Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/426,553, filed Oct. 22, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,216,802 which is titled “Method and Apparatus Verifying Information” which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/955,475 that was filed on Oct. 21, 1997 and that has issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,155. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for verifying different pieces of information, determining if an object can be used to follow the instructions of a work order, and associating information with a physical object. More particularly, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for collecting medical samples according to a work order, verifying that the sample is collected from a specific patient into a specific type of container, automatically recording the time the sample is collected and identifying the health care worker collecting the sample. The sample container is associated with the work order by printing a portion of the work order in a label attached to the container or by linking a sample container serial number with work order information in a hospital database. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Millions of medical specimens are collected in hospitals and clinics every day. Each specimen has to be labeled identifying the patient from whom the specimen was collected to ensure that laboratory results associated with the specimen are returned to a correct patient&#39;s file or database. It is generally desirable to include the date and time a specimen was collected, the physician order that caused the specimen to be collected and related tests that are to be performed on the specimen, and the healthcare worker who collected the specimen. In the past a paper label was prepared by hand writing the appropriate information on the front surface and then adhering the label to a medical specimen container. However, this technique is prone to error, misreading by others, and is generally unsuitable for automated laboratory equipment to recognize. 
     One common medical specimen is a blood sample that is normally collected in a vacuum tube. These tubes are often labeled with a manufacturer label and then with a pre-printed secondary adhesive labels that have been prepared for a specific patient. In some cases a sheet of labels is printed and used as needed when samples are collected for the patient. Where sheets of labels are employed, unfortunately, the sheet labels lack information about the healthcare worker who collects the blood sample and the date and time at which a sample is collected. The collection of blood samples is further complicated in that different blood tests require the blood to be collected into tubes with specific reagents (for example anti-clotting or clot activation chemicals) to preserve or start a reaction with the blood and when multiple tubes are to be collected the sequence of collection is important to prevent the reagent in certain tubes from contaminating samples collected in other tubes. 
     Another concern about the use of hand applied labels is that they can be put on crooked, upside down, or sideways making it much more difficult for laboratory systems to properly read identifying bar codes or other machine readable information printed on the labels. In some cases sample tubes are extremely small such that, when a label is misapplied, a portion of the label may wrap around the tube completely and obscure printed material on a different portion of the label. 
     Recently the Becton Dickinson Company has made some improvements in the collection of blood samples. In one case blood tubes have been introduced with color coded caps that have matched color coded labels with printed indicia along the top edge. Secondary labels are printed to identify the blood tube and typically include information identifying the patient from whom the blood sample is collected, the collection order number, and other useful information. The secondary labels can include a notch or second indicia along the top edge. A worker aligns the second indicia to the pre-adhered manufacturer label indicia on the tube. Once aligned the secondary label can be wrapped around and adhered to the blood tube in what is a fairly precise orientation. 
     One desirable secondary label size and alignment criteria is that a portion of the original tube label remain exposed after the secondary label is applied. For instance, in most cases it is desirable that at least a portion of the color coded section of the manufacturer label be exposed after the secondary label is applied so that the tube type can be identified after application and after the cap is removed. Similarly, in most cases it is desirable for at least a portion of the transparent portion of the tube be exposed after the secondary label is applied so that a tube user can observe the condition of the reagent and other material (e.g., a specimen) within the tube after label application. Blood collection tubes are typically 13 mm in diameter and 75 mm in height, allowing for a secondary identification label that is less than 40 mm wide (typically 33 mm wide) and 55 mm high so that when the narrow part of the label is wrapped around the tube (with a diameter of 40.8 mm) a portion of the transparent tube remains unobstructed for viewing. 
     Another, improvement that has been developed includes a printer that can print blood sample secondary labels at the bedside of a patient. In known embodiments a printer can add the time and can read a bar code corresponding to a patient (e.g., from a wrist band or the like) to the get the patient identification number and even a healthcare worker identification bar code to get a healthcare worker identity number, all of which can be printed using the printer. 
     Unfortunately, even in the case of bedside printers and color coded specimen tubes, there is still the opportunity for a secondary label to be attached in a misaligned fashion to a tube, for a label to be attached to the wrong type of tube or for a secondary label for a first patient to be inadvertently attached to a tube that includes a specimen from a second patient. Here, where a labeling error occurs, a laboratory processing a blood sample (or other specimen type) may associate the results with the wrong patient in a medical record. 
     Blood tubes are not the only container that needs to be carefully labeled. There are a variety of body fluid and other samples that are collected and need to be carefully labeled to ensure that a laboratory can associate the samples correctly with patients. 
     There are also a variety of other containers in healthcare that need to be carefully labeled, for example medication containers or vials. As in the case of specimen tubes, medication vials are often relatively small relative to the amount of human readable text and bar codes that are to printed on them. 
     The proper labeling and using of non-medical containers and objects is also of great importance. 
     There are many instances where individuals wish to transport items between locations and track the whereabouts of the items, who is entitled to have access to the items, and other pertinent information. For example, medication prescribed by a physician in a hospital for a patient can be dispensed either manually by a pharmacist or by a unit dose dispensing system in the pharmacy or placed at various locations in the hospital for nurses to use. In the case of manual dispensing, a medication order is sent to the pharmacy where the correct medication is selected or formulated. The medication is then placed in a container, plastic bag, or envelope which is in turn labeled with identification information specifying the patient that is to receive the medication as well as information about the medication dispensed. Such labeling can be achieved by the use of a marking pen or a computer printer adhesive label. 
     A variety of devices have been invented and several placed in commercial production for the dispensing of unit dosages of medication. These systems are often designed to be placed in a variety of locations in a hospital for local and convenient dispensing of medications. A key advantage of these systems is a reduction in time and labor in the delivery of prescribed medication to a patient. Without such systems, each prescribed medication must be dispensed by the central hospital pharmacy, labeled, and transported to the nurses station near the patient&#39;s room. This process must be done 24 hours a day and the dispensing must be done in anticipation of when each new dosage is due with an allowance for time spent in transmit. Unit dosage dispensing systems usually have a tray or cartridge that is loaded with multiple dosages of medication by the central pharmacy. This tray or cartridge is then carried to the unit dosage dispensing system where it is inserted, along with information regarding the medication in the tray or cartridge. This information usually includes the medication name and the number of doses contained. When a patient is to receive medication the nurse usually must use a mechanical key, an electronic key, or a computer password to gain access to the dispensing process. The nurse will identify the medication and may identify the patient to receive the medication. The dispensing system then locates the correct tray or cartridge containing the desired medication and then removes one or more doses of the medication as required, typically delivering them to a drawer or door that the nurse may open to remove the medication. 
     After dispensing the nurse carries the medication to the patient for consumption. The dispensing system can keep track of the date and time when the medication was dispensed, for which patient it was for, and possibly the nurse to whom it was dispensed. However, the dispensing system cannot determine if the medication was in fact given, if it was given later, who gave it to the patient, or if it was given to the correct patient. 
     Several studies have documented that most medications in a hospital are given to the correct patient. However, the small percentage of medications that are given to the wrong patient is cause for great concern. This can happen if a patient is moved from one room to another and a new patient is now in the former patient&#39;s bed. Occasionally, the former patient&#39;s name may be left written on a board near the bed or by the doorway. While nurses are suppose to verify the patient&#39;s name or identification number written on a bracelet each time they administer a medication, this may not always happen. The nurse may receive a call to go to an emergency while giving a medication and thus be rushed, the patient may be unable to speak to identify themselves, or the nurse may not want to disturb a patient who is sleeping. Errors in giving medication to the wrong patient can cause a variety of reactions that can sometimes lead to death. 
     To track when a patient was given medication and who gave it, hospitals employ either manual or computerized recording systems. Manual systems are time consuming and can cause errors in patient billing. Even with computerized record systems, the nurse must spend some amount of time entering and verifying the information. It is claimed that within a hospital that over 60% of all expenses are related to nursing, and of that nearly half of this is for nurses to fill out paperwork and write observations. With continuing efforts to control the rising cost of providing health care, hospitals need to explore all methods possible to reduce nurse time spent away from directly caring for patients. 
     Problems such as these can occur in other situations, both in hospital settings and elsewhere. For example, hospital personnel may want to store the personal belongings of a particular patient while the patient is receiving treatment and need to identify the belongings so that they are returned to the appropriate patient. Similarly, when medical personnel desire to dispense fluid medication, either in the form of an intravenous solution or medication to be taken orally, they must keep track of how much and what type of fluid is being dispensed and which patients have received their medication. In each of these cases, it can be very time consuming to write down the type and quantity of substances being identified, who is accessing the substances, what time the transaction is taking place and other important information in order to ensure that the task is being performed correctly. 
     Problems such as these can go far beyond the medical field. In the manufacturing industry, for instance, it is often important to keep adequate records of individual components. For example, if a particular prototype device or key part is being transported from one place to another, and only a few qualified individuals are supposed to have access to the component, or the component is only to be delivered to a particular location or process, it is important to have a system for ensuring that only the proper individuals are allowed to access the component. It may also be important to record the time at which the component is delivered to its destination, where it is currently located, and similar pertinent information. 
     Although these problems may appear to be particular to certain industries, the common theme between them all is that there is a need for tracking and permitting access to certain objects, recording relevant information, and doing so with minimum expense, time, and effort. 
     The present invention is intended to solve these and other problems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention includes containers with manufacturer applied labels that can be printed or written to. In one embodiment a label is partially pre-attached to a container and compatible information devices or printers print text or machine readable codes, such as bar codes, to the free end of the label. The printer in some cases can also read and/or write to memory tags, such as radio frequency identification tags or other memory devices attached to or that form part of the label. Combined, the labeled containers and compatible printers, can create a system to reduce medical errors by ensuring information about a specific medical sample collection is either printed, written, or programmed to the label of the container in which the sample will be or has been collected. 
     In some cases a serial number that is preprinted on (for example as a bar code) or written to (for example a memory tag) a label is read. Information about the sample collected (blood collection work order number, patient identification, healthcare worker identification, and date/time) is transferred to a database (e.g., via wireless communication such as one of the 802.11 standards) along with the container serial number. A laboratory system that later reads the serial number code or tag can use it to retrieve from the database the remaining information about the sample collected. 
     In either case a work order (for example an order written by a physician to collect a specific sample, for example blood, from a specific patient on a specific day) is obtained by the printer. The printer receives the work order by reading a work order bar code printed on a work order sheet of paper or it is obtained by the printer receiving the work order by wireless communication (for example using an 802.11 standard) in response to sending a patient identification number to a database or by having the data base send the work order to a printer associated with a location in a hospital. 
     After collecting a blood sample, the specific container used to collect the sample is associated with a portion of the work order. The association can be in the form of printing text, bar codes, or memory tags that identify the work order, patient, time and/or healthcare worker who is following the work order on a label that is adhered to the container or a label that will be attached to the container used to collect the sample. Any one who can read the label or the machine code or memory tag will understand that the container contains a sample from the patient and that it is to be analyzed according to the work order. As stated above the association can be in the form of a link, between a container serial number used to collect the sample and the work order in a database. By reading the serial number (as text, a machine code or memory tag) the remaining information for the work order can be obtained from the database. 
     When the container is a blood tube the partially pre-attached label can be color coded to match the cap color that is used to indicate the type of reagent in the tube. The label can be made of tear-resistant synthetic or other durable paper. The label may have three sections including, first, an adhered section which may be color coded or have manufacturer printed information, such as a tube type designation or serial number bar code. The adhered section may be as narrow as 2 mm wide and will be attached to the vertical wall of the blood tube/container. Second, the label may include a spacer section which can also be color coded and have manufacturer information printed on it. This spacer section is the section that, while inserted into the printer, cannot be printed as most printer mechanisms require some distance between a print head and a wall of the container, similar to the margin in conventional printers. Third, the label will include a section that is printed to by the printer, and, when the label includes a memory tag, that can be read and/or written to. 
     At least a portion or the entire rear surface of the unattached label sections can be coated with an adhesive with a removable release liner. After printing blood collection information to the label, the release liner can be removed and the label wrapped around blood tube, adhering it to the vertical wall of the tube and, when desired, leaving a portion of transparent tube unobstructed. For example, if a tube is 13 mm in diameter, the total length of the label with all sections might be 38 mm. This will leave a gap of 2 mm so that the blood sample can be viewed at every height along the tube. 
     When the label is partially pre-attached to the tube, when the healthcare worker wraps the label around the tube, the label will be precisely aligned, both vertically and laterally, with the tube at an optimal location. 
     Before the label can be printed, a variety of information is typically collected either by the printer or by a data collector. For instance, a hand held bar code reader or a personal digital assistant equipped with a bar code reader may be used to transfer collected information to the printer. The printer or data collector can read a bar code number corresponding to a work order number on a work order sheet, a patient identification number bar code from a patient wristband, a healthcare worker identifier from a bar code on a badge, and a bar code identifier from a blood tube/container. The work order number can also be obtained by reading the patient&#39;s identification number and communicating this number to a database (e.g., wirelessly via the 802.11 or other standards) to obtain the current blood collection order information. The date and time of collection can be provided by the printer or the data collector. In some cases the printer or data collector will send some of the collected information to a database by wireless communication that can be linked to the patient&#39;s identification number, the work order number, or a blood tube serial number. While some embodiments are contemplated wherein no information needs to be printed onto a label, in most cases it is anticipated that at least some of the collected information will be printed on the print section of the front surface of the label or written to a memory tag that is part of the label. 
     It is also anticipated that the printer or data collector or the database will compare the patient identification number read from a wristband and the patient identification number associated with the work order number to ensure blood is being collected from the correct patient (i.e., the patient associated with an order). If the identity of a patient does not match the patient associated with an order, an alert is presented to the healthcare worker that the worker has the wrong patient. 
     Similarly, the printer or data collector or the database will compare a bar code number on a blood container that identifies the blood container type to the blood containers or blood tests ordered in a blood collection work order to be sure that the correct container types have been selected by the healthcare worker for obtaining blood from a patient associated with the order. Furthermore, the order in which the blood tube types are presented can be compared to a standard procedure for blood collection, to make sure that the blood tubes are used in the correct sequence. Thus, for instance, in cases where blood tests A, B and C are always to be performed in the sequence A, B and C (e.g., a sequence of B, C and A would be wrong), the present system may help a healthcare worker sequence tubes in the proper order A, B and C. 
     As a further safety measure, the time between starting to collect various information and the printing of a label can be limited to a time period, for example 3 minutes plus some extra time (for example 30 seconds) for each blood tube over one used. By imposing a time limit, the system can prevent a healthcare worker from reading a first patient&#39;s wristband, being called away to a second patient and printing labels for the second patient using the first patient&#39;s identification number for labeling a container label. 
     The extended label is designed to be placed in the printer to print textual information and/or a bar code when desired (e.g., the order number or the patient identification number) on the front surface of the label and when the label is so equipped to write information to a memory tag. The printer is designed so that the unattached sections of the label are inserted in the printer mechanism. The spacer section cannot be printed, while the print section can be printed on in any conventional manner, for example inkjet printing, laser printing, direct laser printing without toner (similar to LightScribe® printing developed by the HP Company), thermal printing, or thermal transfer printing. 
     After printing, the label is removed from the printer and the release liner is removed exposing the adhesive on the rear surface of the label. The label is then wrapped around and adhered to the blood tube. The worker can be advised that the tube needs to be inverted or rotated a specific number of times to ensure proper mixing with the reagent in the container. The number of rotations varies by the reagent used and can be determined by the printer reading the tube type bar code of the blood container. In some cases the printer can rotate the tube for the healthcare worker before, while or after the label is being printed. 
     To assist with printing the label, the blood tube can be inserted into an opening in the printer and the label inserted in a corresponding slot in the printer. The blood collection tube can rest on the underside ledge formed between the tube and the cap and the top of the printer. This creates a physical reference between the top edge of the label and the upper part of the printer. Other physical characteristics can be used for this purpose, for example the bottom of the tube can rest against a stop in the printer and the top of the label can be registered relative to the bottom of the tube, or a special alignment ring can be provided around a section of the tube to align it and the label with the printer. In this manner tubes of various lengths can be used with the printer and the labels for each of them will be aligned properly in the printer. 
     Some blood tubes have a larger diameter than others. The opening in the printer where the tube is inserted can be sized to the largest tube diameter and a spring in the printer can push the tube close to the printing section. Alternately a friction roller can pull the label into the printer, aligning the tube in the printer adjacent to the printing section. 
     A more comprehensive system for selecting blood tubes and printing label can be created by using a smart tray, tote, or cart designed to hold a variety of identified blood tubes. For example a single package holding several blood tubes of a specific type can be inserted into one matching recess in the tray and another package holding several tubes of a different type can be inserted in to another recess. The contents of each tray can be registered with a computer by keyboard or by the tray reading a machine readable code attached to printed on each package. When a patient order is obtained by the processor, the system can identify, using a display and/or individual LED indicators, the packages from which blood tubes are to be selected, how many tubes are to be selected from each package and the sequence in which the tubes are to be selected. 
     Tubes not in the smart tray but needed to complete an order can be stored in a drawer or other compartment. When needed, the bar code or machine readable code can be read by an external bar code reader that is part of the smart tray or by a handheld reader that communicates with the smart tray to determine that a specific tube corresponds to a specific blood collection order. 
     The smart tray may also be equipped with a printer to print on a print section of a label information about blood collection and to write to a memory tag when the label is so equipped. The labels and matching printer can be used to print information on a variety of medical containers for specimens collected from a patient as well as printing labels for medication containers given to a patient. 
     Alternately, the smart tray may be equipped with a label printer to print a secondary label with blood collection information. The label printer can be a color printer and the secondary labels can be printed to include a color code to match the color code of the blood tubes caps and labels. Once printed. the secondary label may be wrapped around and adhered to the blood tube. 
     The present invention provides a system and method for verifying information and activating a response function when two or more pieces of information correspond to each other. Such a system is comprised of an information device and an identification device. The information device has certain identification information stored therein. Additionally, the information device may be adapted to store and be capable of receiving various other information from various sources. 
     The identification device has an additional set of identification information stored therein or thereon. The information device is capable of receiving or otherwise obtaining the identification information stored in or on the identification device. The information device compares the identification device and information device identification information. If the two sets of identification information correspond, then the information device activates a response function by providing a response signal. 
     Alternatively, the information device may act as a relay, communicating the identification information from the identification device and other identification information stored in the information device, such as prescription information, via RF communication or some other conventional method, to a remote or local computer comparison system. At the remote or local computer comparison system, the identification information from the identification device and other information are analyzed to determine if the information corresponds, e.g., the information corresponds if the prescription defined by the prescription information is appropriate for a patient identified by the identification information. A comparison result signal is communicated back to the information device indicating whether or not the two sets of information correspond. The information device may then activate a response function by providing a response signal in response to the comparison result signal received from the remote or local computer comparison system. 
     The response function may comprise an indicator, a locking mechanism, or both. In the case of an indicator, when the two sets of identification information correspond to each other, the information device activates the indicator. The indicator may provide a visual and/or audible signal, informing the user that the two pieces of identification information correspond to each other, thereby verifying the information. 
     In the case of a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism may control access to another object, such as a container. When the two sets of identification information correspond to each other, the information device communicates with the locking mechanism to unlock the container. This system can be applied in a modified form in the case where there are two or more compartments located inside the container. In such a case, there may be more than two pieces of identification information that are compared to each other. If the identification information corresponds to only one portion of the information in the information device, then fewer than all of the compartments of the container will be unlocked or locked. 
     An information device in accordance with the present invention may be adapted to receive updated information, via wireless or non-wireless communications, from a remote location, relating to a required change in the contents of a container to which the information device is attached. For example, a container may hold items identified by an information device in accordance with the present invention attached thereto. Prior to comparing the identification information of the information device with the identification information of an identification device, a change, e.g., in the intended use of the items in the container, may be communicated to the information device. An audible or visual indication or message may be provided by the information device when the changed information is received by the information device, or at the time a comparison of identification information is performed, indicating, e.g., that additional items not in the container need to be obtained or that some or all of the contents of the container are no longer to be used. 
     The present invention is application in many situations and industries. In particular, and for example, the present invention may be employed in a medical setting wherein a system for placing unit doses of medication into a portable container labeled with textual and electronic information is provided. The electronic information or electronic labeling is recorded on an information device. The information device is used in conjunction with other electronic devices to record when the doses of medication are given to a patient, the patient who received the medication, and the healthcare worker, such as a nurse, who administered the medication. The information device can include a sensor for sensing when the container is opened, a date and time clock for determining the time the medication is administered, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism locks the medication in the container until an appropriate time has been reached and the appropriate patient has been identified. The electronic labeling can include information regarding the intended patient, the names and quantities of each medication in the container, the time the medication is intended to be given, the physician who ordered the medication, the healthcare worker who dispenses the medication, and other pertinent information. 
     The information device may be separate from the portable container, and therefore not in contact with the medication, or it can be in integral part of the portable container. The information device includes a computer processor, a memory element, a power source, and a communication device for transmitting and receiving electronic information to and from other electronic devices. The information device can also include a display, such as an LCD. 
     The information device may be used in conjunction with an automated dispensing system that automatically dispenses desired medications into the portable container, or an automated dispensing system where a healthcare worker manually dispenses medication into the portable container. When medication is dispensed by an automated dispensing machine, the healthcare worker must properly identify themselves. This can be accomplished by the entry of a password unique to the healthcare worker. The healthcare worker then identifies the patient to whom medication is to be given. This may be by selection from a list of patients to whom the healthcare worker has been assigned. The healthcare worker may not select an inappropriate patient or one not in this area of the hospital. If the patient has been transferred outside of the area where the dispenser is located, the dispensing system can alert the nurse to this fact and can prevent any medication from being dispensed. The correct location of the patient may be determined via an information exchange with other computer systems in the hospital, e.g. Admit, Transfer, Discharge System (ADT) using a computer network, or this data can be maintained within the dispenser itself and updated manually. 
     Having selected a patient, the healthcare worker is presented with a list of medications that have been prescribed for the patient. Medication that can be given at this time, determined by the prescription regimen and the times of previous doses being consumed by the patient, may be distinctly displayed for selection. After selecting one or more medications and the quantity to give, the system dispenses each medication. 
     As each medication is dispensed, they are placed in the portable container. When all the desired medications have been dispensed, the container is closed, and a textual label may be written on the container with information to identify the patient, the medication, its quantity, when the medication is to be given, and other data as appropriate. The same information is also written electronically to an information device. After being written, the data is verified and attached to the container. The information device includes the medication information described above. Finally, the information device is attached to or otherwise associated with the portable container and presented to the healthcare worker. The information device can be attached to the container so that it locks the medication in the container until an appropriate clearance is granted, or the device can be constructed so that it only detects the opening of the container and communicates any necessary warning to the healthcare worker. 
     The medication may also be manually dispensed at a workstation from bulk containers into the portable container. The workstation includes a computer and input terminal to enter data, such as medication information regarding the medication placed in the portable container. The healthcare worker then uses the workstation to transmit or write the medication information to the information device. Alternately, the healthcare worker may use a computer workstation to determine the medications due to be given to the patient. By selecting the medication due to be given, the healthcare worker can cause the workstation to automatically prepare medication information for transfer to the information device. 
     The medication container may be of a single use variety, in which case only the information device is returned to the dispensing system for reuse. When the information device is returned to the dispensing system or presented to a computer workstation, the information device is read to assist in data recording and examined for any errors or operational problems. When the device is read, a variety of data may be retrieved from the information device besides that previously written to it regarding the medication information. This data may include the date and time the container was opened, information confirming that patient identification verification was used to confirm that the medication was given to the correct patient, and the healthcare worker identification of the person who gave the medication to the patient. 
     The medication information and other data is transmitted to the dispensing machine or the workstation in a format that can automatically be sent to the correct database for the patients records and formatted appropriately for the database system. An example of this is the creation of a Universal Record Locator (URL) address compatible with a hospital Intranet network. The address may be in a format not normally known to the dispensing system. Thus, the dispensing system can be used in several different hospitals without having to be significantly modified to accommodate differing address schemes. A medication report can also be formatted in a manner compatible with the Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), which will help preserve the independence of the dispensing system from the specific software requirements of the nurse reporting and charting system, which may vary from hospital to hospital. 
     In the case of any errors or operational problems being detected (e.g., inability to read the information stored in the information device, or battery beyond its expected service life), the device will be removed from service and stored in an area for retrieval by a service technician. A failure or service request message can be presented to the healthcare worker or sent by computer network to the pharmacy or hospital engineering department. 
     The information device will be compatible with a patient identification verification system. Such a system can transmit some or all of the patient identification information to the information device. This may be done by a communication between a patient information device, with a compatible communication device, attached to or associated with the patient and the information device. It may also be done by communication from a patient information device to a computer processor associated with a healthcare worker with a compatible communication device. The patient identification information is then communicated to the information device. The healthcare worker computer processor may be a workstation the worker has logged into, a portable computer device (e.g., personal digital assistant—PDA), or a healthcare worker information device such as an electronic badge that is worn. The healthcare worker computer processor is in some manner known to be temporarily or permanently associated with the patient, for example, by having recently read the patient information device. In this case, the medication information held in the information device can be transmitted to the healthcare worker computer processor and in turn can later be transferred to the dispenser or a computer workstation for prompt and automatic data recording or for transmission to database computer system as described above. 
     The information device may also be adapted to receive updated medication orders. For example, the information device may receive communications from, e.g., the hospital computer system indicating that there has been a change in the medication order contained in the container to which the information device is attached (e.g., medication is cancelled and/or added to a prescription). This information relating to a required change in the contents of the container to which the information device is attached may be presented to a user as a display or alarm, which may be presented by the information device when the container is opened or an identification verification is attempted. 
     A portable information device in accordance with the present invention may also be employed as part of an infusion pump control system. Infusion pump control information (e.g., prescribed flow rates and durations) may be stored in the information device. The information device may then be attached to the appropriate IV bag, which is conveyed to the infusion pump. At the infusion pump, the control information is communicated to the infusion pump controller from the information device. This system may be employed in combination with a patient verification system to ensure that the correct patient is provided with the correct IV prescription. 
     At least some embodiments include a container label printing method comprising the steps of providing a label having first section and a second section spaced apart from the first section and oppositely facing front and back surfaces, providing a container with an external surface, securing the first section of the label to a portion of the external surface of the container with the second section of the label extends from the first surface, providing a printer, using the printer to print indicia on the a the front surface of the second section of the label and securing the second section of the label to the external surface. 
     Other embodiments include a container/label assembly for use in filling work orders that specify container types to be used to fill each order, the assembly comprising a container with an external surface, a label having a first section and a second section spaced apart from the first section and oppositely facing front and back surfaces, the first section secured to the external surface of the container with the second section of the label extends from the first surface and a container type identifier physically associated with the container, the type identifier including at least one of text, a machine readable code and a color indicia indicating the type of the container, wherein the container type is useable to verify that the container can be used to complete a work order. 
     Still other embodiments include a method to properly complete a medical work order providing a medical work order that specifies a type of container to be used to facilitate the order, providing a container of a specific type where the container is at least substantially empty and the container includes a container type identifier identifying the container type and the container has an external surface, securing a first section of a label to the exterior surface where the label has a second section that extends from the first surface and filling the container according to the container type identifier. 
     Some embodiments include an apparatus for storing containers and for use with a database that stores at least a first work order that specifies a first container type to be used to facilitate the first work order, the apparatus comprising carrier with at least first and second recesses, the first recess holding at least one of the first container type and the second recess holding at least one of a second container type, a memory storing information that specifies the type of container in each of the recesses, an output device and a processor that is linked to the memory and the output device, the processor programmed to obtain the first work order from the database, identify the first container type specified by the work order and generate an output via the output device that indicates the first container type specified by the first work order. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon making reference to the specification, claims and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an information device having a latch for locking a portable container into a closed position. 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional view of the information device attached to the container, with the latch of the information device locking the container into its closed position. 
         FIG. 3A  is a sectional view of  FIG. 2  taken along line  3 - 3  showing the locking mechanism of the information device with its latch in a locked position. 
         FIG. 3B  is a sectional view of  FIG. 2  taken along line  3 - 3  showing the locking mechanism of the information device with its latch in an unlocked position. 
         FIG. 4A  is a sectional view of  FIG. 2  taken along line  4 - 4  showing the locking mechanism of the information device with its latch in its locked position. 
         FIG. 4B  is a sectional view of  FIG. 2  taken along line  4 - 4  showing the locking mechanism of the information device with its latch in its unlocked position. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a portable medication container in an open position. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the portable medication container with the information device attached thereto and locking the container into its closed position. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an information device attached to a securing device that is secured to a fluid bag for holding IV or blood solutions, the securing device being in a locked position to prevent access to the IV solution via a nipple or tip of the fluid bag. 
         FIG. 8  is an elevated sectional view of an information device and securing device in its locked position. 
         FIG. 9  is an elevated sectional view of a securing device in an open position to allow access to the nipple or tip of the fluid bag. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an integral portable container and information device with the information device built into its cover. 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic drawing of the electronic circuitry for the information device. 
         FIG. 12  is a plan view of a healthcare worker using an automated dispensing system that includes a dispensing machine and a medication dispensing workstation, both connected via a hospital network to a pharmacy database and a hospital database. 
         FIG. 13  is a plan view of a healthcare worker using a manual dispensing system with the healthcare worker using the dispensing workstation for manually dispensing medication and labeling medication containers. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a healthcare worker identification device. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a patient identification device. 
         FIG. 16  is an overhead plan view of a hospital room with a specific patient in a bed and an administering healthcare worker at an information station containing a computer and electronic equipment. 
         FIG. 17  is a listing of the memory contents of the information device. 
         FIG. 18  is a listing of patient medication information. 
         FIG. 19  is a listing of dispensed medication information. 
         FIG. 20  is a listing of the memory contents of the patient information device. 
         FIG. 21  is a listing of the memory contents of the healthcare worker identification device. 
         FIG. 22  is a listing of the memory contents of a patient room workstation or computer peripheral device. 
         FIG. 23  is a listing of final medication transaction report. 
         FIG. 24  is a medication report for transmission in an HTML format. 
         FIG. 25  is a universal resource locator data storage address. 
         FIG. 26  is a medication report for transmission in an HTML format. 
         FIG. 27  is a universal resource locator data storage address. 
         FIG. 28  is a medication report as displayed on a computer monitor. 
         FIGS. 29A and 29B  are a flowchart showing the steps in verifying that medication is administered to the specific patient for whom the medication was prescribed as in a patient verification system. 
         FIGS. 30A and 30B  are a flowchart showing the steps in verifying that a specific healthcare worker is authorized to give medication as in a healthcare worker verification authorization system. 
         FIGS. 31A and 31B  are a flowchart showing the steps in recording which healthcare worker opens a medication container as in a medication tracking system. 
         FIG. 32  shows a container with multiple compartments according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 33  shows an apparatus including a system for dispensing intravenous fluids according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 34  shows an exemplary system for labeling and identifying medical samples in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 35  shows a container with a label for printing that is partially attached to the container; 
         FIG. 36  shows the container of  FIG. 35  now with a label wrapped and adhered to the container; 
         FIG. 37  shows a container with a label for printing and a protective overcoat partially attached to the container; 
         FIG. 38  shows the container of  FIG. 37  with the label wrapped around the container and the overcoat further wrapped around the container to protect the printed part of the label; 
         FIG. 39  shows a container verification device and label printer for printing the labels attached to the containers of  FIGS. 35 and 37  and the slide of  FIG. 45 ; 
         FIG. 40  shows the container of  FIGS. 35 and 37  placed in the label printer of  FIG. 39  so the partially attached labels can be printed; 
         FIG. 41  is a sectional diagram of the printer of  FIG. 40  showing a container with partially attached label positioned for printing; 
         FIG. 42  is another enlarged cross sectional diagram of the printer mechanism of  FIG. 40  with partially attached label positioned for printing; 
         FIG. 43  shows a container with a partially attached label and a physical characteristic to position the label properly for printing; 
         FIG. 44  shows a sample medical order for a specimen to be collected; 
         FIG. 45  shows a medical slide with a partially attached label; 
         FIG. 46  is a sectional diagram showing the medical slide of  FIG. 45  inserted into the printer of  FIG. 40 ; 
         FIG. 47  shows medical specimen container selection and labeling system; 
         FIG. 48  shows a medication container with a partially attached label; 
         FIG. 49  shows a medication container printer; 
         FIG. 50  shows the partially attached label of a medication container being printed; 
         FIG. 51  shows a medication dispensing system of  FIG. 12  modified to print the labels of a medication container; 
         FIG. 52  is a construction plan; and 
         FIG. 53  is an object identified by a partially attached label to which text and bar codes can be printed. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A verification apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises an information device  10  and an identification device  300 ,  320 . The identification device  300 ,  320  includes identification device identification information  621 ,  681 . The types of identification device identification information  621 ,  681  that can be included in the identification device  300 ,  320  are almost limitless. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, identification device identification information  621 ,  681  may include the name of an individual worker, the worker&#39;s position, job description, qualifications, certification, and duties, and what tasks the worker is authorized to perform. The identification device  320  can be as small as a credit card or an ID badge, as shown in  FIG. 14 . Identification device identification information  621 ,  681  can be stored in memory in the identification device or on the identification device  300 ,  320  via either a bar code, a magnetic strip, or other similar means. 
     The information device  10  is preferably portable and is also capable of having identification information stored therein. Information device identification information (exemplified as selected patient identification information  520 ) can also cover a variety of matters. The information device  10  can include information about the contents of an attached container  100 , the day&#39;s date and time, the location of the information device  10 , and individuals who are entitled to have access to the contents of the attached container  100 . The information device  10  also includes means for reading or otherwise obtaining the identification device identification information  621 ,  681 . In an embodiment where the identification device identification information  621 ,  681  is stored as a bar code  319 ,  329 , the means for reading this information is comprised of a scanner. When the identification device identification information  621 ,  681  is stored on a magnetic strip, the means for reading this information can be in the form of a magnetic strip reader. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the verification apparatus also comprises a container  100 . The present invention may be employed in combination with any type of container. (Container  100  as illustrated is only exemplary of the types of containers which may be employed. Container  190 , shown in  FIG. 10 , is another example.) This container  100  may store items of various sizes ranging from individual pieces of medication to large personal belongings, items or parts of manufacture, etc. Although the container  100  is preferably portable, it can be integrally connected to the information device and can also remain in a fixed position depending upon the intended use. In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the container  100  includes a latching mechanism for opening and closing a door of the container  100 . The container  100  may also include a sensor  86  for providing an indication when the container is opened or is attempted to be opened. 
     The operation of a verification apparatus in accordance with the present invention is as follows: the identification device  300 ,  320  is presented to the information device  10 . The information device  10  then obtains the identification device identification information  621 ,  681  from the identification device  300 ,  320 . The information device  10  then proceeds to compare the identification device identification information to the information device identification information  520  stored therein. In the event that the identification device identification information  621 ,  681  and the information device identification information  520  correspond to each other, then the information device  10  activates a response function by providing a response signal. 
     Alternatively, the information device  10  may relay the identification information obtained from the identification device  300 ,  320 , along with other information device identification information, such as prescribed medication information  580 , to a remote or local (attached) computer comparison system. This communication may be performed in a conventional manner using RF communication, employing an RF transmitter/receiver in the information device  10 , or by any other conventional wired or wireless communication method. A determination is made if the identification device identification information corresponds with the information device information by the remote or local computer comparison system. For example, where the communicated information device information is prescription information  580  and the identification information is patient identification information obtained from a patient identification device  300 , a determination may be made by the comparison system whether or not the prescription information and identification information correspond. Correspondence may be found by the comparison system if the prescription is appropriate for the identified individual. (In this case, the comparison system may be part of a medication dispensing system.) The computer comparison system may provide an identification information comparison result signal back to the information device  10 , over the same or a different communication channel, indicating the result of the determination. The information device  10 , in turn, may activate a response function by providing the response signal in response to the received comparison result signal. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the response function is in the form of unlocking a latching mechanism on the container  100 . This action allows the user to access the contents of the container  100 . In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the response function is in the form of either an audible or visual indicator. For example, when the two pieces of information correspond to each other, then the indicator could produce an audible noise informing the user that the identification device identification information has been accepted. The information device  10  may also activate a response function when the two pieces of information do not correspond to each other, or if the two pieces of information do not correspond to each other and a sensor indicates that the container  100  to which the information device is attached was opened or was attempted to be opened nevertheless. In such a case, the response function could be in the form of audio or visual alert signal. Also, the opening of, or attempt to open, the container  100  when the two pieces of identification information do not match may be noted in memory  62  of the information device for later examination or communication to a remote computer system. Whenever an indicator is used, it may indicate that the information does or does not correspond. The response function is preferably integrally connected to the information device  10 . 
     The verification apparatus may also include several peripheral items. For example, the information device  10  may include data entry means such as a computer keyboard for modifying or inputting new information device identification information (e.g., selected patient information  520 ) to be stored in the information device  10 . The verification apparatus may also include output means such as an LCD display  34 . This display  34  may be used for either sending alert messages to the user or for displaying pertinent information device identification information or identification device identification information. Additionally, the verification apparatus may include a printer or other means for transcribing information located on either the information device or the identification device. 
     In an alternate embodiment of the invention, a container  945  may be modified to include multiple compartments  950 . As shown in  FIG. 32 , each compartment  950  includes separate latching mechanisms  962  for opening and closing individual compartments  950 . The information device  10 , which may be integrally formed with the container  945 , may include information device identification information (e.g., selected patient information  520 ) for each compartment  950  of the container  100 . (See  FIG. 17 .) When identification device identification information  621 ,  681  is presented to the information device  10 , only those compartments  950  for which the information device identification information  520  corresponds to the identification device identification information  621 ,  681  would be capable of being opened. Additionally, or alternatively, an indicator, such as an LED  965  or an audible tone, may be provided when there is correspondence of selected identification information for selected compartments  950  of the container  945 . This could be very important in a hospital setting where the same verification apparatus could be utilized to control prescription drugs for several different patients held in the same container. By having multiple compartments  950  with their own associated information device identification information  520 , one apparatus could be used while still ensuring that the wrong medication is not given to the wrong person. Individual compartments  950  may also only be opened, and/or an indication provided, when an appropriate time for opening the compartment (e.g., to dispense medicine) is reached. Thus, different medications may be provided to a patient at appropriate times during a day. 
     While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, the drawings show and the following specification describes in detail, and for example, a preferred embodiment of the invention. It should be understood that the drawings and specification are to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention. They are not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiment illustrated. In particular, although the present invention is described in detail with reference to the exemplary application of dispensing medication in a hospital setting, the present invention is applicable in many other situations and settings, including commercial and industrial applications. Thus, it should be understood that, throughout the following description, reference to a “patient” can be considered an exemplary reference to a larger class of generic “objects” to be identified, “medication” can be considered an exemplary reference to generic “materials” or “goods” to be contained in a container, a “healthcare worker” is an exemplary reference to a generic worker or other authorized person, and a medication “prescription” is an exemplary reference to a generic type of process order. 
     Information Device and Portable Container 
     An information device  10  is shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . The information device  10  includes activation button  16 , audible alert device  18 , infrared receiver and transmitter or transceiver device  22 , alignment projection  24  with securing latch  70 , and latch release button  74 . Securing latch  70  is movable between a locked position  71  and an unlocked position  72 . The information device  10  also includes an optional display device  34  or visual display  34  which may be an LCD device, and optional sensing switch  36 . While the infrared transceiver  22  is shown and infrared communications described, it should be understood that many other methods of communication can be used, such as radio frequency communication, magnetic induction, direct electrical contact, ultrasound, 802.11 protocols, cellular communications, and the reading of bar codes or magnetic strips. Thus, the information device  10  may include, additionally, or alternatively, a conventional bar code or magnetic strip reader. As best shown in  FIG. 2 , the internal components of the information device  10  include a processor  50 , power source or battery  54 , battery cover  58 , and latch movement gear  78 . It should be understood that the power source  54  may be a solar energy device, or it may be an external device providing energy by magnetic coupling or radio frequency transmission. 
     A portable container  100  is shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  5 , and  6 . The portable container  100  includes base  104  forming compartment  108 . The container  100 , and thus the compartment  108 , may be sized and shaped to hold any desired item or items of interest. For exemplary purposes, the compartment  108  illustrated in the figures is for holding a prescribed dose of medication  110 . The base  104  has a rim  105  that forms an open top. One side of the rim  105  has an integral, projecting tab  114  with a hole  118  formed through its middle portion. The container  100  includes container lid  122  that is hingably attached to the other side of the rim  105 . Lid  122  also has an integral, projecting tab  124  with a hole  125  formed through its middle portion. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 6 , the hole  118  in the tab of the rim  114  is adapted to align with the hole  125  in the tab of the lid  124  when the lid is in a closed position  130 . The holes  118  and  125  combine to form an opening  126  when in this closed position  130 . The information device  10  is adapted to attach to the portable container  100  when the lid is in its closed position  130 . The alignment projection  24  of the information device  10  passes through the opening  126  and combines with the forward extension of the securing latch  70  to prevent base  104  and lid  122  from separating and moving to an open position  132 . 
     In  FIGS. 3A and 4A , the securing latch  70  is shown in its locked position  71 . Latch release spring  82  biases latch release button  74  into its extended position. An electric switch  86  is used to sense the motion of the button  74 . An optional latch release solenoid  90  and the geared rack engage latch movement gear  78 . A movable rod of latch release solenoid  90  is biased to extend into slot  92  to prevent the latch release button  74  from moving. The latch  70  includes a backing door  94  to keep foreign material out of the information device  10 . 
       FIGS. 3B and 4B  show the securing latch  70  is in its unlocked position  72 . Securing latch  70  moves into unlocked position  72  when processor  50  receives appropriate instructions via transceiver device  22  to retract latch release solenoid  90 . With the movement rod of the solenoid  90  retracted, latch release button  74  can be depressed to cause latch movement gear  78  to rotate and allow securing latch  70  to swing away from the locked position  71 . Electric switch  86  is closed which indicates the button  74  was pressed. When the latch release button  74  is released, spring  82  will again bias the latch release button into its extended position. When the solenoid  90  is deactivated its movement rod will again extend into slot  92 , securing latch  70  into its locked position  71 . 
       FIG. 5  shows the portable container  100  in its open position  132 . Container  100  may be a disposable container intended for a single use to prevent medication cross contamination. The lid  122  includes a paper label  140  for printing textual labeling information as shown in  FIG. 6 . Alignment projection  24  can pass through the opening  126  so that the information device  10  can be removed, when securing latch  70  is retracted into its unlocked position  72 , but not when the securing latch is extended into its locked position  71 .  FIG. 6  shows information device  10  secured to container  100  in its closed position  130 . The latch  70  is in its locked position so that the container  100  cannot be opened. The doses of medication are locked inside the closed container  100 . The display device  34  is provided to display a desired portion of the information contained in memory contents  500  of the information device  10 . See  FIG. 17 , as discussed below. 
       FIGS. 7 to 9  show the information device  10  used in conjunction with a fluid bag securing device  150  and a fluid bag  170 . The information device  10  assists in the electronic labeling of fluid bag  170  containing IV solutions or blood. Securing device  150  is an integral piece of plastic with first and second clamping portions  151  and  152  with upper surfaces  153  and  154 . The clamping portions are joined by a living hinge  158  located proximal the upper surfaces. Each clamping portion has a recess  162  and a pressure ridge  166 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the hinge  158  enables the clamping portions to fold so the recesses  162  and pressure ridges  166  can tightly surround an extended tip  172  of fluid bag  170  preventing flow or normal use of the fluid bag  170 . When securing device  150  is folded, holes  167  and  168  form opening  169  allowing alignment projection  24  to pass through when securing latch  70  is retracted, but not when it is extended.  FIGS. 7 and 8  show the securing device  150  in closed position  130  surrounding and securing fluid bag tip  172  with the information device  10  attached in locked position  71 . 
       FIG. 10  shows an integral portable container and information device  190  which may be used for IV bags  170 , syringes, body tissues, body organs, or other larger objects such as personal items or items used in, e.g., manufacturing, industrial or other processes. The information device  10  is an integral part of the covering lid. Optional data entry buttons  194  are provided to enter data or modify information about medication given to a patient or otherwise concerning the contents of the container  190 . It should be understood that data entry buttons  194  could also be provided on information device  10 . 
       FIG. 11  is a schematic circuit diagram for information device  10  or the information device portion of integral container  190 . The information device  10  includes computer processor  50 , memory element  62 , and real time clock  66  as well as controls to interact with activation button  16 , latch release solenoid  90 , optional display device  34 , battery  54 , audible alert device  18 , and communication device  22  (which may be an infrared, radio frequency, etc. communication device, or a bar code or magnetic strip reader, etc.). 
       FIG. 17  shows a list of memory contents  500  maintained in the memory element  62  of the information device  10 . The memory contents  500  includes information specific to the information device  10 , such as information device data elements  504  which contain a serial number  505 , end of battery life data  506 , and communication encryption codes  507 . As discussed elsewhere herein, the information device  10  may be used in combination with a container  945  having a plurality of individual compartments  950 . In such case, the memory contents  500  may also include information on the number of compartments  508 . 
     The memory contents  500  includes information received from other electronic devices, such as the automated or manual dispensing systems  200  or  280  as discussed below. Information received from dispensing systems  200  or  280  can include selected predetermined patient information  520 , selected prescribed medication dose information  540 , predetermined healthcare worker information  560 , dispensed medication information  580 , medication information  581  and medication report components  600 . Memory contents  500  can further include specific patient information  621  received from a patient identification device  300 , a healthcare worker identification device  320 , or a patient room information workstation  350  or computer peripheral device  355 . Memory contents  500  can include administering healthcare worker information  681  received from the healthcare worker identification device  320 . 
     Memory contents  500  can include consumption information  640  generated during use. Consumption information  640  can include consumption time information (e.g., consumption date and time information)  642  regarding when the portable container was opened  642 , offered medication amount information  643  regarding the amount of medication offered to a specific patient  360 , and consumed medication amount information  644  regarding the actual amount of medication consumed by the specific patient  360 . Memory contents  500  can include a final medication transaction report  660 . It should be understood that the memory contents  500  may include additional elements or fewer than shown in  FIG. 17 . For use with a container  945  having a plurality of individual compartments  950 , selected memory contents  500  may include information elements unique to selected ones of the compartments. Each of these sources of information and the use of the various information elements  500  can vary based on the intended use of information device  10  such as in a patient verification system, healthcare worker authorization system, medication tracking system, etc. as more fully described below, or in another medical or non-medical application or setting. 
     Automated Dispensing System 
       FIG. 12  shows the automated dispensing system  200  including an automated dispensing machine or unit dose dispenser  204  containing a plurality of bulk medication containers  208  stored inside the dispenser. Each bulk container  208  contains a specific type of medication  212 . An access door  216  to the bulk containers  208  is kept locked. Access to the containers  208  is limited to authorized personnel in charge of maintaining the inventory of medication  212  in the dispenser  204 , such as the hospital pharmacist. The dispensing machine  204  also contains an access port  218  through which the filled and sealed portable containers  100  are dispensed. A transceiver device  219  is provided for communicating information to the information device  10 . Dispenser  204  is used in conjunction with a dispensing workstation  220 . 
     The dispensing workstation  220  includes an input terminal  224  such as a keyboard or a pointer device, and a monitor  228  for communicating with the dispensing machine  204 . The workstation  220  also includes a computer processor  230  and program software for controlling the operation of the dispenser  204  and the flow of information and instructions to and from the dispenser. The dispenser  204  or workstation  220  can communicate by a direct communication line  234  or via a hospital network  240 . However, it should be understood that the computer processor  230  or an alternate computer processor could be located directly inside the dispenser  204  or included as a part of a hospital network  240 . 
     The hospital network  240  can include its own internal database or can be connected to a pharmacy system  250  with pharmacy database  254  or a hospital information system  260  with a hospital database  264 . The internal database or the workstation, or the separate databases  254  and  264  of the pharmacy and hospital systems  250  and  260 , contains information pertaining to a plurality of physician orders such as prescription regimens or prescribed medication dose information  540  for administering medication  212  to a plurality of predetermined patients listed in at least one of the databases. The databases include predetermined patient information  520  and corresponding prescribed medication dose information  540  for each patient in the database. The computer processor  230  of the workstation  220  communicates with and obtains information from and relays information to its internal database, pharmacy database  254  or hospital database  264 . 
     A healthcare worker  330  uses the automated dispensing system  200  to obtain prescribed doses of medication  110  for a specific patient  360  under his or her care. Before the dispensing machine  204  dispenses medication  110 , the workstation  220  requests the healthcare worker  330  to select one of the predetermined patients in the database. The selected predetermined patient or selected patient should correspond to the specific patient  360  under his or her care. The healthcare worker  330  dispenses the prescribed dose or doses of medication by entering some form of selected patient information  520  that corresponds to the selected patient listed in the database. Alternatively, the healthcare worker  330  can select the name of the desired predetermined patient from a list of predetermined patients in the workstations internal database or by using the hospital information system  260  to locate the desired predetermined patient from the hospital information database  264 . The list of predetermined patients to choose from may be limited to those who have been assigned to healthcare worker  330 . Having identified the selected patient from the database  262  that corresponds to the specific patient  360  under his or her care, dispensing workstation  220  locates patient medication information  700  (see  FIG. 18 ) for the selected patient in the workstations internal database or by using pharmacy system  250  to locate the information in pharmacy database  254 . 
     Patient medication information  700  contained in the workstation database or associated databases  254  or  264  includes predetermined patient information  520  and corresponding prescribed medication dose information  540  for each predetermined patient. The physician prescription orders determine what prescribed medications correspond to which patient. The database also includes predetermined healthcare worker information  560  that is associated with the prescribed medication dose information. The prescribed medication dose information includes information designating what title or level of authority or clearance an authorized healthcare worker must have to administer the medication to a patient. Predetermined patient information  520  can include patient identification number  521 , patient name  522 , admitting physician  523 , and patient room number  524 , and patient blood type  525 . The predetermined patient information preferably includes at least patient identification number  521 . 
     Prescribed medication dose information  540  for each prescribed dose of medication  110  can include medication type  541 , medication quantity prescribed  542 , dosing times  543 , and identification of physician prescribing medication  544 . Patient medication information  700  can include medication report  720  (see  FIG. 24 ) and universal resource locator  724  (see  FIG. 25 ) which are reformatted by information device  10  as described infra. Predetermined healthcare worker information  560  can include the responsibilities, title, or level of authority of the healthcare worker  561  allowed to give the prescribed medication, healthcare worker identification number(s)  562  allowed to give the prescribed medication, healthcare worker names(s)  563  allowed to give the prescribed medication, and list of patients  564  under care of each healthcare worker. Predetermined healthcare worker information preferably includes the responsibilities, title, or level of authority of the healthcare worker  561 . 
     The computer processor  230  and monitor  228  present prescribed medication dose information  540  for the medications that have been prescribed for the selected patient. The healthcare worker  330  then selects the medication to dispense from this list. Healthcare worker  330  can also enter a medication to be dispensed without the aid of the list or not on the list. In either case, computer processor  230  determines whether the medication is stocked in any of the holding containers  208 . If not, an error message will be presented or displayed on the monitor  228 . If the medication is available, computer processor  230  causes the dispenser  204  to dispense individual doses of the selected medication  110 . As each dose of medication  110  is dispensed, they are placed in the compartment  108  of portable container  100 . When all the doses of medication  110  have been dispensed, the lid  122  of the container  100  is closed by dispenser  204  to preventing access to medication. 
     As medication  212  in the bulk container  208  is dispensed for the selected patient, computer processor  230  creates dispensed medication information  580  for the doses of medication  110  dispensed. Dispensed medication information  580  can include medication information  581 , date and time medication dispensed  582 , identification of healthcare worker  583  who dispensed medication, and type and quantity actually dispensed  584 . Dispensed medication information  580  can also include medication report components  600 , medication report  720 , and universal resource locator  724  whose use are discussed below. 
     When all the prescribed doses of medication  110  for the selected patient are dispensed into the portable container  100 , selected portions of patient medication information  700  and dispensed medication information  580  are communicated to information device  10  by dispenser  204  using transceiver device  219  via a dispensing signal. This is shown in steps  800 ,  860 , and  910  in  FIGS. 29A ,  30 A, and  31 A. The transferred information is stored in the memory element  62  of the information device  10 . The use of the selected portions of patient medication information  700  vary based on the intended use of information device  10  such as in a patient verification system, healthcare worker authorization system, medication tracking system, etc., as more fully described below. 
     Information device  10  may intermittently turn itself off to conserve power when stored in the dispenser during periods of non-use. The dispenser  204  can press activation button  16  to initiate the transfer of data. The data received by the information device  10  can be communicated back to the dispenser  204  as part of a verification process. 
     Once information device  10  receives the dispensing signal, computer processor  230  sends a message to the information device  10  to retract the latch release solenoid  90 . The dispenser  204  automatically presses the latch release button  74  to cause securing latch  70  to swing to its unlocked position  72 . This step may also be accomplished manually by healthcare worker prior to inserting the information device  10  into the dispenser  204 . Latch release button  74  also makes contact with electric switch  86  which is sensed by processor  50  and causes latch release solenoid  90  to be biased to return to its extended position. Projection  24  of the information device  10  is now aligned with and moved along a path of travel so that the projection passes through the opening  126  formed by the base  104  and closed lid  122 . The bottom surface of the information device  10  now rests on the upper surface of the lid  122  of the container  100 . Latch release button  74  is then released to allow the spring  82  to force latch release button to move into its extended position  71 , so that securing latch  70  rotates to its extended or locked position  71 . The upper surface of the latch  70  now abuts the lower surface of the rim  105  of the container  100 . Latch release solenoid  90  then enters slot  92 , which prevents securing latch  70  from moving out of its locked position  71 . The container  100  is now removed from dispenser  204  through access port  218 . Access port  218  can be secured to prevent removal of container  100  until information device  10  has been secured and locked to the portable container  100 . 
     When prescribed dose or doses of medication  110  are dispensed into portable container  100 , the dosing times  543  or time ranges for when the medication is to be administered can be included with the dispensing signal transferred to information device  10 . Dosing times  543  are used by processor  50  in conjunction with real time clock  66  to prevent latch release solenoid  90  from being retracted until the prescribed time or time range is reached. This feature helps prevent the healthcare worker  330  from administering the medication inside the container  100  to the specific patient  360  under his or her care too soon. Processor  50  can also use its audible alert device  18  to issue a reminder tone when the time or time range is reached. This tone is used to indicate to the healthcare worker  330  transporting the medication that it is time to administer doses of medication  110  to the predetermined patient. 
     Manual Dispensing System 
       FIG. 13  shows the manual dispensing system  280  which includes dispensing workstation  220 . Healthcare worker  330  manually locates a bulk medication container  284  holding a quantity of a specific type of medication  212  for dispensing to a specific patient  360  under his or her care. Healthcare worker  330  then removes the prescribed dose or doses of medication  110  from container  284  and places these doses in compartment  108  of portable container  100 , and closes lid  122 . Healthcare worker  330  then uses workstation  220  to identify the medication and the amount of that medication that has been selected and placed in the container  100  for administering to the predetermined patient. Healthcare worker  330  may also use input terminal  224 , to identify the medication selected for administering to the selected patient from patient medication information  700 . 
     When all the prescribed doses of medication  110  for the selected patient are manually dispensed into portable container  100 , selected portions of patient medication information  700  and dispensed medication information  580  are communicated to information device  10  via communication port  288  which transmits the initial dispensing signal to the information device  10  for storage in memory element  62 . If the patient medication information  700  is not available, portions of selected patient information  520  and predetermined healthcare worker information  560 , as entered by healthcare worker  330  using workstation  220 , may be sent as part of the dispensing signal. This is shown as steps  800 ,  860 , and  910  in  FIGS. 29A ,  30 A, and  31 A. 
     The healthcare worker  330  manually secures the information device  10  to the container  100 . This is done by closing the lid  122  of the container, pressing latch release button  74 , inserting the projection  24  of the information device into the opening  126  of the container. The bottom surface of the information device  10  now rests on the upper surface of the lid  122  of the container  100 . The healthcare worker then releases latch release button  74  so that latch  70  is biased by spring  82  into its locked position  71 . The upper surface of the latch  70  now abuts the lower surface of the rim  105  of the container  100 . The information device  10  and portable container  100  are now in the closed and locked positions  130  and  71 , which prevents the container from inappropriate opening. 
     The workstation  220  can also be used to aid in manually preparing a fluid bag  170  for administering to the predetermined patient as in  FIG. 13 . Various medications are prepared and mixed in fluid bag  170 . Once the medication is mixed and the fluid bag is filled, securing device  154  is placed around the fluid bag tip  172  of the fluid bag. The information device  10  is then attached in locked position  71  to the securing device  154  to prevent the inappropriate use of the fluid bag  170 . 
     Information device  10  contains portions of dispensed medication information  580  regarding each medication mixed in fluid bag  170 . Dispensed medication information  580  can be written to information device  10  by workstation  220  as each medication is mixed as part of the dispensing signal. Workstation  220  is used to transfer portions of selected patient information  520  and predetermined healthcare worker information  560  to information device  10 . This transfer of the selected patient identification information is done either at the time the medication is mixed in fluid bag  170  or before the fluid bag is transported to the patient to whom it is to be administered. In this manner, medication is premixed in fluid bag  170  and stored in a convenient location so that healthcare worker  330  has quick access to the premixed fluid bag, yet portions of predetermined patient information  520  can still be added to information device  10  prior to transportation to the specific patient  360 . 
     Communication port  288  is used to read dispensed medication information  580  stored in the information device  10  previously attached to a fluid bag  170  containing premixed medication. Healthcare worker  330  then uses workstation  220  to communicate with pharmacy system  250  to verify that the medication in fluid bag  170  has been prescribed for the predetermined patient. The workstation  220  will inform the healthcare worker  330  if the medication in fluid bag  170  is prescribed for the selected patient and alert healthcare worker  330  if it is not. If it is intended for the selected patient, workstation  220  can transmit a supplemental signal containing the selected predetermined patient information  520  to information device  10 . 
     Container  100  or fluid bag  170  with securing device  154  are now secured and locked in closed position  130  by information device  10 , and are ready for transport to a specific patient  360  in a particular hospital room  380 . 
     Patient Verification System 
     A patient verification system is accomplished by providing the specific patient  360  with patient identification device  300  as in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . Patient identification device  300  can take the form of a wrist bracelet. Patient identification device  300  may include a processor  314  and a communicating device  318  that is compatible with the information device  10 . Memory contents  620  is held in a memory of processor  314 .  FIG. 20  provides a list of information contained in the memory of the patient identification device  300 . Memory contents  620  can include specific patient information  621 , such as patient identification number  622 , patient name  623 , list of medications to which patient is allergic  624 , admitting physician  625 , and patient blood type  626 . While specific patient information  621  is shown as a list of data, the list is may include additional data elements or fewer than shown. Preferably specific patient information  621  contains at least patient identification number  622 . Such information may also or alternatively be stored in bar code or magnetic strip form, such as on a bar code label  319  attached to the identification device  300 . A flowchart showing a series of steps  800 - 836  for performing the patient verification system is shown in  FIGS. 29A and 29B . 
     Communicating device  318  transmits specific patient information  621  for the specific patient  360  (step  800 ). When container  100  and attached information device  10  are brought near to patient identification device  300  (step  804 ), healthcare worker  330  presses activation button  16  (step  808 ). This causes information device  10  to transmit a signal that is received by the patient identification device  300 . Patient identification device  300  responds by transmitting a verification signal containing the specific patient information  621  that is received by the information device  10  (step  812 ). (Alternatively, information may be read from the identification device  300  by the information device  10  using a bar code reader, magnetic strip reader, or the like.) The computer processor or comparison device  50  of the information device  10  compares portions of specific patient information  621  with corresponding elements of selected patient information  520  stored in the memory contents  500  of the information device (step  816 ). While the specific patient information  621  is stated to be transmitted to the information device  10  for comparison with the selected predetermined patient information  520 , it should be understood that this information could be transmitted to a different comparison device such as a healthcare worker identification device  320 , an information workstation  350 , or a computer peripheral device  355  for comparison. 
     When specific patient information  621  corresponds to predetermined patient information  520  (step  820 ), information device  10  provides an approval tone using the audible alert device  18  to indicate that the prescribed dose of medication  110  in portable container  100  are intended for that specific patient  360  (step  832 ), and latch release solenoid  90  is activated to enable securing latch  70  to be released into unlocked position  72  by healthcare worker  330 . Once released, the alignment projection  24  of the information device  10  is removed from opening  126  of container  100  so that the lid  122  can be moved to its open position  132 . The term “corresponds to” means that the portion of information being compared matches, agrees with, falls within a range prescribed by, or correlates to the information to which it is being compared. 
     The real time clock  66  in the information device  10  is used to record consumption time information (e.g., date and time portable container opened information)  642  (step  836 ). This date and time information corresponds to when the medication  110  is given or administered to the specific patient  360 . This consumption time information  642  is recorded in the memory element  62  of the information device  10  as part of consumption information  640 . Medication report  720  and universal resource locator  724  are modified to include the date and time container opened information  642  in fields  728  and  729  to create a final medication report  730  as shown in  FIG. 26 , and the final universal resource locator  734  part of medication report components  670  as in  FIG. 27 . 
     When specific patient information  621  differs from or does not correspond to the selected patient information  520 , an error tone is sounded by audible alert device  18  (step  824 ). Latch release solenoid  90  keeps securing latch  70  in its locked position  71  (step  828 ), so that the healthcare worker  330  cannot open the container  100  and give the medication to the wrong patient. The term “differs” means that the portion of information being compared does not match, agree with, fall within the range prescribed by, or correlate to the portion of information to which it is being compared. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the patient verification system can be accomplished by placing a workstation  350  or computer peripheral device  355  in or near the room  380  of the specific patient  360 . The workstation  350  or computer peripheral device  355  can broadcast specific patient information  621  using communication device  359  to the information device  10  on request. Workstation  350  includes input device  351 , monitor  353 , and processor  354 . Workstation  350  or computer peripheral device  355  must be known by the healthcare worker  330  to be associated with specific patient  360  and has memory contents  690  including specific patient information  621  as in  FIG. 22 . This specific patient information  621  is transmitted to information device  10  as described above. The specific patient information  621  preferably includes patient identification number  622 . 
     The patient verification system can also be accomplished by using healthcare worker identification device  320 , described below, to receive specific patient information  621  from patient identification device  300 , and in turn transmit this data to information device  10  to authorize the unlocking of container  100 . 
     Healthcare Worker Authorization System 
     A healthcare worker authorization system can be accomplished by having healthcare worker  330  wear or carry healthcare worker identification device  320  that can communicate compatibly with information device  10 . The healthcare worker identification device  320  may take the form of an identification badge as in  FIG. 14 . Healthcare worker identification device  320  has communication device  322 , activation button  324 , and processor and memory section  328 . A flowchart showing a series of steps  860 - 896  for performing the healthcare worker authorization system is shown in  FIGS. 30A and 30B . 
     As shown in  FIG. 21 , the memory contents  680  of the healthcare worker identification device  320  is held in memory of processor  328 . Memory contents  680  can include administering healthcare worker information  681 , such as responsibilities or title  682 , identification number  683 , name  684 , list of patients  685  under care of healthcare worker  330 . While specific administering healthcare worker information  681  is shown as a list of data, the list is may include additional data elements or fewer than shown. Preferably the data includes the responsibilities or title  682  of the healthcare worker  330 . Such information may also or alternatively be stored in bar code or magnetic strip form, such as bar code label  329  attached to the identification device  320 . Memory contents  680  can also include specific patient information  621  received from patient identification device  300  and final medication transaction report  660  received from information device  10 . 
     The healthcare worker  330  is allowed to unlock the information device  10 , and remove it and open portable container  100  by presenting their own administering healthcare worker information  681  to information device  10 . When the portable container  100  and attached information device  10  are transported to the specific patient  360  and then brought close to healthcare worker identification device  320  (step  864 ), healthcare worker  330  presses activation button  16  (step  868 ). This causes information device  10  to transmit a signal that is received by healthcare worker identification device  320  (step  868 ). Healthcare worker identification device  320  responds by transmitting an authorization signal containing administering healthcare worker information  681  to information device  10  (step  872 ). (Alternatively, information may be read from the identification device  320  by the information device  10  using a bar code reader, magnetic strip reader, or the like.) The computer processor or comparison device  50  of the information device  10  compares portions of administering healthcare worker information  681  with corresponding elements of predetermined healthcare worker information  560  stored in the memory contents  500  of the information device (steps  876  and  880 ). While the administering healthcare worker information  681  is stated to be transmitted to the information device  10  for comparison with predetermined healthcare worker information  560 , it should be understood that this information could be transmitted to a different comparison device such as the patient identification device  300 , information workstation  350  or computer peripheral device  355  for comparison. 
     When administering healthcare worker information  681  corresponds to predetermined healthcare worker information  560 , information device  10  provides an approval tone using the audible alert device  18  to indicate that the medication in portable container  100  can be administered to patient  360  by healthcare worker  330 , and latch release solenoid  90  is activated to enable securing latch  70  to be released by healthcare worker  330  (step  892 ). Once released, the alignment projection  24  of the information device  10  is removed from opening  126  so that the lid  122  of the container  100  can be moved to its open position  132 . 
     The real time clock  66  in the information device  10  is used to record consumption time information  642  indicating when the medication is given or administered to patient  360  (step  896 ). This consumption time information  642  is recorded in the memory element  62  of the information device  10  as part of consumption information  640 . Medication report  720  and universal resource locator  724  are modified to include predetermined healthcare worker information  560  in field  726  and consumption time information  642  in fields  728  and  729  to create a final medication report  730  and a final universal resource locator  734 , part of medication report components  670 . 
     Information device  10  may be used without latch release solenoid  90 . Information device  10  has one or more sensors or switches  36  or  86  to detect when container  100  is being opened. Should the healthcare worker  330  attempt to open container  100  by depressing latch release button  74  before specific patient information  621  or administering healthcare worker information  681  is transmitted to information device  10 , the first switch  86  will detect the partial retraction of securing latch  70  and sound an advisory alert via audible alert device  18 . Healthcare worker  330  can then allow securing latch  70  to automatically close. Should healthcare worker  330  attempt to remove information device  10  from container  100  extra sensing switch  36  detects this and sounds a more pronounced alert tone. The information device will record the inappropriate opening of container  100  for reporting at a later time. 
     Medication Tracking System 
     Information device can also be used as a medication tracking system. The healthcare worker  330  is allowed to unlock the information device  10 , by presenting their own administering healthcare worker information  681  to information device  10 . A flowchart showing a series of steps  910 - 940  for performing the medication tracking system is shown in  FIGS. 31A-31B . 
     Medication  110  is dispensed into compartment  108  of container  100  for the predetermined patient using techniques discussed above (step  910 ). The portable container  100  and attached information device  10  are transported to the specific patient  360  (step  914 ) and then brought close to healthcare worker identification device  320 . The healthcare worker  330  then presses activation button  16  (step  920 ). This causes information device  10  to transmit a signal that is received by the healthcare worker identification device  320  (step  924 ). Healthcare worker identification device  320  responds by transmitting an authorization signal containing administering healthcare worker information  681 . Administering healthcare worker information  681  is received and is added to memory contents  500  and into field  726  of medication report  720  (step  928 ). 
     The real time clock  66  in information device  10  is used to record consumption time information  642  indicating when the medication is given or administered to patient  360  (step  932 ). This consumption time information  642  is recorded in the memory element  62  of the information device  10  as part of consumption information  640 . Medication report  720  is further modified and universal resource locator  724  is modified to include consumption time information  642  in fields  728  and  729  to create a final universal resource locator  734  (step  932 ). 
     Information device  10  transmits final medication transaction report  660  to healthcare worker identification device  320  (step  936 ). Information device  10  provides an approval tone using audible alert device  18  to indicate a successful communication and that the medication in container  100  can be administered to a patient by healthcare worker  330 , and the latch release solenoid  90  is activated to enable securing latch  70  to be released by healthcare worker  330  (step  940 ). Once released, the alignment projection  24  is pulled out of opening  126  so that lid  122  can be moved to open position  132 . 
     Transferring Information from the Information Device to an Information System 
     Workstation  350  or computer peripheral device  355  is also adapted to receive memory contents  500 , which can be formatted as final medication transaction report  660 , for automatic transfer to pharmacy system  250  or hospital information system  260 . This transfer can be done by using hospital network  240 . While final medication transaction report  660  is shown as a list of data in  FIG. 23 , the list may include additional data elements or fewer than shown. 
     The data in the final medication transaction report  660  may be sent preformatted to comply with the structure of the data recording system, for example, medication report  730  as shown in  FIG. 26 . Information device  10  may also format and transmit the address where memory contents  500  is to be stored. This may be in the form of universal resource locator (URL)  734  as shown in  FIG. 27 . In this case, workstation  350  need only send medication report  730  to the address indicated by universal resource locator  734  without interacting with workstation  350 , thus keeping workstation  350  completely independent of needing to know how to handle medication report  730 . Using the technology of the Internet, medication report  730  can be viewed on a display  740  of a workstation in a doctor&#39;s office, home or any workstation  220  or  350  as shown in  FIG. 28 . Using a browser or general purpose data retrieval, display, and entry program, medication report  730  may displayed by any workstation as seen in medication report browser presentation  744 . 
     Information device  10  is returned to dispenser  204  for reuse. When this is done, memory contents  500 , which can be formatted as final medication transaction report  660 , is transmitted to dispenser  204  so that memory contents  500  can be communicated to pharmacy system  250  or hospital information system  260 , via hospital network  240 , and the information device  10  is considered available for reuse. Any error conditions, such as low battery voltage or communication errors, are also transmitted to dispenser  204  from information device  10 . 
     Transferring Information from the Healthcare Worker Identification Device to an Information System 
     The healthcare worker identification device  320  can also receive final medication transaction report  660  or components of it from information device  10 . Final medication transaction report  660  can in turn be communicated to the workstation  350  by healthcare worker identification device  320  for communication to pharmacy database  254  or database  264  to automate the recording of the patient receiving. 
     Using Information Device to Label Medical Samples and Personal Items 
     The information device  10  can also be used to record patient information regarding blood, fluid, or tissue samples collected from a specific patient  360 . A healthcare worker  330  obtains the samples directly from the specific patient  360 , places them in compartment  108  and closes lid  122 . Healthcare worker  330  then presses activation button  16 , and information device  10  is placed in communication with the patient identification device  300  or workstation  350  associated with patient  360 . In the same process as explained above, specific patient information  621  is transferred to information device  10 . Healthcare worker  330  can manually press latch release button  74  and secure information device  10  to the container  100  to prevent the container from inappropriate opening. The container  100  holding the blood, fluid, or tissue sample is then transferred to the appropriate laboratory for analysis. When received by the laboratory, specific patient information  621  is transferred from information device  10  by communicating with workstation  220 , now placed in a laboratory setting, or a laboratory system (not shown). The laboratory will now know from which specific patient  360  the sample came. 
     A similar process may be used to label a patient&#39;s personal items. A patient may enter a medical facility with many valuable personal items, such as hearing aids, jewelry, etc. These personal items are often removed from the patient during treatment. To ensure that such items are returned to the proper patient, and are not misplaced, such items may be stored in a container secured by an information device  10  as described herein. At the time that the personal items are placed in the container, patient identification information is transferred to the information device  10  from the patient identification device  300 , or otherwise obtained therefrom. Healthcare worker identification information, obtained by the information device  10  from a healthcare worker identification device  320 , may also be stored in the information device  10 , to identify the healthcare worker who took the personal items from the patient. The information device  10  will prevent access to the items within the container, or will provide a warning indication, unless the information device  10  is presented the correct identification information from the patient identification device  300  at the time the personal items are to be returned to the patient. For additional security, conventional theft deterrent devices, such as RF detection devices, may be mounted in or on the container or the information device  10  attached thereto. These devices, in combination with a conventional theft deterrent system, may be employed to prevent the container with personal items therein from being removed from, e.g., a hospital or other area without a warning being provided. 
     For additional security, when specific patient information  621  is read from the identification device  300  by the information device  10 , it may be accompanied by a secret code generated by the identification device  300  or the information device  10  at that time. The secret code is recorded, e.g., in the memory of the identification device  300  and the memory of the information device  10 . When the container  100  is to be opened, e.g., to return items to a patient, both the patient identification information and the secret code are retrieved from the identification device  300  by the information device  10  and compared with the identification information and secret code stored therein. Access to the container is allowed only if both the retrieved identification information and retrieved secret code match the stored identification information and secret code. 
     Another example of a system for labeling medical samples in accordance with the present invention is shown in  FIG. 34 . A tube or vial  1002 , such as a glass tube, is used to collect blood or other specimens from a patient. (Note that the tube  1002  may be any type of container, including, e.g., a slide, etc. for holding a sample or other item.) For example, tube  1002  may be inserted into a blood syringe to withdraw blood from a patient. After the blood or other sample has been collected, the tube  1002  is closed by a cap  1006 . The tube  1002  preferably has an electronic memory device  1008  attached to it. The memory device  1008  may be implemented in a form similar to that used by Smart Cards. The memory device  1008  may be attached to a flex circuit  1009  that includes electrically insulated conductors  1010  leading to exposed electrical contacts  1012 . The flex circuit  1009  may be attached to the tube  1002  on the outer surface thereof with an epoxy or other adhesive. 
     A container  100 , as described previously, may be designed to receive and hold the tube  1002 . For example, container  100  may include a base  104 , a compartment  108  adapted for containing the tube  1002 , a lid  122 , and a hinge  1020 , such as a living hinge. Lid  122  may include a projecting tab  124  with a hole  125  formed therein. The tab  124  is positioned on the lid  122  so as to enter an opening  1022  in the container  100  when the lid  122  is closed. The container  100  may include an integral information device  10 , similar to those previously described. The information device  10  may include an activation button  16 , a transceiver  22  to read specific patient identification information  621  from a patient identification device  300 , as described previously, an optional display  34 , and audible alert  18  devices. The information device  10  may include a processor, battery, and memory, as described previously. 
     An exemplary and typical use of the system illustrated in  FIG. 34  follows. After a blood or other sample has been drawn or taken, and placed within the tube  1002 , the tube  1002  is capped  1006  and placed in the compartment  108  in the container  100 . (Additional compartments  108  may be provided in the container  100  to hold multiple tubes  1002 , or one or more large compartments may be formed in the container  100  to hold multiple tubes  1002 .) Lid  122  is rotated about hinge  1020  so that projecting tab  124  enters opening  1022 , thereby closing the tube  1002  within the compartment  108 . A healthcare worker may then press activation button  16  such that information device  10  is placed in communication with a patient identification device  300 . In the same process as described previously, specific patient information  621  is transferred from the patient identification device  300  to the information device  10 . Such patient information may be displayed on display  34 . The information device  10  may also issue an audible acceptance tone using alert device  18  and activate a locking mechanism to lock the lid  122  closed. (The locking mechanism may include a solenoid which is activated to extend into hole  125  formed in the projecting tab  124  to secure the lid  122  to the base  104  of the container  100 .) The sample contained in the tube  1002 , within the container  100 , will be sent to, for example, a laboratory for analysis, bearing the specific patient information  621  from the patient information device  300  in a manner that ensures that the sample will not be confused with a sample from another patient. When the container  100  is received in the laboratory, the specific patient information  621  may be read from the information device  10  positively to identify the patient from whom the sample was drawn. 
     The compartment  108  formed in the container  100  may be equipped with electrical contacts  1030  designed to mate with the contacts  1012  formed on the tube  1002  when the tube  1002  is placed in the compartment  108 . When information device  10  reads specific patient information  621  from an identification device  300 , a portion of this information can be written by the information device processor, via contacts  1030  and  1012 , to memory device  1008  mounted on the tube  1002 . The date and time can also be written to the memory device  1008  by the information device  10 . As previously discussed, transceiver  22  can also be used to read healthcare worker information  681  from a healthcare worker identification device  320 . The information device  10  may also transfer a portion of this information to the memory device  1008  on the tube  1002 . Thus, all necessary identification information may be provided in the memory device  1008  mounted on the tube  1002  itself. Therefore, the information device  10  itself need not include memory of its own for storing such information. When the laboratory removes the tube  1002  from the container  100  for analysis, the laboratory will be able to identify, e.g., which patient the sample came from, the time it was drawn, and who drew the sample, from memory device  1008  mounted on the tube itself. 
     As a further enhancement, the information device  10  may be previously programmed with selected patient information  520 , the type of sample that is to be obtained, and the type of laboratory analysis to be performed on the sample. Compartment  108  may contain one or more empty tubes  1002 . Container  100  is brought to the patient and transceiver  22  is used to read specific patient information  621  from a patient identification device  300 . A comparison is performed between selected patient information  520  and specific patient information  621 . If there is a match, the lid  122  of the container  100  may be allowed to be opened such that the healthcare worker can remove the tube  1002  for use. The type of sample that is to be obtained may be displayed at this time on the display  34 . 
     Updating of Information Relating to Container Contents 
     An information device  10  attached to a container  100  may preferably be adapted to receive updated information relating to the contents of the container. Such communication may be accomplished in a conventional manner via direct or wireless connection between the information device and a computer network. (Such communications may be received by the information device  10  via the internal communication device  22  or via a separate communication device for receiving such communications.) The updated information relating to the contents of the container may indicate a required change to the container contents. The information device  10  may display such a required change, e.g., on display  34 , or provide an audible or other visual indication indicating such a required change. Such a display or indication may be provided when the information is received, when the container is to be opened, or when an identification verification is attempted or performed. 
     For example, as discussed previously, a container  100  may include medication and an attached information device may include dispensed medication information  580  stored therein. If a patient&#39;s prescription changes, e.g., medication is to be added or deleted, after the medication is dispensed into the container, but before the medication is delivered to the patient, this required change may be communicated to the information device, and presented to a health care worker. Thus, a patient can be assured to receive the proper prescription. Information concerning required changes to other information, such as the timing of providing medication to a patient, may also be communicated to the information device. 
     Infusion Pump Control 
     In an alternate embodiment of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 33 , the information device  10  may be connected to or integrally formed as part of a fluid dispensing system, such as an infusion pump  970 . In the event that the information device identification information  520  and the identification device identification information  621 , obtained from a patient identification device  300 , correspond correctly to each other, then the information device  10  can activate a response function in the form of, e.g., allowing the infusion pump motor to operate to dispense fluid from an IV bag  170 , unlocking a compartment  971  on the infusion pump  970  to allow the IV bag  170  to be mounted thereon, and/or providing an audible or visual indication, as discussed previously. Healthcare worker information  681  also may be required to be transferred from a healthcare worker identification device  320  to information device  10 , and a comparison performed, in the manner described previously, to determine if the healthcare worker is authorized to operate the infusion pump  970 . 
     In another preferred embodiment, an information device  10  in accordance with the present invention, which is separate from the infusion pump  970 , may be employed as part of an infusion pump control system. The infusion pump  970  may include a conventional infusion pump controller which controls, e.g., the flow rate and flow duration from the IV bag  170  (or multiple IV bags). A conventional receiver/transmitter, similar to the receiver/transmitter  22 , may be provided in the infusion pump  970  for allowing infusion pump control information (for example, flow rate, duration, and IV type) to be received by the infusion pump controller. The information device  10  may have such infusion pump control information stored therein, and may communicate such information, via the communication device  22 , to the infusion pump controller. The information device  10  may be attached to the IV bag  170 , as shown, for example in  FIG. 7  or the IV bag  170  put in a container including an information device, as shown in  FIG. 10 . Alternatively, the infusion pump control information, including information identifying for whom the IV  170  is prescribed, may be provided on the IV bag  170  itself, e.g., in the form of a bar code label  973  or memory device  974 , such as a conventional RF identification device or solid state memory device, mounted on the IV bag in a conventional manner. In such a case, the information device  10  mounted in the infusion pump would include a conventional device, e.g., a bar code reader, RF identification device reader, etc., for reading the identification information from the IV bag  170 . The information device  10  and IV bag  170  (or just the IV bag  170 , if the infusion pump control information is provided directly thereon) are transported to the infusion pump where the infusion pump control information is downloaded from the information device  10  (or obtained from the IV bag  170  bar code  973  or memory device  974 ) into the infusion pump controller, and the IV bag  170  is attached to the infusion pump  970 . (A comparison of patient identification information stored in (or on) the information device with patient identification information stored in the infusion pump controller may also be performed, in the manner described above. In this case, the infusion pump controller acts as a peripheral identification device  355  having memory contents including specific patient information.) The infusion pump controller may provide a confirmation indication and/or a signal to the information device  10  that the desired infusion pump control information was received. This confirmation information may be recorded in the information device  10  for later transmission to a database, as described above. Alternatively, the information device  10  may merely store the fact that the infusion pump control information was communicated to the infusion pump controller. 
     This system may be employed in combination with the identification verification system described above, to ensure that the correct patient receives the correct IV prescription. For example, an information device  10  attached to, or otherwise associated with, an IV bag  170 , may include infusion pump control information, including information identifying for whom the IV  170  is prescribed. (Alternatively, as discussed above, such information may be provided by a bar code  973  or memory device  974  mounted on the IV bag  170  itself.) Such information may be read into and stored in the infusion pump controller at the time the IV bag  170  is mounted on the infusion pump  970  and the IV is administered to the patient. As subsequent replacement or additional IV bags  170  are brought to the infusion pump  970 , the infusion pump control information, including patient identification information, associated therewith, is obtained by the infusion pump controller. The infusion pump controller, acting as an information device, compares the patient identification information thus obtained with the patient identification information obtained from the first IV bag  170  (e.g., from the information device  10  attached thereto) which was provided to the infusion pump  970 . In the event that the identification information corresponds correctly to each other, the infusion pump controller/information device can activate a response function to, e.g., allow the subsequent IV bag  170  to be mounted on the infusion pump  970 , allow the infusion pump  970  to dispense fluid from the subsequent IV bag  170 , and/or provide an audible or visual (or other) indication. Thus, in this manner, the first IV bag  170  attached to the infusion pump  970  includes patient identification information associated therewith which is read into and stored in the infusion pump information device, to thereby effectively assign the infusion pump  970  for use by a single patient, and no other, thereby assuring that a patient will receive correct IV prescriptions. 
     Applications in Other Fields 
     Although the above-described apparatus is of particular use in medical and hospital administration applications, its advantages can be utilized in other fields as well. For example, a verification apparatus in accordance with the present invention may be especially useful in an industrial setting where individual components are shipped from one location to another. As a system for tracking the location and access to certain components, the verification apparatus contains an information device  10 , an identification device  300 , and a container  100 . Industrial components may be locked in the container  100  by a locking mechanism controlled by the information device  10 . When an individual wishes to retrieve the components from the container  100 , the identification device  300 , including identification device identification information  621 , is presented to the information device  10 . The information device  10  proceeds to compare its own information device identification information  520  with the identification device identification information  621 . If the two pieces of information correspond to each other, then a response signal is activated. In one embodiment of the invention, the response signal activates the unlocking of the container  100 . Alternatively, or additionally, the response signal may control an audible or visual indication. 
     It should also be understood that the roles of the information device and identification device described herein may be interchanged for some activities. For example, identification information may be sent from an information device to an identification device, with the comparison of information described above performed in the identification device. If the identification comparison is favorable, the identification device may issue an audible or visual alert and/or send a response signal to the information device to provide an alert and/or unlock the lid of a container. 
     Application to Container Labeling 
       FIGS. 35 to 45  show another embodiment of the invention related to the labeling of containers (e.g., blood sample tubes, blood slides, urine samples, or other non-medical containers and objects). These containers have two and in some cases three states. The first state is an empty or substantially empty state. Empty has the normal meaning of being unfilled, while substantially empty means that the container may have a reagent or chemical preservative, but the container is not yet filled for the purpose intended. For example, in the case of a blood tube, the tube may have one or more preservatives or reagents in powder or as a interior coating, but when supplied is not yet filled. When the container is a glass slide, a plastic bio-chip, or diagnostic assay tray it may contain a reagent that causes reaction with a specific blood or other sample obtained from a patient, but is deemed to be substantially empty until a sample is collected in or on it. The container is substantially empty even if the amount of the sample provided to it is only a fraction of the volume or weight of the chemical or reagent added to the container. 
     The second state is when the container is filled, that is, after a biological sample has been collected. For example, after blood is drawn into a blood tube, or urine into a sample cell, or blood onto a slide. The third state is a testing state, where the filled container is analyzed in a laboratory or laboratory analyzer during which additional chemicals can be added to the container or the container can be subjected to light, radio waves, magnetic pulses, electrical pulses, sound, gravitational effects, or other energy sources. 
     Specifically,  FIGS. 35 and 36  show commonly used blood sample container  1100  with cap  1006  having a central puncture membrane  1102  and tube  1002 . The diameter of cap  1006  is D 1  and the diameter of tube  1002  is D 2  which is less than D 1  creating ledge  1104  around the bottom of cap  1006 . Partially attached to the vertical wall of tube  1002  is identification label  1110 . Label  1110  can be made of paper or special non-tear printable materials can also be used. 
     Label  1110  is shown consisting of 3 sections; pre-adhered section  1112 , spacer section  1114 , and printing section  1116  with distal end  1117 . Section  1112  is of length L 0 , for example 2 mm. Sections  1114  and  1116  are not attached to tube  1002  and are of lengths L 1  and L 2  respectively. The height of label  1110  is H 1 . Note that label  1110  is positioned so that it is a distance H 2  below ledge  1104 . 
     Label  1110  has a front surface  1118  and a back surface at least partially coated with a conventional adhesive coating (not shown) protected by release liner  1120 . By removing release liner  1120  the adhesive is exposed allowing a healthcare worker to wrap the exposed adhesive coated back surface of label  1110  around tube  1002 , as seen in  FIG. 36 , now showing distal end attached to tube  1002  and not covering printed section  1116 . When desired a gap may be left between distal end  1117  and the adhered end  1119  of label  1110  so the contents of container  1100  can be seen along the vertical wall of tube  1002 . 
     It should be noted that dimension L 2  should be less than the circumference of tube  1002 , that is L 2 &lt;=D 2 *PI (approx. 3.1415), so that important printed material on section  1116  is not covered over as label  1110  is wrapped around tube  1002 . As previously mentioned in some cases (L 0 +L 1 +L 2 )&lt;(D 2 *PI−2 mm) to ensure a visual gap is provided between distal end  1117  and adhered end  1119 . 
     Label  1110  can include preprinted bar code  1122  which can be used to identify the type and size of container  1100 . The type data can include information identifying special reagents that are in container  1100 . Bar code  1122  can also be a unique serial number that can be used to identify container  1100 , although in that case determining what type of container it is may require communication with a database to map the serial number to container type information or bar code  1122  may include both a unique number and identify the type of container. 
     Label  1110  is typically preprinted with other text  1124  describing the manufacturer, the purpose it is to be used for, the container size, expiration date, and any other pertinent data. In many cases cap  1006  is colored  1007  to indicate a specific purpose. Typically label  1110  has colored indicia  1125  to match color  1007  of cap  1006 . Label  1110  also has print area  1116 , where text and or bar code information can be printed regarding specific information relating to the blood sample being collected. For example this may include the patient name  623  from whom the blood was collected, the time, the healthcare worker who collected the sample. In some cases this information is correlated to a unique serial number bar code that is printed on label  1110  and the other text information is transferred to a database by wireless communication, for example using 802.11 or cellular communication standards. In either case the information about the collected sample and container  1100  are associated with each other. 
     Label  1110  can also be configured with an electronic memory or tag  1130 , for example an RFID tag. Tag  1130  may be used with or instead of bar code  1122 . In some cases tag  1130  may only be read, while in other cases it can be written to and read. 
     It is anticipated that label  1110  will be wrapped around tube  1002  for shipping, but not adhered and freely extended for use. 
       FIG. 37  shows another embodiment of label  1110 . Clear overcoat section  1134  has been added to label  1110 . Section  1134  is of length L 3  and height H 3  and has distal end  1136  and the back surface is at least partially coated with a transparent adhesive (not shown) protected by release liner  1120 . In this embodiment of label  1110 , sections  1114  and  1116  need not have any adhesive. 
     The purpose of section  1134  is to protect information printed on section  1116  from wear, solvents or damage. By removing release liner  1120  the healthcare worker can wrap label  1110  around tube  1002 . Section  1134  is designed so it will wrap over any important printed material on section  1116 .  FIG. 38  shows distal end  1136  of section  1134  extending beyond distal end  1117  of section  1116 . It is anticipated that L 3  will be equal to or larger than the circumference of tube  1002 , such that L 3 &gt;=D 2 *PI, however, it may be shorter. Overcoat section  1134  being transparent allows the contents of container  1100  to be seen when a gap is to be maintained be maintained between distal end  1117  and the attached end of label  1110 . 
     When desired section  1134  height H 3  is greater than H 1 , so when section  1134  is wrapped around tube  1002  overcoat section  1134  completely covers section  1116 , encapsulating section  1116  while leaving text  1124  and print area  1126  visible for reading or bar code recognition. 
       FIGS. 39 to 42  show information device or printer assembly  1150  with housing  1151  which may be hand held or incorporated as part of a portable cart or tray. Information device  1150  has most of the components shown in  FIG. 11  as well as having wireless communication module  1152  (using for example a 802.11 or cellular communication standard), machine code reader  1154  (for example a bar code reader, magnetic strip reader, or an RFID reader or reader/writer), printer  1156 , and internal RFID tag reader/writer  1184  all in communication with processor  50 . Bar code reader  1154  may be external to housing  1151  connected by a cable or it can be a separate device that communicates with processor  50  like identification device  320 , a handheld code reader or a conventional PDA. 
     Housing also has opening  1160  sized to accommodate tube  1002 . Opening  1160  is formed by walls  1161  in housing  1151  so as to laterally support tube  1002 . In some cases opening  1160  is designed to prevent cap  1006  from entering opening  1160 , so that ledge  1104  rests on the top of housing  1151  when tube  1002  is inserted in opening  1160  (see  FIG. 40 ). Walls  1161  may be elongated so as to allow a variety of different length tubes  1002  to be placed in opening  1160  so that ledge  1104  rests against the top of housing  1151 . In this manner the top edge of label  1110  is always positioned properly relative to printer  1156  by distance H 2 . 
     Projecting from opening  1160  is slot  1162  designed to allow label  1110  to pass into housing with tube  1002 . When label  1110  is long, for example when it uses overcoat section  1134 , label  1110  can pass through slot opening  1164 , allowing for a variety of labels to use used with device  1150 . 
     Printer  1156  is positioned within housing  1151  and can use any of the conventional printing techniques such as ink jet, thermal, thermal transfer, or when label  1110  is constructed of electronic paper, such as from e-Ink Corp. or the like, printer  1156  is an interface used to program or “print” to the electronic paper. Note, when electronic paper is used label can be “printed” to externally from housing  1151 , or by connection to a connector (not shown) on device  1150 . 
     Printer  1156  is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 41 and 42 . Now visible are print head  1172  (for example an inkjet cartridge), drive belts  1174  and  1176  driven by drive gears  1175 . In this manner print head  1172  can be swept in an X-Y motion across front surface  1118  of print area  1126  of section  1116 . Tension roller  1178  is used to pull a portion of label  1110  so that it remains flat and to draw label  1110  fully into printer  1156 . Supporting the back side of label  1110  is plate  1180  which may be under pressure from springs  1182 . Some print technologies such as thermal printing do not require both X and Y movement. 
     Most printer assemblies need a specific clearance between leading edge  1181  of printer  1156  and wall  1161  of inserted tube  1002 . This distance may be equal to L 1  of spacer section  1114 , an area where the printer is not able to print when label  1110  is attached to container  1100 . 
     RFID reader/writer  1184  is shown as part of plate  1180 , but may be positioned elsewhere and can when desired be on the exterior of housing  1151 , for example reader (/writer)  1154 . 
     In some cases an accessory ring  1190  with underside ledge  1192  may be placed around tube  1002 . This can also be arranged distance H 3  above label  1110 , so that when a very long tube is placed in opening  1160  ledge  1192  rests on the top surface of housing  1151 . In this case the position of label  1110  relative to printer  1156  is maintained. However, other physical characteristics of container  1100  can be used to ensure label  1110  and printer  1156  care aligned. 
     It is anticipated that, in at least some embodiments, a label may be pre-wrapped around and adhered to tube  1002 . In this case, printer  1156  may be designed to print to print area  1126  while tube  1002  is rotated by drive rollers or the like. Preferably an alignment indicia such as a preprinted marker or a physical detent can be used to indicate to printer  1156  the orientation of label  1110  in printer  1156  so the printed text and/or codes are properly printed along label  1110 . However as before the label  1110  is precisely positioned vertically relative to a fixed physical aspect of container  1100 . 
     While not shown information device  1150  can be equipped to rotate container  1100  from the bottom, as opposed to radially, to ensure proper mixing of the blood sample with the reagent in cases where the blood sample is added to the reagent prior to printing activity. In some cases the number of rotations is determined by reading a code or other indication printed on label  1110  by the manufacturer. 
     Operation of Container Label Printer 
     In at least some embodiments, operation of device  1150  in many aspects parallels that of device  190  of  FIG. 10  and device  100  of  FIG. 34 , with a few extra steps. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 12 , a work order for a blood sample may be entered at workstation  220  or the like and stored in database  264 . Referring to  FIG. 44 , the work order can be printed as a blood collection work order  1200  on paper sheet  1201  and given to a healthcare worker. Exemplary work order  1200  includes a patient&#39;s name or identification number  1202 , a corresponding patient identification bar code  1204  and an order bar code  1206 . In at least some embodiments bar code  1204  is not a direct match for the patient identification number  622  found on identification device  300 , so code  1204  cannot be accidentally read instead of bar code  319  or reading  318  (see  FIG. 14 ) to obtain the patient identification number. For example, code  1204  may be the patient identification number  622  in reverse order or with an “X” preceding the number. 
     Also printed on the paper sheet is a list of the types of blood collection containers where the list specifies container type via text  1208  and bar code  1210  as well as via a color code  1212  (assuming work order  1200  is printed using a color capable printer) that matches the color code  1007  of a cap  1006  of an appropriate container  1100  (i.e., the container with the appropriate reagent for a specific test). The container list is presented in a specific sequence (see numbers  1211 ) that indicates the appropriate sequence in which blood should be drawn by the healthcare worker (i.e., the printed sequence should be used by the healthcare worker as a guide in the proper sequence selection of blood tubes  1100 ). 
     Not all the information or bar codes described above need to be printed on order sheet  1201  and additional information not discussed can be provided. For example, order bar code  1206  can be read and the other information can be retrieved by device  1150  using wireless module  1152  in communication with database  264 . 
     In some embodiments work order sheet  1201  need not be printed. Instead device  1150  using reader  1154  can be used to read specific patient information  621  from patient identification device  300  and communicate information  621  to database  264  using wireless module  1152 . Upon receiving a patient identifying number, database  264  or a processor associated therewith can then search for work order  1200  corresponding to specific patient information  621  and communicate work order  1200  to device  1150 . 
     In the present example, after one or more blood tests have been ordered for a patient, a healthcare worker with container(s)  1100  and an exemplary information device  1150  proceeds to the patient&#39;s room. The healthcare worker uses reader  1154  to read the bar codes  1204 ,  1206 , and  1210  from the paper identifying the patient, the order and the types of containers to be used to draw blood. 
     The worker then uses reader  1154  to read bar code  319  from the wrist band or the like on the patient&#39;s wrist to determine if the patient in the room corresponds to the order on the sheet  1201 . If the patient in the room does not correspond to the order on the sheet, the worker is advised to locate the correct patient. When the patient in the room matches the order on the sheet  1201 , the worker uses sheet  1201  or display  34  to determine the types of containers into which blood is to be collected and the sequence in which the container types are to be filled with blood. The worker selects the appropriate containers  1100  from a stock on hand (for example in a cart, wall dispenser, cupboard, or tote). Using the color codes  1212  printed on the sheet  1201  greatly helps worker in selecting the correct containers  1100 . When display  34  is a color display it can present the color matching the container cap color  1007  as well. The worker then uses reader  1154  to read bar code  1122  from the tag  1110  (see  FIG. 35 ) on the selected container  1100 . Device  1150  then determines if the code read corresponds to the type of tube in order  1200  and if it has been read in the correct sequence. If the code  1122  does not match the container type on the order  1200  and the sequence of containers on the order, an alert is presented to the healthcare worker using display  34  or device  18 . If the container type and order are consistent with the order  1200 , the worker draws the blood sample from the patient into container  1100 . 
     Container  1100  is then inserted into opening  1160  and the unattached sections  1114 ,  1116 , and  1134  (when provided) are inserted into slot  1162  of device  1150 . Once again bar code  1122  can be read, now by an internal machine code reader (not shown) to determine that container  1100  corresponds to blood sample work order  1200  and an alert is presented if the container type does not match the work order. RFID reader  1184  (see  FIG. 42 ) can also be used for this purpose. 
     Next, printer  1156  is activated, for example by pressing button  194 . Printer  1156  can use roller  1178  to pull label  1110  tight into printer  1156 , plate  1180  can be pressed against label  1110  by springs  1182  and print head  1172  is passed across surface  1118  so that appropriate text and bar codes can be printed to print area  1126 . In some cases the printed information applied to area  1126  will include the name and an identity bar code associated with the patient from which blood was drawn, a blood sample identifier corresponding to a specific order, the current date and time from clock  66 , healthcare worker identity  683 , the ordering physician, etc. In some cases, RFID tag reader/writer  1184  can be used to write order information to RFID tag  1130  along with or instead of using print head  1172 . 
     In yet another embodiment a handheld code reader, device  320  or PDA (person digital assistant not shown) equipped with reader  1154  can be used to read information from identification devices  300  and/or  320 , order codes  1204 ,  1206 ,  1206 , as well as bar code  1122  or tag  1130 . The handheld code reader can be used to perform any comparisons against the blood collection order or can communicate wirelessly with database  264  or a remote processor to perform any comparisons. Various indicators can be used to indicate to the healthcare worker the status of the comparisons. The PDA can then transfer information about the patient, healthcare worker, containers  1100 , and work order  1200  to device  1150  to complete the step of printing label  1110  when container in inserted in opening  1160 . 
     After comparisons and printing and/or writing, container  1100  is removed from device  1150 , release liner  1120  is removed and sections  1114 ,  1116 , and  1134  (when provided) are wrapped around tube  1002 . The next container  1100  on the order list (see  FIG. 44 ) is obtained, confirmed using device  1150 , used to collect blood, labeled via device  1150  and so on. After blood has been drawn into each of the containers on the order list and each container has been properly labeled, the labeled containers  1100  are sent to the lab for processing. 
     In an alternate embodiment, after at least one order for a blood test has been generated for a patient, a healthcare worker uses device  1150  to access the order via wireless module  1152  and, upon receiving the order, goes to the patient&#39;s room to collect the blood sample. Once in the patient&#39;s room the worker uses reader  1154  to read bar code  319  from the patient&#39;s identification device or memory contents  620  via device  318 . Specific patient information  621  gathered is used to re-access the patient blood collection work order  1200  either already stored in memory  62  or to again obtain the order from database  264  using wireless communication module  1152 . The specific types of containers  1100  are identified in work order  1200  and the worker presents the correct containers  1100  to reader  1154 , is provided with an indication that the containers match work order  1200  (e.g., via display  34 ), collects the blood, and inserts containers  1100  into opening  160  for printing as described above. 
     It should be noted that the printing operation ensures that label  1110  is always in a fixed position relative to cap  1006  or to another positioning limiter, for example ring  1190  or the tip of tube  1002 . This guarantees that the processing lab system gets precisely positioned labels  1110  on containers  1100  and that labels  1110  correspond to the types of containers used for specific orders. 
     The above processes also ensure that the information printed in print area  1126  or recorded to tag  1130  is correct. As an extra precaution, a timer can be activated by using clock  66  to ensure that the time that passes between the first activity of processing an order (for example reading a patient identifier  320  or reading order  1200 ) and the last activity (for example printing label  1110 ) must take place within a specific threshold period of time, for example within 3 minutes plus 30 seconds for each additional container used. If the time period exceeds the threshold period of time, an alert can be presented to the healthcare worker and the patient identification device  300  may have to be reread to prevent any chance for blood to be mislabeled for the wrong patient. Here, the alert may be either audible, visual (i.e., a blinking LED or a message via display  34 ) or a combination of both. 
     Device  1150  can be used to print information to unattached section  1116  of label  1110  attached at section  1112  to a medical glass slide, a plastic bio-chip, or diagnostic assay tray  1213  (see  FIG. 45 ) to identify a specific patient from whom a sample was collected. Slide  1213  has front surface  1214  and rear surface  1215 . Slide  1213  can be printed by inserting it and label  1110  into slot  1194  of device  1150  allowing label  1110  to extend into printer  1156  so front surface  1118  of label  1110  can be printed and tag  1130  written to as seen in  FIG. 46 . While slot  1194  is designed to let slide  1213  be passed into it, slot  1198  is designed to prevent slide  1213  from entering printer  1156  by being undersized compared to the dimensions of slide  1213 . 
     When release liner  1120  (if provided as sections  1114  and  116  need not have any adhesive applied to them) is removed, label  1110  can be wrapped around and adhered to surface  1215 . It should be noted that sections  1114  and  1116  are dimensioned such that, when wrapped around and attached to slide  1213 , do not cover, obscure, or interfere with any of the sensing features of slide  1213 , for example electrical contacts  1216 , optically transparent section  1217 , sample cells  1218 , etc. 
     As in the case of the containers above, work order  1200  information can be compared with bar code  1122  or tag  1130  information in  FIG. 45  to determine that tray  1213  is the correct type of slide  1213  or assay to be used for the order. Also a portion of patient information  621 , healthcare worker information  681 , and the date/time can be printed on label  1110  or recorded to tag  1130 . 
     Advanced Container Selection and Labeling System 
       FIG. 47  shows another exemplary information device or container selection and labeling system  1220 . System  1220  is similar to device  1150 , but is equipped with several additional features. System printing device  1222  can either be carried by hand, be part of a cart, or installed in a fixed location. Device  1222  has one or more package recesses  1224  and a machine code reader  1154  and forms an opening  1160  and slot  1162  for receiving container  1100  and label  1110  for printing/writing in a fashion similar to that described above with respect to device  1150 . Device  1222  further includes a processor and memory (not shown but akin to the processor  50  and memory  62  illustrated in  FIG. 11  above) and may include a printer  1226  for printing paper documents such as work orders  1200 . In some cases printer  1226  may be used instead of a printer  1156  to print secondary adhesive label  1227  that is adhered to tube  1002 . Label  1227  can be used instead of section  1116  and can be printed with a color code to match the color code  1125  of the container  1100  to which it is to be adhered to. 
     Exemplary device  1222  further includes display  34 , button  194 , indicator lights  965  adjacent to and for identifying each recess  1224  or its location, and a wireless communication module  1152 . All these electronic components are in communication with the device processor. 
     Recess  1224  is designed to receive package  1230  holding multiple containers  1100  of a similar type (i.e., including the same reagent). Each recess can be identiifed using indicator lights  965  or printed label or recess identifier  1223 . Package  1230  can be divided into separate cells  1232  to house individual containers  1100 . For maximum packing density it is assumed that label  1110  is rolled around, but not adhered to the wall of tube  1002 . To identify the types of containers  1100  in packages  1230  the walls of the packages can be color coded  1234  to match the colors  1125  of caps  1006 , have text identifying container  1100  type, and bar code  1236  and/or RFID tag  1238  also to identify package  1230  to device  1222 . 
     When package  1230  is inserted into recess  1224  device  1222  can read bar code  1236  or RFID tag  1238  using a reader (not shown) in the interior of opening  1224 . Alternately bar code  1236  or RFID tag  1238  can be read by reader  1154  and button  194  can be used to identify which recess  1224  package  1230  is being placed into. In this manner device  1222  can determine which type of container is housed in package  1230  placed in any of the different recesses  1224 . Device  1222  can also determine the inventory of container  1100  in package  1230  by using bar code  1236  or RFID tag  1238  to obtain an initial quantity and then monitoring usage of containers  1100  of each specific type to deduct from the initial quantity maintained. 
     Containers  1100  that are rarely used and therefore not justifying a separate package  1230  may be housed in a separate drawer or other carrier. 
     Labeling system  1220  can be used much like device  1150 . The system  1220  processor receives an order, for example via wireless communication module  1152  in communication with database  264  or by using reader  1154  to read order sheet  1201 . Reader  1154  is used to read patient device  318  or bar code  319  to determine that the patient selected matches the patient corresponding to the order. 
     As discussed above a handheld code reader or a PDA with reader  1154  can be used to obtain patient, healthcare worker, and container information that are transferred to device  1222 . Device  1222 , after receiving work order  1200 , can verify that specific patient information  621  matches patient identification code  1204 . When there is no match, device  1222  provides an alert. When a match occurs, device  1222  may provide a verification signal. 
     Device  1222  then determines types of containers  100  that need to be selected according to the order. Device  1222  can use display  34  to indicate which containers  1100  are to be use and in what sequence and present a color code corresponding to the container color code  1125 . When device  1222  maintains a list of what packages  1230  have been inserted into recesses  1224  (for example by reading bar code  1236  or RFID tag  1238 ), device  1222  can indicate that one or more containers  1100  is to be removed from a specific package  1230  by using display  34  in conjunction with activating the indicator  965  adjacent to the correct package  1230 . 
     The healthcare worker removes the appropriate container  1100  from package  1230  or from a separate drawer and uses reader  1154  to read bar code  1122  or RFID tag  1130  to identify each container  1100 . If a match occurs, the worker obtains the blood sample in the container. If a match does not occur, an appropriate alert is presented to the worker via device  1222 . An alert can also be presented if the wrong type of container  1100  is selected or selected out of the recommended sequence. 
     After obtaining the blood sample container  1100  is placed in opening  1160  and label  1110  in slot  1162  for printing as described for device  1150 . It is anticipated that device  1222  may also remove release liner  1120  and automatically rotate container  1100  so that label  1110  is wrapped and adhered to tube  1002 . 
     It is also anticipated that device  1222  can rotate container  1100  about a substantially vertical axis so as to mix the blood sample with the reagents of container  1100 . The number of rotations can be determined by information printed on label  1110 . 
     Medication Container Labeling 
       FIGS. 48 to 50  show a medication container labeling system.  FIG. 48  shows medication container  1250  with attached label  1110  where the container does not include a cap (a cap may be provided). Label  1110  is attached by section  1112  and has spacer section  1114  and print section  1116 . As above, adhesive is applied to at least a portion of the back surface of label sections  1114  and  1116  and the adhesive is protected by a release liner  1120 . 
     Bar code  1122  can be preprinted on label  1110  to identify the type of container, its shape, size, or other characteristics associated with the container. Label  1110  can also have a memory tag  1130 , for example an RFID tag, attached to it. Label  1110  may also have optional flag labels  1256  and  1258 . Labels  1256  and  1258  can be printed with special instructions concerning specific medications or dosing regimens. Labels  1256  and  1258  are separated from section  1116  and can be removed individually and applied to container  1250  as needed after or before sections  1114  and  1116  are wrapped around and adhered to container  1250 . Labels  1256  and  1258  may also be color coded to attract attention (e.g., red for caution). 
     Container  1250  has a diameter of D 3  and section  1116  has a length of L 2  such that L 2 &lt;D 3 *□ so section  1116 , when wrapped around container  1250 , does not cover over any of the printed text. 
       FIG. 49  shows printing device  1260  similar to device  1150  with all or most of the same electronic elements of device  1150 . In this example, medication may be dispensed into container  1250  according to a work order  1200 . Either before, while, or shortly after filling interior  1252  of container  1250  with medication  212 , unattached sections  1114  and  1116  are inserted into slot  1162  and printer  1156  will print information (for example selected patient information  520  and/or selected medication dose information  540 ) in print section  1116  to identify the medication in container  1250 , the patient for whom the medication was dispensed, the dosing regimen, etc. Bar code  1122  or tag  1130  can be read by reader  1154  or by an internal reader to determine that the medication being dispensed is appropriate to be dispensed into container  1250 , for example that the quality of medication fit in interior  1252 . 
     Text and bar codes can be printed to print section  1116  and tag  1130  can be written to by device  1260 . Label  1110  is then removed from slot  1162 . Release liner  1120  is removed from the adhesive coated back surface of label  1110 , allowing sections  1114  and  1116  to be wrapped around and adhered to the side walls of container  1250 . Flags labels  1256  and  1258  are removed as appropriate and attached to container  1250  so that they do not obscure printed text on section  1116 . 
     Device  1260  can also used to print labels  1110  for blister packs, medication bottles, or box packaged medication. It is anticipated that container  1250  could be placed in an opening similar to opening  1160  of device  1150  (not shown in  FIGS. 49 and 50 ) and printed. 
     In some cases it is also anticipated that label  1110  can be pre-wrapped and attached to container  1100 . When device  1260  has opening  1160  so container  1100  can be inserted in opening  1160  allowing printer  1156  to print label  1110  while rotating container  1250  (or  1100 ) using friction rollers, a mandrel, or vacuum disk to print on surface  1118 . In this case a registration marker or physical characteristic can be used to align printer  1156  to label  1110 . 
       FIG. 51  shows dispenser  204 , previously seen in  FIG. 12 , now modified with container  1250  placed in access port  218  and being filled with medication  212 . Label  1110  has been inserted in device  1260  which is under control of dispenser  204 , so text and bar codes can be printed on section  1116 . RFID tag  1130  can be written to as well or in other instances can be read as a unique serial number and stored in database  264  along with the prescription regimen for a specific patient that can later be obtained by a remote tag reader (for example at the patient&#39;s home) reading tag  1130  and communicating with database  264 . 
     Ancillary printer  1270 , also under control of dispenser  204 , can print medication instructional sheets  1272  as needed. 
     Object Labeling in Other Fields 
     The use of the present invention is not limited to the medical field or for use only with containers. For example  FIG. 52  shows a work order in the form of a construction plan  1300 , for example a product assembly diagram or architectural plans. The work order includes a plan bar code  1302 , similar to order bar code  1206 , the sequence of construction assembly events, and the specifications  1304  of the material grade or type that is approved for use as well as a corresponding material bar code  1306 . The specifications may be a wire size, a pipe size and strength, a cable type, an approved connector, ASTM designation, or other product characteristics. 
       FIG. 53  shows, by way of example, object  1310  (for example a pipe) with label  1110  attached to it, although label  1110  may be completely adhered to object  1310 . Label  1110  has a bar code  1122  printed on it, and readable text, both of which can identify the size, quality, manufacturer and part number of the associated pipe. Alternately, some or all of the information that can be printed on label  1110  may be pre-printed on the exterior of object  1310 , for example a pipe. For long objects labels  1110  may be attached to the objects  1310  every 5 feet or reprinted on the exterior surface of object  1310  every 2 feet, allowing object  1310  to be cut to a required length for installation, yet preserving the contents of label  1110 . 
     To follow plan  1300 , worker can use device  1150 , device  320  or a PDA equipped with a bar code reader to read material codes  1306 . Next, the worker can read bar codes  1122  from objects  1310 . If an object code  1122  does not match a material code  1306  (albeit they may not be a perfect match to prevent reading material code twice so one may be preceded by an “X”) on a plan or work order, an alert can be provided to the worker to not use the object  1310 . If there is a match between an object code and a work order, device  1150 ,  320 , or PDA can record the date and time when the match was made and affirm the worker in using the part associated with the matched code. 
     When an object includes a label  1110  with unattached sections  1114  and  1116 , the unattached sections can be inserted into device  1150  or  1260  which can print the plan number, the date, worker identifier  681 , and the material information from code  1122 . As before, device  1260  can read bar code  1122  when label  1110  is inserted into slot  1162  to determine if there is a match. Other information can be printed on label  1110 , for example designating a pipe as conveying hot water, oxygen, sewer discharge, direction of flow, etc. If desired release liner  1120  can be removed and label  1110  adhesively attached to object  1310 . 
     Another step that can be followed is to read the bar code  1122  from the adjacent object  1310  to which object  1310  is being attached or with which the object is to be assembled. This additional step can be used to ensure that objects to be attached or assembled together are compatible for use with each other. When an incompatibility is identified, device  1150 ,  320 ,  1260 , or a PDA with reader  1154  can present an alert. When no incompatibility occurs, approval information can be printed on label  1110  or linked to object  1310  via a bar code  1122  or a bar code printed on section  1116  linkable to database  264  to retrieve the other information about object  1310  and its use. 
     While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the broader aspects of the invention. For example, while the blood collection processes described above call for obtaining a blood sample prior to printing information on a label, in at least some embodiments, after confirmation that a container is the correct container for obtaining a blood sample for a specific patient and prior to obtaining the sample, information may be printed on the label and the label attached to the container.

Technology Category: g