   Description           Comments   Description           Lastupdaction   Description           Depth   Description           BoxTypeKey   Description           YLength   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   User Layer       uCapacityDetail   Property Name           bxt_freezer   Description           col_NoofBoxes   Integer           col_% full   Integer           col_shelf   Description           col_totalnoofboxes   Integer           col_key   Integer       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   User Layer       uCapacitySearch   Property Name           bxt_site_name   Description           col_% full   Integer           col_freezer   Description           col_site_name   Description           col_customer   Description           col_key   Integer       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   User Layer       uControl   Property Name           prt_key   Description           ct2_visible   Description           ct2_lastupdby   Description           KeyRead   Description           Text   Description           ProtocolNames   Description           Mandatory   Description           Top   Description           Height   Description           TabIndex   Description           ControlName   Description           Keyct2read   Description           Datatype   Description           TabOrder   Description           Left   Description           Width   Description           ct2_lastupdwhen   Date       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   User Layer       uDatatype   Property Name           dat_key   Description           dat_lastupdwhen   Date           dat_name   Description           dat_lastupdby   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   User Layer       uDataTypeList   Property Name           KeyType   Description           scName   Description           NameGrid   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   User Layer       aEntity   Property Name           sckey   Integer           ent_rg_psnkey   Description           ACN   Description           Deflockey   Description           WebSite   Description           Adminlockey   Description           ABN   Description           TradeName   Description           ID   Description           RegName   Description           ent_hl_psnName   Description           Since   Date           DefaultLocation   Description           wdg_HL_PsnKey   Description           wdg_AdminKey   Description           AdminLocation   Description           ent_hl_psnkey   Description           ent_rg_psnName   Description           wdg_RG_PsnKey   Description           wdg_DefdelKey   Description           Lastupdby   Description           Lastupdwhen   Date           Lastupdaction   Description           Active   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   User Layer       nEntityList   Property Name           scID   Description           vlAddress   Description           vlRegName   Description           scName   Description           vlKey   Description           vlID   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   User Layer       ufreezer   Property Name           EdtShlXStart   Description           EdtComment   Description           EdtShlYStart   Description           EdtPolFreq   Description           EdtRckXStart   Description           EdtRckYStart   Description           EdtFreezerkey   Integer           edtFreXStart   Description           FreType   Integer           EdtLastUpDate   Date           EdtKeyBack   Integer           FreBarcode   Bar Code           EdtMaxTemp   Description           EdtOwnedBy   Bar Code           FreName   Description           EdtMinTemp   Description           edtFreXLen   Integer           FreSite   Description           edtFreYStart   Description           EdtFreYLen   Integer           EdtNoShelves   Integer           EdtShlXLen   Integer           EdtShlYLen   Integer           EdtRckXLen   Integer           FreNoLoc   Integer           EdtRckYLen   Integer       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   User Layer       ufreList   Property Name           FreKey   Description           scFreID   Description           scFreName   Description           FreBarCodeGrid   Description           FreNameGrid   Description           FreNoShelvesGrid   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   User Layer       UGenericScreens   Property Name           tst_CountryCode   Code           tst_StateCode   Code       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   User Layer       uLocation   Property Name           EAN   Description           Type   Description           ShortName   Description           Address2   Description           City   Description           Postcode   Description           Phone   Description           Fax   Description           LocKey   Description           LocEntKey   Description           EntRegName   Description           Status   Description           LocName   Description           Address1   Description           Address3   Description           State   Description           Country   Description           LocNotes   Description           LastUpdBy   Description           LastUpdWhen   Date           LastUpdAction   Description           Address4   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   User Layer       uLocationList   Property Name           scEntKey   Description           scType   Description           scShortName   Description           locEntKey   Description           locEAN   Description           locType   Description           locShortName   Description           locPhone   Description           locFax   Description           scName   Description           locKey   Description           locEntRegName   Description           locStatus   Description           locName   Description           locAddress1   Description           locAddress2   Description           locAddress3   Description           locAddress4   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   User Layer       uPerson   Property Name           InitialCallKey   Description           PersonType   Description           PsnKey   Description           PersonTitle   Description           GivenName   Description           PreferredName   Description           MothersName   Description           WorkFax   Description           HomePhone   Description           HomeEmail   Description           Active   Description           FamilyName   Description           NameSuffix   Description           DOB   DOB           WorkPhone   Description           WorkEmail   Description           HomeFax   Description           FormedName   Description           RoleKey   Description           RoleName   Description           UserName   Description           Password   Description           LastUpdBy   Description           LastUpdWhen   Date           LastUpdAction   Description           Description   Description           Notes   Description           RoleEntity   Description           PerKey   Description           Status   Description           zTab4EntKey   Description           zTab4RoleKey   Description           PreKey   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   User Layer       uPersonList   Property Name           scFamilyName   Description           scDOB   DOB           vlStatus   Description           vlWorkPhone   Description           vlFormedName   Description           vlWorkEmail   Description           scGivenName   Description           vlWorkFax   Description           vlPsnKey   Primaly Key           vlDOB   Date       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   User Layer       uProtocol   Property Name           BoxType   Description           SampleFate   Description           TrialName   Description           Message   Description           Location   Description           Name   Description           prt_lastupdby   Description           prt_trlkey   Description           prt_sitkey   Description           VialType   Description           prt_temp   Description           StorageLen   Description           SampleType   Description           Time   Date           prt_key   ItemNo           prt_lastupdwhen   Date       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   User Layer       uProtocolList   Property Name           scName   Description           vlType   Description           vlStorageTemp   Description           vlName   Description           vlBoxType   Description           vlKey   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   User Layer       uRole   Property Name           rol_active   Code           rol_lastupdby   Description           rol_lastupdaction   Description           rol_key   Primary Key           rol_name   Description           rol_lastupdwhen   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   User Layer       uRoleList   Property Name           scEntityName   Description           scPersonName   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   User Layer       uVial   Property Name           ProtocolName   Description           Barcode   Description           KeyRead   Description           BoxType   Description           Samplefate   Description           TrialName   Description           Message   Description           Location   Description           Date2   Date           Date4   Date           Date6   Date           Date8   Date           Date10   Date           Time2   Description           Time4   Description           Time6   Description           Time8   Description           Time10   Description           Text2   Description           Text4   Description           Time5   Description           Text7   Description           Text9   Description           Numerical1   Integer           CustID   Description           Lastupdby   Description           Lastupdaction   Description           PosX   Description           PosY   Description           BoxKey   Description           VialType   Description           StorageTemp   Description           StorageLen   Description           SampleType   Description           Time   Description           Date1   Date           Date3   Date           Date5   Date           Date7   Date           Date9   Date           Time1   Description           Time3   Description           Time7   Description           Time9   Description           Text1   Description           Text3   Description           Text5   Description           Text6   Description           Text8   Description           Text10   Description           Numerical2   Integer           Numerical3   Integer           Numerical4   Integer           Numerical5   Integer           Numerical6   Integer           Numerical7   Integer           Numerical8   Integer           Numerical9   Integer           Numerical10   Integer           Lastupdwhen   Description           Samplename   Description           KeyPro   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   User Layer       uVialList   Property Name           Prt_Key   Description           scProtcol   Description           BoxKey   Description           scClientID   Description           scVialbarcode   Description           scSmpName   Description           setrlName   Description           Barcode   Description           ClientCode   Description           VialFreezer   Description           VialDesc   Description           TrialName   Description           BoxId   Description           VialKey   Description           VialLoc   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   User Layer       uVialType   Property Name           EntName   Description           VilKey   Primaxy Key           Lastupdby   Description           Material   Description           OutDiameter   Description           Type   Description           EntKey   Description           Height   Description           Lastupdaction   Description           Lastupdwhen   Description           Name   Description           Volume   Description       Class NameClass Name   Class Type   User Layer       uVialTypeList   Property Name           in_VialType   Description           Lastupdaction   Description           Lastupdby   Description           Lastupdwhen   Date           Name   Description           OutDiameter   Description           Volume   Description           VialType   Description           Height   Description           Key   Primary Key                  
 
         [0099]     The present invention has been hereinbefore described with reference to a specific embodiment. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications to the specific embodiment may be made. All such variations and modifications should be considered to fall within the scope of the invention as broadly hereinbefore described and as hereinafter claimed.