NZ624793B2 - System and method for test management and reporting - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a computer implemented method of managing a test enables secure, automated test execution and secure, automated processing of test results. The method includes pre-recording test service requirements at a computer server (2900) transmits a notification of a proposed test to a collector electronic terminal. Then, the server (2900) receives authentication information concerning a collector from the collector electronic terminal; and transmits the test service requirements to the collector electronic terminal. Then, the server (2900) receives encrypted test data concerning a location of the collector electronic terminal, an identification of a test subject, and test sample data. The server analyses the test data to determine that the test has been properly completed; and transmits a signal from the server to the collector electronic terminal, which the signal indicates that the test has been properly completed and also locks access to test data saved on the collector electronic terminal. electronic terminal. Then, the server (2900) receives authentication information concerning a collector from the collector electronic terminal; and transmits the test service requirements to the collector electronic terminal. Then, the server (2900) receives encrypted test data concerning a location of the collector electronic terminal, an identification of a test subject, and test sample data. The server analyses the test data to determine that the test has been properly completed; and transmits a signal from the server to the collector electronic terminal, which the signal indicates that the test has been properly completed and also locks access to test data saved on the collector electronic terminal.

Description

TITLE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TEST MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to test management; In particular, atthough not exclusively. the ion relates to online systems for drug and alcohol test management and reporting.

BACKGROUN'D TQ THE IQN The collection and ission of private, confidential or otherwise sensitive information generally presents risks that the security and privacy of the-information may be breached. in many situations, such as with drug and alcohot g, the recording of private and sensitive personal information can raise significant risks concerning the privacy of individuals, and concerning the reputation and legal ity of employers and organisations assigned to collecting and managing Such infonnation.

Thus the eption or unauthorised public release of such information can have severe consequences for the person ing theinformation (the donor), the person collectingthe information (the collector), the organisation that the hires the tor (the collection agency). and .for the organisation requesting the tion (the requesting authority).

Conventional drug and l test management and. reporting systems generally depend on the expertise and reliability of numerous individuals, including third partiessuch as postal workers, to ensure the accuracy and security of collected data. Test samples and results may be transmitted between numerous locations, which can raise numerous potential points of failure where lapses in accuracy and security can occur.

For example, it often can be difficult to ish a reliable and clear "chain of custody" of a sample between the point of collection and~ the final document storage system! location and for information relating to an individual donor for a sample that is despatched to a confirmation testing location. r, thorough training of test collectors engaged by collection es can be expensive, and significant on-the—job experience can be required to ensure that proper protocols for all required tests are consistently and ly ed. .Even extremely skilled and experienced trained tors can still make errors and omit important information, ally when working within time constraints andvother pressures lly encountered in performing these duties. Required test collection and processing ures can often vary widely across tests. regions (state/ international areas), between organisations. and different matrices (for example urine or saliva drug testing) such that breakdowns in such procedures can generate erroneous results, workplace unresti legal action or require expensive re-testing.

In certain circumstances donors may have taken s ‘ medications prior'to participating in a test and those medications may impact upon the test results returned from samples that they subsequently provide. Such medications are typically declared during the testing s and this tends to be key» information that is typiCally relied upon by .Medical Review Officers (MRO) to compare with screening test results and to evaluate the potential that the person might remain at work. The historical role of the MRO hashtypicaliy been in reviewing test results from final analysis in the laboratory, however with an increased ence of on~site screening, this rOIe' is now also tocused upon screen ’test results and declared medications. However MRO review canbe time consuming and relies upon the availability of the MRO at the precise time of the test to m often rudimentary determinations regarding a donor’s work ready (or other) status.

Therefore there is a need for an improved system and method for test management and reporting.

. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide consumers with improvements and advantages over the above described prior art, and/or overcome and alleviate one'or more of the above described disadvantages of the prior art. and/or provide a useful commercial . ‘ SUMMARY or: THE INVENTION According to one aspect, the invention resides in a computer ‘ implemented method of ng a test, including: pre-recording’ test service requirements 'at a computer server“. transmitting a notification of a proposed test from the server to ,a , 1O collector electronic terminal: receiving at the server, from the tor electronic terminal. ' authentication information concerning a collector; transmitting the test e requirements from the server to the 1 I collector electronic terminal; receiving at the server. from the tor electronic al, encrypted test data concerning a location” of the collector electronic terminal, an identification 'of a test subject, and test sample data; analysing at the server the test data to ine that the test has . been property completed; and' '20 transmitting a signal from the server to the tor onic terminal, which signal indicates that the test has been properly completed and that locks access to test data saved on the collector electronic terminal. ~ ’_ Preferably. the server further processes chain of custody data concerning the test data.

I Preferably, when operating in a networked environment the server transmits signals to the collector electronic terminal that activate in real time specific test procedures required for the test subject; or ably, when operating in a non-networked environment the collector electronic terminal activates in real time specific test procedures for the test subject.

Preferably, the test service ements are selected from one or more of the following: client name and location. a test matrix. identification of a test kit. test site safety instructions, day and time variables (such as proposed arrival, required stay & departure mes), information a concerning on-site communications; identification of test equipment, and test protocols. . ably, the authentication information concerning the collector is obtained using one of the following: entry of a pass code transmitted to an alternative device of the collector. scanningian identification badge. of a pass code of a token synchronised with the computer server, _ entry and entry of a password.

Preferably, using the collector, electronic terminal, the sewer prompts the collector to accept or reject the proposed site visit (job).

Preferably. using .the tor electronic terminal, the server prompts the collector to contact relevant contact persons ming the proposed test. ably, the server transmits job scheduling data, including travel instructions. to the collector electronic terminal, based on a plurality ' ' of proposed tests. ably, position data of the collector electronic terminal is sent periodically from the collector electronic terminal to the sewer.

Preferably, the sewer transmits a ore-test checklist to the collector electronic terminal.

Preferably, data from a st interview is transmitted from the . collector electronic terminal to the sewer before the test is conducted.

Preferably, the sewer analyses the data from the t interview to determine whether any alerts should be itted to the collector electronic terminal.

Preferably, the data from the pretest interview includes test subject medications and test subject health data. , ‘ Preferably, an electronic signature of the test subject is transmitted from the collector onic terminal to the sewer.

Preferably. identifications of test kit elements and equipment, scanned by the collector electronic terminal, are transmitted from the collector electronic terminal to the server. ably, analysing. the test data at the server includes transmitting requests for r test data from the server to the cellector electronic terminal.

Preferably, analysing the test data includes recording image data _ received from the collector electronic terminal.

Preferably, the server transmits to the coliector onic terminal step by step instructions concerning ing and sealing test samples.

Preferably, the step‘by step instructions conceming packaging and sealing test samples es instructions conceming application of labels ‘on test s and test forms. .

Preferably, the server receives signals from the collector electronic terminal indicating whether the test has been temporarily ded.

Preferably, test data that is locked on the collector onic terminal is accessible on the collector electronic terminal using a separate master encryption key.

Preferably, analysis of the test data includes conducting a data ity check.

Alternatively, according toanother aspect, the present invention , resides in a computer implemented method of managing a test, including: pre-recording test e requirements at a collector electronic terminal; processing a notification of a proposed test received at the tor electronic terminal; processing. at the collector electronic terminal encrypted test data concerning a location of the collector electronic terminal, an identification of a test subject, and test sample data; analysing at the collector electronic al the test data to determine that the test has been properly completed; and processing at the tor electronic'terminal 'a signal that indicates the test has been properly completed and that locks access to test data saved on the collector electronic terminal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical . preferred , embodimentsot the invention are described below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: ‘10 illustrates an e of a y of a collector electronic terminal, including a proposed job notice, accordingto an ment of the present invention; illustrates a subsequent display on the display screen of- where a collector logs into a ; illuStrates 'a subsequent display on the display screen of where the collector electronic terminal establishes ' a ' communication link to a computer server of a collection agency; FIG. .4 illustrates a subsequent display on the display screen of FlG.VI1, where'the collector onic terminal records confirmation of acceptance or notification of rejection of a proposed test for sending to the sewer; illustrates a subsequent display on the display. screen of where the collector is reminded to contact a nominated client representative (NCR) at an ted time prior to ng a‘site; illustrates a subsequent display on the display screen of ‘‘ where a test management console is displayed (6 a collector; ( - illustrates a subsequent display on the display screen of FIG.,1. including a testing menu; illustrates a subsequent display on the display screen of including a testing console; illustrates a subsequent display on the display screen of FIG. ‘1, where a travel management console is displayed to a collector. illustrates a subsequent display on the display screen of . including a job travel menu; illustrates a subsequent display on the display screen of FIG I 1, which display13 presented to a collector after a particular job has been selected from the job travel menu n ; FIGs. 12, 13 and 14 illustrate subsequent-displays. on the display ' screen of concerning a test prestart checklist; illustrates a subsequent display on the display screen of where a collector is prompted to scan his or her identification card, or enter 'some biometric identification, such as a fingerprint, using the ‘ ' collector electronic terminal; . illustrates a subsequent display on the display screen of . where donor details of a particular test subject are entered into the tor electronic al; FIG 17 illustrates a subsequent display on the y screen of including identification of an identifiCation means; illustrates a subsequent display on the display screen of where medications declared by a donor are recorded in a table format; ' ‘ ' illustrates a uent display on the display screen of where the collector obtains consent for a test from a test subject; Fle. 20 and 21 illustrate subsequent ys on the display screen of showing active and passive test modes. respectively, of the tor electronic al Fle. 22 and 23 illustrate subsequent displays on the display screen of FIG 1, showing test. integrity checking modes regarding, respectively, urine and saliva tests; FiGs. 24 and 25 illustrate subsequent ys on the display screen of showing execution of drug screening processes using, respectively, urine and saliva; Fle. 26 and 27 illustrate subsequentdisplays on the display screen of which displays guide the collector through a laboratory packaging process; illustrates a subsequent display on the display screen of enabling results to be provided to a third partyiand rates a oomputerlserver, with which the methods of test management and reporting of the present invention may be implemented.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that minor deviations from the layout of components as illustrated in the drawings will not detract from the proper functioning of the. disclosed embodiments of the present ‘ ‘ invention. ~ DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention comprise test management and reporting systems and methods. Elements 'of the invention are illustrated in e outline form in the drawings, showing only those- specific details that are necessary to the understanding of the embodiments of the t invention, but so as not to clutter the. '20 ' disclosure with excessive detail that will be obvious to those of ry skill in the art in light of the present description. ' in this patent specification, ives such as first and. second, left and right, front and back, top and bottom, etc.. are used sclely to define one t or method step from another t or method step without necessarily requiring a specific relative position or seguenoe that is described by the adjectives. Words such as “compriSes" or “includes“ are not used to define an lve set of elements or method steps. Rather. such words merely define a minimum set of elements or method steps includedIn a particular ment of the present invention.

According to one , the invention resides in a computer implemented method of managing a test, including: pre-recording test service requirements at a computer server; transmitting a notification of a proposed test from the server to a collector electronic terminal; receiving at the server, from the tor electronic terminal. authentication information concerning a collector; transmitting the test service reduirements from the server to the collector electronic terminal; ing at the server, "from the collector electronic al, ted test data ning a location of the tor electronic al, an identification of a test subject. and test sample data; decrypting and ing at the server the test data to determine that the test has been properly completed; and transmitting a signal from the server to the collector electronic terminal. which signal indicates that the test, has been properly completed and that locks access to test data saved on the tor. electronic terminal.

Advantages of same embodiments of the present invention include enabling secure, automated test execution and secure, ted processing of test results. This ensuresthat Only the correct tests are properly conducted at the right. time on the correct test subjects, that a clear chain of custody of resulting test samples and test data is achieved and fully nted, and that efficiency is improved in the scheduling, conducting,~ analysis and reporting of tests. These advantages can be achieved through the improved system and method for test management and reporting as described herein. ' Throughout this document the terms job and test are generally . used interchangeably. illustrates an example of a display screen 100 of a collector electronic temiinal. including ' a proposed job notice; ing to. an - embodiment of the present invention. For exampte, consider that the collector electronic terminal is 'a smart phone used by a collector . employed by a drug and aicohol test collection agency. When a computer server of the agency receives a request for one or more drug and alcohol tests from a requesting authority, such as a third party company, or when instigated by a staff member working for the collection agency, the server transmits a notification of a proposed test, in the form of a site visit, to the collector onic terminal. As shown, the display screen 100 of the :smart phone then displays a message such as “You havea job t.

Please login to accept/reject.” As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the collector electronic al alternatively can be another type - of electronic device, such as a notebook computer, personalcomputer or dedicated handheld device. illustrates a subsequent display on the display screen 100, where the collector logs into the sewer. For example, the collector electronic terminal may prompt the tor to scan their ID card and , enter a 2-factor authentication key (etg., from a token, SMS or other unique password). Alternatively, to address the potential for damaged barcodes, an identification can be d using a keypad (not shown) on the collector electronic terminal. An enhanced security option is that the collector electronic terminal can beallocated to only one collector (so that it will only allow input -and scans from one tor). in multi-user “environments, where multiple collectors may use the same collector electronic terminal. this feature can be either disabled or be restricted to operate only with specific collector lD’s. illustrates a subsequent display on the display screen 100, where the collector electronic terminal establishes a communication link to the‘oomputer server of the tion agency. In cases where tokens are onized with the database sewer. an additional level of security can be achieved. After the communication link is established and the collector is successfully authenticated with the server, basic details for a site visit; ' such as location, client name, expected duration, and number of tests required are transmitted to the collector electronic terminal. illustrates a subsequent display on the display screen 100, where the server receives confirmation of acceptance or notification of_ - rejection of the proposed test visit. For example. as shown, the collector is protrided details of a job, such as a four hour site visit to XYZ y, and is prompted to accept. , or view a diary ning other jobs. If the job is rejected, an administrator of the collection agency is notified in order to reschedule the job or to allocate the job to r collector. A collector can be ed of any changes to a scheduled site Visit using a process similar to the above, but fied as a "job amendment.” Further details of a job, such as Safety requirements, prior v notification requirements for specific , and names and dates of birth ‘ot (toners previously tested at a particular location can be used to assist in tire-populating fields for data entry and to reduce errors. In the event that the client has bar coded ID cards, these can also be transmitted to the ' collector electronic terminal to'expedite testing at a scheduled time. All data transferred is encrypted for de—encrypticn on the collector electronic al, and full file er is verified and confirmed by the collector eiectronic terminal. Various standard encryption and - decryption techniques canlbe used, as understood by those having Ordinary skill in the art. '15 FIG; 5 illustrates a'subsequent display on the display screen 100; where the collector is reminded to contact a nominated client representative (NCR) at an appointed time prior to visiting a site. On the - collector electronic terminal. the collector logs in following the process ' described above ning FIG 2, and the s of the confirmed job are then yed on the collector electronic terminal. Confirmation that the NCR has been contacted is then conveyed to the server of the collection agency. An exception query on the server may alert a collection agency administrator of any occasions where the NCR has not been contacted by'the collector by theappointed time. illustrates a subsequent display on the dESpIay screen 100, where a test management e is diaplayed to a collector. Graphical ’ iCOns 600 adapted for a particular test circumstance are shown on the screen 100. The test management console enables the collector~ to navigate to different aspects of the test management spitware. For example, as shown. the console may include subvmenus for travel; calendaring, testing, incident reporting. secure transmissions, and setup ' ' options. illustrates a subsequent display onthe display screen 100, including a testing menu, Given the testing sub-items are associated with- ‘a given job,,the tor first selects a job (e.g., from either a list format or a calendar format).‘ After selecting a given job, the collector is then ted with various options relevant to that job. ' illustrates a subsequent display on the display screen 100, including a testing console. The testing console is used to present to a collector the s options relevant to a particular job. For example, as shovim, the testing console may include options for reviewing, displaying, or editing parameters such as pre-start checks, client details, new tests. incident ing, incomplete tests, and completed tests. illustrates a subsequent display ‘on the display screen 100. where a travel management console is displayed to a collector. This console s the collector to manage, from a single" screen. their daily travels between job sites. For example. as shown. the travel management console can' include s for ting to other features of the v softWare, such as: travel for job. view calendar, other‘travel, incident reporting, transmit travel to server. and a travel log. illustrates a subsequent display on the display screen 100, including a job travel menu. Similar to the testing menu described above, a job can first be selected from either a job list or a ar. illustrates a uent y on the display screen 100, which display is presented to a collector after aparticular job has been selected from the job travel menu shown in HQ. 10. For example. a ‘25 collector can select from the following options ning travel for a particular job: lore-start checks, client details. travel log. incident reporting, I ' incomplete travel, and Completed travel.

Those skilled in the art of the present invention will recognize that other alternative screens may also be ted to a collector, according to alternative embodiments of the ‘ present invention. For example, departure. and arrival screens can be used to nt a collector’s departure to and arrival at a job site. Before a particular test, and after g into the collector electronic terminal, a collector can be prompted to confirm ure to a site, and can be prompted to record the odometer reading on their vehicle. Alternatively, GPS or other positioning software can be used to calculate a distance between the tor’s ' current location and the next job site. The departure details are then transmitted to the collection ’s sewer to monitor the safe travel of the collector and for payment/billing purposes.

The collector electronic al can further prompt entry of odometer readings upon arrival at a job site. An ion query then can be used to prompt, a user in cases where arrival notification from a collector is not received at the collection agency's server Prior to commencement of testing. prestart checklists can be yed to the collector and managed by the collector electronic terminal. For example. use of such ists can ensure that: a testing '15 environment is safe. a testing room is private and secure, there are no environmental contaminants that might affect testing, and that all test equipment is operating properly. In the event of any equipment problems, ' troubleshooting procedures can be automatically downloaded from the server and executed by the collector electronic terminal. Before and during testing the collector electronic terminal may be connected to testing . equipment through a wired or wireless connection, enabling automated ' interaction between the collector electronic terminal and the testing equipment.

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 rates uent displays on the display 100, ning a test prestart checklist. queries r _ screen there are any hazards present in the testing room. queries whether an automated cheek of all connected devices should be initiated by the collector electronic terminal. queries the collector to enter . a risk score on a sliding scale concerning a particular identified hazard 3O risk. An estimate'of the severity of a likely result if the hazard were to occur is also entered by the‘collector using a sliding scale. illustrates a subsequent display on the display screen 100. where a collector is prompted to scan his or her identification card.10r enter some biometric identification, such as a rint. using the collector electronic terminal. illustrates a subsequent display on the'display screen 100. where donor details of a ular test subject are entered into the collector electronic terminal. For test subjects with ously recorded details,. the details can be automatically populated by. for example. scanning an identification of the test subject. illustrates a subsequent display on the display screen 100. including identification of an identification means. For example, the display can te that a donor's staff lD card was sighted by the tor.

FIG. .18 illustrates a subsequent display on the display screen 100, Where medications declared by a donor are recorded in a table format.

Potential consequences of such medications then can be later automatically analysed by the. collector electronic terminal. For example. the collector electronic terminalcan access a list of known compounds that can react with a specific test kit. An alert can then be provided to the collector and the results of rule based analysis can be applied to negate the need for MRO evaluation to determine if the donor is to remain at work. The collector can automatically laminate the test at any time, for examplehif it is Unsafe to continue with. the test. in the event of an - emergency or if the donor elects to discontinue with the test FlG 19 illustrates a subsequent display on the display screen 100. where the collector obtains consent for a test from a test t. For example. the test subject can sign their name using an onic stylus or other form of electronic or biometric‘signature. The collector electronic terminal can tically ensure that a test cannot proceed unless explicit consent from the test subject has been ed.

FiGs. 20 and 21 illustrate subsequent displays on the display screen 100. showing active and passive test modes. respectively, of the collector electronic terminal. For example, alcohol testing is typically. conducted using an electronic-breath alcohol testing device; This may e an initial passive mode alcohol test fellowed by an aetive mode .test (or further active mode tests) or the requesting authority may require that all staff aretested in active mode. less, the collector electronic terminal can guide the tor throughout the process. including. repeated tests in cases where kits fail to operate as required If the requesting authority does not e further testing. apart from alcohol testing, the collector electronic terminal software can guide the collector to 1o 'a reporting n. Data from the breathalyzer equipment can be uploaded to the collector electronic terminal ly or using a wired or connection. . wireless Fle 22 and 23 iilustrate subsequent displays on the display screen 100', showing the identification of the test kit used and test integrity checking modes ing, respectively; urine and/or saliva tests. An important feature of perionning drug screen g is that the test kit used ‘ to perform the test is apprOpriately recorded This can be achieved for example through scanning a barcode appearing on the satchei containing the test kit or built onto the test kit itself. Another important part of performing drug screening is ensuring the integrity of samples collected.

While this tends to be less of an issue with saliva drug testing, there are still precautions that can be followed to reduce the impact ofany tampering and the collector electronic terminal guides the Collector through those precautions. Modem urine screening kits tend to be fully integrated with. integrity tests, for example, OXI = oxidants; CRE = creatinine; pH = y; XXX/ya: alternativecustomizable options.

In situations where a sample fails an l verification, the collector onic terminai automatically requests a further sample, and also executes a process for dispatching the original sample that failed the integrity testing.

FIGs. 24 and 25 iilustrate uent ys on the display screen 100, showing execution of drug screening processes using, .' respectively, urine and saliva. Drug test screening is typically conducted using a strumented device which relies upon visual interpretation of a test panel by a tor. However, various electronic devices: exist that electronically interpret results and display results andlor have printing functionality. In this regard, it is possible that drug testing s will be entered manually by the collector, or read and interpreted by a r or onic reader device connected to the collector electronic terminal. As - with other testing modes, the collector can also record notes relevant to a test.

' In the event that all samples are negative, the tor electronic terminal will automatically guide the collector to complete the testing process, with printing options for donor or. supervisor copies. Otherwise, the collector electronic terminal guides the collector through the lab packaging process. '15 According to still other embodiments of the present invention, the collector electronic al e can be integrated with existing peripheral scanners designed to interpret the s of a specific test and to automatically populate the test results against each of the drug classes for which a test was conducted. That can improve accuracy and remove collector interpretation issues.

FiGs. 26 and 2? illustrate subsequent displays 'on the display screen 100, which displays guide the collector through a laboratory packagingprocess: Encoded seal identification numbers used on sample bottles or vials, such as with barVCOdes, can reduce human error in '25 recording fication ation. Such encoded seal identification numbers can be read' automatically by a scanner or camera incorporated into the tor electronic terminal. Further. requiring an onic signature of a witness when the seal identification numbers are recorded also increases accuracy and Security, and strengthens the chain of -30 custody regarding the samples.

After a test is completed a signal is transmitted from the server to the collector electronic terminal, which signal indicates that the-test has been properly completed and that locks access to test data saved on the collector electronic terminal. That also further ensures data integrity. security and privacy. ' illustrates a subsequent display on the dismay-screen 100. enabling results .to’ be provided to a third party. For example. where - provided for in client g Instructions originally sent to the tor electronic terminal, the collector is ed to obtain an NCR acknowledgment. including a result notification.

In addition to the onality described in detail in the figures, 1O various other functions of the collector electronic terminal are also enabled by the present disclosure. For example. incident reporting can be managed h the collector electronic al, with a broadcast escalation feature that transmits alerts to various parties depending on the nature or severity of an incident. For example, an incident concerning damaged equipment ‘can automatically transmit a report to a maintenance ' organization: but an incident Concerning an acute'health risk to a donor ' can tically generate an emergency call to obtain urgent medical assistance or where the Collector might be under duress an emergency call can instigate prompt aesistance. illustrates an example of -a computer server 2900, with which the methods of test management and reporting of the present invention may be implemented. For example. the server 2900 may- be operated by a drug-and alcohol test tion agency that has equipped several individuals employed as tors with tor electronic terminals: The computer server 2900 includes a central precessor 2902. a ~ system memory 2904' and a system bus 2906 that couples, various system components including coupling the system memory 2904 to thevcentral processor 2902." The system bus 2906 may be any of several types of ' bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus. and a local-bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The structure of system memory 2904 is well known to those skilled in the art and may include a basic input/output system (BIOS) stored in a read only memory (ROM) and one or more program s such as operating systems. application programs and program data stored in random access memory (RAM). - ’ The computer sewer 2900 may also include a variety of interface units and drives for reading and writing data. in particular, the computer server 2900 includes a hard disk interface 2908 and'a remOVable memory interface} 2910 respectively ocupling a hard disk drive 2912 and a removable memory drive 2914 to system bus 2906. Examples of removable memory drives 2914 include magnetic disk drives and l disk drives. The drives and their associated computer-readable media, such as a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) 2916 provide nonvolatile storage of computer readable instructions, data stmctures, m modules and. other data for the computer server 2900. A single hard disk drive 2912 and a single removable memory drive 2914 are shown for illustration purposes only and with the understanding that the computer server 2900 may e several similar drives. Furthermore,‘ the computer server 2900 may include drives for interfacing with other types of computer readable media. 2O The computer server 2900 may e additional interfacesfor ting devices to system bus 2906. shows a universal serial - bus (USB) interface 2918 which may be used to couple a device to the system bus 2906. An IEEE 1394 interface 2920 may be used to couple additional s to the computer sewer 2900. ‘ ' The computer server 2900 can operate in a networked nment - using logical connections to one or more remote computers or other devices, such as a server, a router, a k personal computer. a peer device'or other common network node, a wireless one or wireless personal digital assistant. In particular, the computer server 2900 interfaces with, the collector electronic terminal described herein. The computer 2900 includes a network interface 2922 that couples system bus 2906 to a local area network-(LAN) 2924. Networking environments are commonplace in offices enterprise-wide computer networks and home _computer systems ‘ - \ A wide area networkiWAN)’, such as the Internet. can also be accessed by the Computer server 2900. for example via .a modem unit connected to serial port interface 2926 or via the LAN 2924.

It will be appreciated that the network connections shown and described are exemplary and other ways of establishing a ications link between the computers can be used. The existence of' any of various nown protocols, such as TCP/IP, Frame Relay, 1Q Ethernet, FTP, HTTP and the like, is presumed, and the computer sewer 2900 can be operated in a client-sewer ration to permit a user to retrieve web pages from a sed server. Furthermore, any of various conventional web browsers Can be used to display and manipulate data on web pages.

' Method steps ofthe t invention are advantageously received over a k interface as described above. The user interfaces may reside on a web sewer. and be accessed via a web interface.

Attematively, the war interfaces may reside on a dedicated application, which sends information to a sewer via a suitable ol. '20 The operation of the computer server 2900 canbe controlled by a variety of different program modules.’ Examples of program modules are ' routines, programs. objects, components. and data structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract‘data types; The present invention may also be practiced with other er server configurations. including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, rocessor- based " or programmable consumer electronics, 'network PCS,‘ minicomputers, mainframe computers, personal digital assistants and the like. Furthermore, the invention may also be ced in buted computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing ' s that are linked through a communications network in a distributed computing environment program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Program modules for generating particular displays and functions of a collector electronic terminal are advantageously present in the computer server 2900. Additionally. program modules for processing method steps of the present invention. such as transmitting test service requirements to a collector electronic terminal, are advantageously present in the computer server 2900.

Alternatively, those skilled in the art will appreciate that software for ing the collector electronic terminal can reside entirely or primarily in an electronic memory of the coliectorelectronic terminal. Thus most or all of the above described features and advantages of the present invention can be achieved with a collector electronic terminal that operates generally autonomously of a collection organisation's sewer. Stich a collector electronic terminal can then be‘ onized with a server only ittently. Such embodiments can be ularty useful where, for A. example. g is conducrted in remote rural areas where wired or - ss connectivitygto the Internet may be restricted.

In summary. advantages .of some embodiments of the present invention include enabling secure. automated test execution and secure, automated sing of test results. That can ensure that only the correct tests are properly conducted at the right time on the correct test subjects. that a clear chain of custody of resulting test samples and test data is achieved and fully nted, and that efficiency is improved in the scheduling, conducting, analysis'and- reporting of tests; .

The above description of various embodiments of the present ' invention is provided for purposes‘of description to one of ry skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous _. alternatives and variations to the t invention will be apparent to these d in the art of the above ng. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically. other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of_ r Ordinary skill in the art. ingly, this patent specification is intended to embrace all aitematives, modifications and variations of- the present ion that have been discussed herein; and other embodiments that - fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention. ‘

Claims (24)

Claims

1.

A computer implemented method cf managing a test, including: ore-recording test service requirements at a computer sewer; ~ transmitting a notification of a proposed test from the server to a collector electronic terminal; receiving at the server, from the collector electronic terminal. authentication information concerning a collector: transmitting the test service requirements from the server to the 10 collector onic terminal: receiving at the server, from the collector electronic al. ted test data ning a location 'of the collector electronic terminal. an identification of a test subject: and test sample data; analysing at the server the test data to determine that the test has 15 been properly completed; and transmitting a signal from the server to the collector electronic terminal, which signal indicates that the test has been properly completed and locks access to test data saved‘on the collector electrOnic terminal. 20 2. The method of claim 1. wherein the server further processes chain of custody data ning the test data.

3. The method of Claim 1. wherein, when operating in a networked environment, the sewer transmits signals to the collector electronic 25 terminal that activate in real time specific test procedures required for the test subject.

4. The method of claim 1, n, when operating in a networked environment, the tor onic terminal activates in real time specific 30 test-procedures for the test subject.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the test e requirements are selected from one or more of the following: client name and location, a test , fication of a test kit, test site safety instructions, day and time variables, information ning on-site communications, identification of test equipment, and test protocols.

6. The method of claim 1, n the authentication information concerning the collector is obtained using one of the following: entry of a 1O pass code transmitted to an alternative device of the tor, scanning an identification badge, entry of a pass code of a token synchronised with the computer server, and entry of a password.

7. The method of ciaim 1, n the server, using the collector 15 electronic terminal, prompts the collector to accept or reject a proposed site visit.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the server, using the collector electronic terminal, prompts the coliector to contact relevant contact 20 persons concerning the proposed test.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the server transmits job scheduling data; inciuding travei instructions, to the tor electronic terminal, based on a plurality of proposed tests.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein position data of the collector electronic terminal is sent periodically from the collector electronic terminal to the server. 30

11. The method of ciaim 1, wherein the server transmits a pre-test checklist to the collector electronic terminal.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein data from a pre-test interview is transmitted from the collector electronic terminal to the sewer before the. test is conducted.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the server'analyses the data from ’ the st iew to determine r any alerts should be transmitted to the collector electronic terminal.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the data from the pre-test 10 interview es test subject medications and test subject health data. 15. The method of claim 1. wherein an electronic signature of the test ' subject is transmitted from the collector electronic terminal to the server.

15. .

16. The method of claim 1, wherein identifications of test kit elements ' and equipment. scanned by the' collector electronic terminal. are transmitted from the collector electronic terminal to the server.‘

17. The method of claim 1.1wherein analysing the test data at the .20 server includes transmitting requests for further test data from the server” to the collector electronic terminal.

18. . The method of claim 1, wherein analysing the test data includes- recording image data received from the collector electronic terminal.

19. The method 'of claim 1, wherein the server transmits to the tor electronic al step by step instructions concerning packaging and ' sealing test samples. 30

20. The method of claim 19, n the step by step instructions concerning packaging and sealing test samples includes instructions ning application of labels on test samples and test forms.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein the sewer receives signals from the tor electronic terminal indicating whether the test has been - temporarily suspended.

22. The method of claim 1, wherein test data that is locked on the tor electronic terminal is accessible on the tor electronic terminal using a separate master encryption key.

.23. The method of claim 1, wherein analysis of the test data includes , 1O conducting a data integrity check.

24. - A computer ented method of managing a test. including: pre-recording test service requirements at a collector electronic terminal; '15 processing a notification of a proposed test received at the collector onic terminal; processing, at the .coll'ectorvelectronic terminal, encrypted test data concerning a location of the collector electronic terminal, an identification of a test t, and test sample data; 20 analysing at the collector electronic terminal the test data to determine that the test has been properly completed; and processing at the collector electronic terminal a signal that indicates the test has been properly completed and that locks access to test data saved on the tor electronic terminal. _ __ _ - £199“ _...._..,_..\ ' . You have a job request _._..._ ' Please login to accept/ Collector: Scan ID re}ect l 0123456 Enter User'Code ****H**H** Attempt: 1 of 3 g: after 3 failed attempts. - this unit will lock. “”47 ,«m.., 4.... m -_ ._MH-‘WWM ~__‘.. .l.._.__.‘ .._.. w.“ _ _.. __.__.Aen ./ a"... . .-,.-....._.-..~.... u..-.._—........~...-. ._.“_.._..__._ .v FIGZ {.100 -..____-h<_ll l Jab Details: ~ Transmitting..... | V-—. { Proposed Date: DD/MM/YYYYProposed ime: 07:00 W <__._- Duration (expected): 4 hours l .___ a: Collettors Allocated: 2 XYZ Company 12 This Street Somesuburb, land, 4444 Expected Staff: 45 Drug Matrix: {hide # l I Vlew Diary FIG 3’. FIG 4 ,V