OA16985A

OA16985A -

Info

Publication number: OA16985A
Application number: OA1201400213
Authority: OA
Inventors: François Dupoteau
Original assignee: Fio Corporation
Priority date: 2011-11-18
Filing date: 2012-11-19
Publication date: 2016-02-26

Abstract

A quality control (QC) system collects data associated with biological/environmental diagnostic test devices, users and consumables, and identifies corresponding parameters. The system determines when the data are outside the parameters, and then generates corresponding QC improvement data. A database receives and stores the QC improvement data for use in improved QC procedures. A related method and computer readable medium are also disclosed.

Description

A QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM FOR USE WITH BIOLOGICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL DIAGNOSTIC TEST DEVICES, USERS AND CONSUMABLES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The présent invention relates generally to quality control Systems, methods and computer readable media, and more particularly to a quality control system, method and computer readable medium for use with bïological/environmental diagnostic test devices, users and consumables.

BACKGROUND OFTHE INVENTION [0002] In the prior art, the use of rapid diagnostic tests (“RDTs) may hâve been restricted and/or limited by inadéquate, insufficient and/or lackîng quality control (“QC”) and/or QC improvement.

[0003] RDTs may be sensitive to and/or affected by température, pre-analytical steps, reading errors, and/or storage problems. Most of these parameters may hâve never been addressed as a global issue, but managed only as separate issues.

[0004] What may be needed is a system, method, and/or computer readable medium which enables QC issues to be monitors and/or the overall improvement QC with respect to any RDT device, user and/or consumables.

[0005] As an aside, it is here noted that at least some portions of the présent disclosure may apply equally well to non-RDT diagnostic tests, and the présent invention and disclosures therefore will be appreciated by persons having ordinary skill in the art to extend to include and apply to such subject matter as well.

[0006] What may be needed is a system, method and/or computer readable medium which is opérable by a service provider who (operating portions thereof for end users) may preferably hâve expertise in diagnostics, image processing, cellular communications, user interfaces, software development, nano- and polymer chemïstry, optics, information science, industrial design, and/or database solutions. The service providcr’s clinîcal expertise may preferably include internai medicine and/or infectious disease clinical practice and/or research, diagnostics, regulatory affaïrs, and/or clinical trials.

[0007] Some Of Todav’s Related Challenges [0008] The World Health Organization C’WHO”) may recommend that ail cases of presumptive malaria be confirmed with a diagnostic test, yet most fevers may not receive proper diagnosis before treatment. Health workers in malaria endémie régions may often assume that fever may be caused by malaria and/or may over-treat with anti-malarial médication. Misdiagnosis may increase morbidity and/or mortality. Overtreatment may increase the risk of drug résistance. Valuable and/or limited health resources may thus be wasted.

[0009] While the adoption of malaria RDTs may hâve improved fever management, impact may hâve been hindered by factors such as quaiity issues, human error and/or variation of interprétation, some or ail of which may decrease accuracy and/or impact quaiity of care. The same factors may impair the real-world accuracy of non-malaria RDTs as well.

[0010] Infectious disease surveillance in developing countries may be compromised by inaccurate, incomplète and/or stale data, perhaps due to the current labour-intensive and/or errorprone manual capture and/or transcription of diagnostic results. This may impair the ability of program managers to make timely, data-driven resource allocation decisions, perhaps leading to inefficient use of current resources.

[0011] Overvîew of Some Ancillary Devices. Systems and/or Methods [0012] Preferably, the system, method and/or computer readable medium according to the présent invention may be adapted for use with mobile digital diagnostics integrated with cloud information services, preferably empowering health workers to deliver more accurate diagnoses and/or health program managers to make evidence-based decisions.

[0013] Preferably, the system, method and/or computer readable medium according to the présent invention may be adapted for use with a smartphone-based, mobile device used by health worker at point of care. Preferably, such a device may: (a) interpret commercially available infectious disease RDTs to improve diagnostic accuracy through digital image analysis; (b) automatically upload real-time, encrypted and/or geo-localized data (e.g., diagnostic, démographie, survey, and/or user workflow data) to a secure database in a cloud-based network;

(c) automatically download guidance directives (e.g., clinical protocole, data capture surveys, and/or alerts) from health program managers to health workers, preferably incorporating medical best practices into users’ workflow through digital aids; and/or (d) consolidate disparate mobile health programs on a single platform.

[0014] For example, such an ancillary device may be a universal reader for existîng RDTs. It may enable quality imaging of RDTs at a time of interprétation. Such a device may preferably capture an image of the RDT at the time of interprétation, preferably under controlled composition and/or lighting. The image may preferably be transmitted to a cloud-based system for aggregation and/or later use. The device may also enable accurate RDT processing and/or interprétation at a point of care. It may preferably improve real-world accuracy of RDTs, preferably by facilitating workflow and/or objectively interpreting results. This automated interprétation may preferably be compatible with select malaria RDTs. Other disease targets may include HIV, Dengue, and Hepatitis (among others). The device may also enable digitization of patient information. Users may preferably enter patient information, responses to custom surveys, and/or results of any diagnostic test, preferably via touch screen. The ancillary devices may preferably combine this data with date, time, geo-location and/or other metainformation into a data set for transmission. The device may also enable automatic data aggregation. Data sets may preferably be transmitted to a cloud-based system, preferably in realtime over the local mobile phone network, for use by program managers. The ancillary devices may access medical best practices. Two-way communication with such devices may preferably allow program managers to disseminate current case management guidelines and/or data capture best practices, preferably for intégration into everyday workflow. The devices may preferably host applications capable of making case management recommendations, preferably based on diagnostic results and/or patient symptoms.

[0015] Still by way of example, the system, method and/or computer readable medium according to the présent invention may be adapted for use with one or more ancillary devices which may preferably possess / enable one or more of the following features: may facilitate simultaneous workflow of multiple RDTs; may hâve a simple user interface with visual eues for step-by-step training and/or operation; ail content may be remotel y managed through a cloudbased system by program managers; applications / updates to the device software, and/or custom surveys may be downloaded over a mobile phone network; ail diagnostic functionality needed by health worker using RDTs may be performed on-board the devices, preferably without any need for cellular communication function; hundreds of patient records may be stored on-board the devices when beyond cell tower range and/or automatically transmitted when coverage may be restored; data records may be encrypted and/or securely transmitted using a secure hypertext 5 transfer protocol (“https”); an automated routine QC check may be performed regularly (e.g., daily); may be run and/or be compatible with select applications on the Android operating system offered by Google Inc. of Mountain View, California and/or on another mobile device operating system; may be battery powered, e.g., affording about four (4) days’ operation per charge; hand crank and/or solar charging accessories may be available upon request; may afford 10 GSM communication, e.g., EDGE, 2G and/or 3G; may include SIM card functionality; may enable geo-location via GPS; and/or may hâve a high-resolution and/or backlit LCD (e.g., a 3.75” LCD), preferably with a capacitive touch screen.

[0016] Such ancillary devices may preferably possess / enable one or more of the following benefîts: may put the skill of an expert RDT technician in the hands of minimally-trained health 15 workers; may unify diagnosis and/or data; data from every clinical encounter may be captured for determining resource allocation and/or public health policy; may alert program managers of trend development and/or enable coordinated and/or timely responses; health workers may upgrade their skills through dissémination of best practices in case management; may be compatible in a broad range of point-of-care settings, e.g., clinics, health posts, community 20 outreach, military théâtres and/or airports; RDT images and/or aggregate clinical data may be easily used by program managers to quality control health workers and/or may help to identify those in need of remedia! training; record keeping may facilitate accountability of resource distribution and/or utilization; and/or may serves as a platform for innovative applications, e.g., therapy guidance, drug authentîcation, and/or continuing medical éducation.

[0017] Preferably, the system, method and/or computer readable medium according to the présent invention may also be adapted for use with a web interface accessible via any Intemetenabled computer by authorized health program manager. Preferably, such an interface may: (a) enable storage, retrieval, and/or analysis of data; (b) enable remote and/or real-time monitoring / management of devices, users’ workflows, quality control procedures, and/or data capture; (c) 30 enable real-time dissémination of clinical protocols, surveys, and/or alerts to devices; (d) generate reports; (e) export / import data to / from other databases; and/or (f) enable real-time and/or two-way communication between program managers and/or health workers.

[0018] For example, such an ancillary interface may enable web-based access to a cloudbased system. It may enable data aggregation and/or storage. Preferably, data transmitted by devices in the fîeld may be routed in real-time to a cloud-based data warehouse, preferably at least one which may employ enterprise-level data redundancy and/or ofT-site backup. Preferably, access may be password protected and/or no spécial ΓΓ infrastructure may be required. Such an ancillary interface may enable real-time reporting and/or analysis. Preferably, it may analyze data using customized reports (e.g., maps, statistical analyses, and/or graphs) updated regularly (e.g., every fifteen minutes) and/or search the data warehouse for up-to-the-second information. Such an interface may be enable dissémination of best practice guidelines. Preferably, it may be used to control workflow in clinics by transmïtting custom surveys, device software updates, and/or medical best practice protocols. Such an interface may also remotely oversee devices and/or users. Preferably, it may send/receive messages and/or transmit alerts to devices in the field. Preferably, it may control quality of health worker performance and/or coordinate interventions, remotely. This interface may afford interoperability with other health information Systems. Preferably, it may import and/or export data to and/or from external databases for enhanced access and/or data management. Preferably, it may leverage the latest reporting and/or analytical tools, and/or mobile health applications, e.g., drug authenticatîon, GIS mapping, and/or SMS clinical follow up.

[0019] Still by way of example, the system, method and/or computer readable medium according to the présent invention may be adapted for use with one or more ancillary interfaces which may preferably possess / enable one or more of the following features: may be webhosted; may be accessed via an Internet browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Safari, Ftrefox, and/or Chrome) on any computer; may not require any software and/or hardware installation; access may be protected through secure login; program managers may distribute accounts to authorized individuals; reports may be exported in multiple formats, e.g., .pdf, .csv, .xlsx, .docx, and/or .xml; advanced search function may enable customized query of database; may be based on more than forty (40+ )search criteria; and/or data transmission and/or format may be compatible with future HL7 compliance and/or interoperability with existing databases and/or electronic medical record Systems.

[0020] Such ancillary interfaces may preferably possess / enable one or more of the following benefits: may improve timely access by simultaneous authorized users from any Intemet-enabled computer to accurate, real-time, and/or épidémiologie data from point-of-care to support program monitoring and/or évaluation, clinical practice qualîty control, surveillance, 5 and/or data-driven resource allocation decisions; may help to build and manage human capital;

may help to identify and/or foster highly productive health workers; may help to provide those in need of remédiai training with appropriate materials and/or attention; may help to create and/or improve accountability and/or transparency by gaining and/or affordîng access to timely and/or auditable records of work performed; and/or may centralize disparate health system 10 strengthening initiatives on one platform.

[0021] One or more of the aforementioned features and/or benefits of the ancillary devices and/or interfaces may potentially be achieved and/or improved in tandem with the system, method and/or computer readable medium according to the présent invention.

[0022] It may be an object according to an aspect of one embodiment of the invention to 15 provide a qualîty control system, method and/or computer readable medium.

[0023] It may be an object according to an aspect of one embodiment of the invention to provide a qualîty control system, method and/or computer readable medium for use with biological and/or environmental diagnostic test devices, users and/or consumables.

[0024] It may be an object according to an aspect of one embodiment of the invention to 20 collect test QC data associated with biological and/or environmental diagnostic test devices, users and/or consumables, and/or to identify corresponding QC parameters.

[0025] It may be an object according to an aspect of one embodiment of the invention to détermine when test QC data are outside corresponding QC parameters for biological and/or environmental diagnostic test devices, users and/or consumables.

[0026] It may be an object according to an aspect of one embodiment of the invention to, when test QC data are outside corresponding QC parameters, generate QC improvement data for biological and/or environmental diagnostic test devices, users and/or consumables.

[0027] It may be an object according to an aspect of one embodiment of the invention to a

QC database to receive and store QC improvement data for use in improved QC procedures.

[0028] It may be an object according to an aspect of one embodiment of the invention to provide QC improvement data for use in improved QC procedures.

[0029] It may be an object of the invention to obviate and/or mitigate one or more of the above mentioned disadvantages and/or problème associated with the prior art, and/or to achieve one or more of the aforcmentioned objects of the invention.

SUMMARY OFTHE INVENTION [0030] According to the invention, there is disclosed a quality control (QC) system for use with one or more biologica! and/or environmental diagnostic test devices, and one or more users and/or consumables. The system includes a QC data subsystem, a QC analysis subsystem, a QC improvement subsystem, and a QC database. The QC data subsystem collects, from the test devices, test QC data associated with at least one of the test devices, the users and the consumables. For each respective one of the test QC data, the QC data subsystem identifies one or more corresponding QC parameters based on the aforesaid at least one. The QC analysis subsystem détermines when one or more of the test QC data are outside the corresponding QC parameters. When the one or more of the test QC data arc outside the corresponding QC parameters, the QC improvement subsystem generates QC improvement data associated with the aforesaid at least one. The QC database receives and stores the QC improvement data for use in improved QC procedures associated with the aforesaid at least one.

[0031] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC database may preferably, but need not necessarily, be stored rcmotely from the test devices.

[0032] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, at least part of the QC data subsystem, the QC analysis subsystem, and/or the QC improvement subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, be located remotely from the test devices.

[0033] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC data subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, collect the test QC data from and/or associated with: (a) a selected one of the test devices; (b) a selected group of the test devices; and/or (c) ail of the test devices.

[0034] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC database may preferably, but need not necessarily, be stored onboard a local one of the test devices. The QC data subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, collect the test QC data from and/or associated with the aforesaid local one.

[0035] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, at least part of the QC data subsystem, the QC analysis subsystem, and/or the QC improvement subsystem may 5 preferably, but need not necessarily, be substantially local with the QC database and/or onboard the aforesaid local one.

[0036] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC data subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, collect the test QC data from and/or associated with a remote peer group of the test devices.

[0037] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, congruent copies of the QC database may preferably, but need not necessarily, be updated and/or stored onboard each of the test devices in the remote peer group.

[0038] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC analysis subsystem may preferably but need not necessarily generate, and/or the QC database 15 may preferably but need not necessarily receive and store, a QC analysis report on whether the aforesaid one or more of the test QC data are outside the corresponding QC parameters.

[0039] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC data subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, collect the test QC data associated with: (a) a selected one of the users; (b) ail of the users of a selected one of the test devices; (c) a selected 20 group, type and/or class of the users; and/or (d) ail of the users.

[0040] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC data subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, collect the test QC data associated with: (a) a selected one of the consumables; (b) a selected shipment of the consumables; (c) a selected lot of the consumables; (d) a selected type of the consumables; and/or (e) ail of the consumables.

[0041] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC data subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, collect a test date as the test QC data, and/or identify an expiration date for the consumables as the corresponding QC parameters.

[0042] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC data subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, collect an incubation duration as the test QC data.

[0043] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC data subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, collect the incubation duration by monitoring one or more visual time tracking images associated with the consumables.

[0044] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC data subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, collect the test QC data by monitoring illumination data associated with the test devices and/or the consumables.

[0045] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC data subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, monitor the illumination data with reference to one or more intensities, col ors, frequencies, positions, and/or numbers of light emitting diodes associated with the test devices.

[0046] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC data subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, collect the test QC data by monitoring température data associated with the test devices and/or the consumables.

[0047] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC data subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, monitor the température data with reference to one or more visual température tracking images associated with the consumables.

[0048] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC data subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, monitor the température data with reference to one or more température sensors associated with the test devices.

[0049] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC data subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, collect the test QC data by monitoring humidity data associated with the test devices and/or the consumables.

[0050] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC data subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, monitor the humidity data with reference to one or more visual humidity tracking images associated with the consumables.

ίο [0051] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC data subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, monitor the humidity data with reference to one or more humidity sensors associated with the test devices.

[0052] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC data subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, collect caméra data as the test QC data by monitoring one or more working, set-up and/or device conditions associated with the test devices.

[0053] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC data subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, collect the test QC data by tracking one or more transport conditions and/or deiivery timelines associated with the consumables.

[0054] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC data subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, identify the corresponding QC parameters for authentic ones of the consumables. The QC analysis subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, validate the consumables as authentic when the test QC data are within the corresponding QC parameters, and/or identify the consumables as counterfeit when the test QC data are outside the corresponding QC parameters.

[0055] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC data subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, collect the test QC data from one or more weight sensors onboard the test devices, preferably to détermine one or more weights of the consumables at registration time and/or at analysis time.

[0056] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC data subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, collect the test QC data by monitoring device identification data associated with the test devices.

[0057] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC data subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, collect the test QC data, and/or identify the corresponding QC parameters, with reference to two or more patient identification images of the consumables. The QC analysis subsystem may preferably, but need not necessarily, register the patient identification images against one another based on one or more affine transformations.

n [0058] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC improvement data and/or the improved QC procedures may preferably, but need not necessarily, require patient identification images of the consumables to be registered against one another, preferably based on one or more affine transformations.

[0059] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC improvement data and/or the improved QC procedures may preferably, but need not necessarily, be based on the test QC data collected by the QC data subsystem.

[0060] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC improvement data and/or the improved QC procedures may preferably, but need not necessarily, be based on one or more statistic and/or algorithmic analyses performed by the QC analysis subsystem.

[0061] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC improvement data and/or the improved QC procedures may preferably, but need not necessarily, require training and/or certification of one or more of the users.

[0062] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC improvement data and/or the improved QC procedures may preferably, but need not necessarily, provide for set-up and/or management of the test devices and/or the consumables.

[0063] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC improvement data and/or the improved QC procedures may preferably, but need not necessarily, provide for workflow images to be taken by the test devices at regular intervals.

[0064] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC improvement data and/or the improved QC procedures may preferably, but need not necessarily, provide a QC diagnostic application for use by the test devices.

[0065] According to the invention, there is also disclosed a quality control (QC) method for use with one or more biological and/or environmental diagnostic test devices, and one or more users and/or consumables. The method includes step (a) of collecting, from the test devices, test QC data associated with at least one of the test devices, the users and the consumables. In step (a), for each respective one of the test QC data, one or more corresponding QC parameters are identified based on the aforesaid at least one. The method also includes step (b) of determining when one or more of the test QC data are outside the corresponding QC parameters. The method also includes step (c) of, when the aforesaid one or more of the test QC data are outside the corresponding QC parameters, generating QC improvement data associated with the aforesaid at least one. The method also includes step (d) of receiving and storing, in a QC database, the QC improvement data for use in improved QC procedures associated with the aforesaid at least one.

[0066] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC database may preferably, but need not necessarily, be stored remotely from the test devices.

[0067] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, at least part of steps (a), (b) and/or (c) may preferably, but need not necessarily, be each performed remotely from the test devices.

[0068] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in step (a), the test QC data may preferably, but need not necessarily, be collected from and/or associated with: a selected one of the test devices; a selected group of the test devices; and/or ail of the test devices.

[0069] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC database may preferably, but need not necessarily, be stored onboard a local one of the test devices. The test QC data may preferably, but need not necessarily, be collected from and/or associated with the aforesaid local one.

[0070] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, at least part of steps (a), (b) and/or (c) may preferably, but need not necessarily, be each performed substantially local with the QC database and/or onboard the aforesaid local one.

[0071] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the test QC data may preferably, but need not necessarily, be collected from and/or associated with a remote peer group of the test devices.

[0072] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, congruent copies of the QC database may preferably, but need not necessarily, be updated and/or stored onboard each ofthe test devices in the remote peer group.

[0073] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, a QC analysis report may preferably, but need not necessarily, be generated in step (b), and be received and/or stored in the QC database in step (d). The QC analysis report may preferably, but need not necessarily, be on whether the aforesaid one or more of the test QC data are outside the corresponding QC parameters.

[0074] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the test QC data collected in step (a) may preferably, but need not necessarily, be associated with: a selected one of the users; ail of the users of a selected one of the test devices; a selected group, type and/or class ofthe users; and/or ail ofthe users.

[0075] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the test QC data collected in step (a) may preferably, but need not necessarily, be associated with: a selected one of the consumables; a selected shipment of the consumables; a selected lot of the consumables; a selected type of the consumables; and/or ail ofthe consumables.

[0076] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in step (a), a test date may preferably, but need not necessarily, be collected as the test QC data, and/or an expiration date for the consumables may preferably, but need not necessarily, be identified as the corresponding QC parameters.

[0077] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in step (a), an incubation duration may preferably, but need not necessarily, be collected as the test QC data.

[0078] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in step (a), the incubation duration may preferably, but need not necessarily, be collected by monitoring one or more visual time tracking images associated with the consumable.

[0079] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in step (a), the test QC data may preferably, but need not necessarily, be collected by monitoring illumination data associated with the test devices and/or the consumables.

[0080] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in step (a), the illumination data may preferably, but need not necessarily, be monitored with reference to one or more intensities, colors, frequencies, positions, and/or numbers of light emitting diodes associated with the test devices.

[0081] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in step (a), the test QC data may preferably, but need not necessarily, be collected by monitoring température data associated with the test devices and/or the consumables.

[0082] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in step (a), the température data may preferably, but need not necessarily, be monitored with reference to one or more visual température tracking images associated with the consumables.

[0083] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in step (a), the température data may preferably, but need not necessarily, be monitored with reference to one or more température sensors associated with the test devices.

[0084] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in step (a), the test QC data may preferably, but need not necessarily, be collected by monitoring humidity data associated with the test devices and/or the consumables.

[0085] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in step (a), the humidity data may preferably, but need not necessarily, be monitored with reference to one or more visual humidity tracking images associated with the consumables.

[0086] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in step (a), the humidity data may preferably, but need not necessarily, be monitored with reference to one or more humidity sensors associated with the test devices.

[0087] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in step (a), caméra data may preferably, but need not necessarily, be collected as the test QC data by monitoring one or more working, set-up and/or device conditions associated with the test devices.

[0088] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in step (a), the test QC data may preferably, but need not necessarily, be collected by tracking one or more transport conditions and/or delivery timelines associated with the consumables.

[0089] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in step (a), the corresponding QC parameters may preferably, but need not necessarily, be identified for authentic ones of the consumables. In step (b), the consumables may preferably, but need not necessarily, be validated as authentic when the test QC data are within the corresponding QC parameters, and/or be identified as counterfeit when the test QC data are outside the corresponding QC parameters.

[0090] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in step (a), the test QC data may preferably, but need not necessarily, be collected from one or more weight 5 sensors onboard the test devices, preferably to détermine one or more weights of the consumables at registration time and/or at analysis time.

[0091] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in step (a), the test QC data may preferably, but need not necessarily, be collected by monitoring device identification data associated with the test devices.

[0092] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in step (a), the test QC data may preferably but need not necessarily be collected, and the corresponding QC parameters may preferably but need not necessarily be identified, with reference to two or more patient identification images of the consumables. In step (b), the patient identification images may preferably, but need not necessarily, be registered against one another based on one or more 15 affine transformations.

[0093] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC improvement data in steps (c) and/or (d), and/or the improved QC procedures in step (d), may preferably but need not necessarily require patient identification images of the consumables to be registered against one another, preferably based on one or more affine transformations.

[0094] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC improvement data in steps (c) and/or (d), and/or the improved QC procedures in step (d), may preferably but need not necessarily be based on the test QC data collected in step (a).

[0095] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in step (b), one or more statistic and/or algorithmic analyses may preferably, but need not necessarily, be 25 performed. The QC improvement data in steps (c) and/or (d), and/or the improved QC procedures in step (d), may preferably but need not necessarily be based on the statistic and/or algorithmic analyses.

[0096] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC improvement data in steps (c) and/or (d), and/or the improved QC procedures in step (d), may preferably but need not necessarily require training and/or certification of one or more of the users.

[0097] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC improvement data in steps (c) and/or (d), and/or the improved QC procedures in step (d), may preferably but need not necessarily provide for set-up and/or management of the test devices and/or the consumables.

[0098] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC improvement data in steps (c) and/or (d), and/or the improved QC procedures in step (d), may preferably but need not necessarily provide for workflow images to be taken by the test devices at regular intervals.

[0099] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the QC improvement data in steps (c) and/or (d), and/or the improved QC procedures in step (d), may preferably but need not necessarily provide a QC diagnostic application for use by the test devices.

[0100] According to the invention, there is also disclosed a computer readable medium for use with one or more biological or environmental diagnostic test devices, and one or more users or consumables. The computer readable medium includes exécutable instructions which are physically stored thereon. The exécutable instructions, upon execution, encode one or more processors to collect, from the test devices, test quality control (QC) data associated with at least one of the test devices, the users and the consumables. The exécutable instructions, upon execution, also encode the processors to, for each respective one of the test QC data, identify one or more corresponding QC parameters based on the aforesaid at least one. The exécutable instructions, upon execution, also encode the processors to détermine when one or more of the test QC data are outside the corresponding QC parameters. The exécutable instructions, upon execution, also encode the processors to, when the aforesaid one or more of the test QC data are outside the corresponding QC parameters, generate QC improvement data associated with the aforesaid at least one. The exécutable instructions, upon execution, also encode the processors to receive and store, in a QC database, the QC improvement data for use în improved QC procedures associated with the aforesaid at Ieast one.

[0101[ Other advantages, features and characteristics of the présent invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related éléments of the system, method, and computer readable medium and the combination of steps, parts and économies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon considération of the following detailed description and the 5 appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, the latter of which are briefly described hereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0102] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the system, method, and computer readable medium according to the présent invention, as to the structure, organization, 10 use, and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which presently preferred embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a définition ofthe limits ofthe invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0103] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an overall information technology (“IT) architecture associated with the QC system, method and/or computer readable medium according to the présent invention;

[0104] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing data management features between test devices and a QC server according to the QC system, method and/or computer readable medium of Figure 1;

and [0105] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing data management features for test devices with onboard QC applications according to the QC system, method and/or computer readable medium of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0106] Preferred embodiments of the system, method, and computer readable medium according to the invention are altemately herein referred to, collectively and/or individually, as the QC system, QC method and/or QC computer readable medium (or simply as the system, method and/or computer readable medium). References to one or more of the QC system, method and/or computer readable medium may, if and as appropriate, be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art to apply, mutatis mutandis, to the others.

10107] As aforesaid, the QC System, method and computer readable medium according to the invention are preferably for use with one or more biological and/or environmental diagnostic test devices, and one or more users and/or consumables. The System includes a QC data subsystem, a QC analysis subsystem, a QC improvement subsystem, and a QC database.

[0108] OC Data Subsystem [0109] The QC data subsystem collects, from the test devices, test QC data associated with the test devices, users and consumables. For the test QC data, the QC data subsystem identifies corresponding QC parameters based on the test devices, users and consumables.

[0110] The QC data subsystem preferably collects the test QC data from and associated with:

(i) a selected one of the test devices, a selected group of the test devices, and/or ail of the test devices; (ii) a selected one of the users, ail of the users of a selected one of the test devices, a selected group (type and/or class) of the users, and/or ail ofthe users; and/or (iii) a selected one of the consumables, a selected shipment of the consumables, a selected lot of the consumables, a selected type of the consumables, and/or ail of the consumables.

[0111] The QC data subsystem preferably collects:

• a test date as the test QC data, and identifies an expiration date for the consumables as the corresponding QC parameters;

• an incubation duration as the test QC data, preferably by monitoring visual time tracking images for the consumables;

• the test QC data by monitoring illumination data associated with the test devices and consumables, preferably with reference to the intensifies, colors, frequencies, positions, and/or numbers of light emitting diodes onboard the test devices;

• the test QC data by monitoring température data associated with the test devices and/or the consumables, preferably with reference to: visual température tracking images for the consumables; and/or température sensors onboard the test devices;

• the test QC data by monitoring humidity data associated with the test devices and/or the consumables, preferably with reference to: visual humidity tracking images for the consumables; and/or humidity sensors onboard the test devices;

• caméra data as the test QC data by monitoring working, set-up and/or device conditions onboard the test devices;

• the test QC data by tracking transport conditions and/or delivery timelines for the consumables;

• the test QC data from weight sensors onboard the test devices to déterminé the weight of the consumables at registration time and at analysis time; and/or • the test QC data by monitoring device identification data for the test devices.

[0112] OC Analysis Subsvstem [0113] The QC analysis subsystem détermines when the test QC data are outside the corresponding QC parameters. Preferably, the analysis subsystem generates a QC analysis report on whether the test QC data are outside the corresponding QC parameters.

[0114] In some preferred embodiments, the QC data subsystem identifies the corresponding QC parameters for authentic consumables. The analysis subsystem validâtes the consumables as authentic when the test QC data are within the QC parameters, and identifies the consumables as counterfeit when the test QC data are outside them.

[0115] OC Improvement Subsystem [0116] When the test QC data are outside the corresponding QC parameters, the QC improvement subsystem generates QC improvement data associated with the test devices, users or consumables.

[0117] OC Database [0118] The QC database receives and stores the QC improvement data for use in improved QC procedures associated with the test devices, users or consumables. Preferably, the QC database also receives and stores the QC analysis report.

[0119] i. Remote [0120] In some preferred embodiments, the QC database is stored remotely from the test devices. The QC data subsystem, analysis subsystem, and improvement subsystem are preferably also located remotely from the test devices.

[0121] ii. Local [0122] In these and other preferred embodiments, the QC database is stored onboard a local test device. The QC data subsystem preferably collects the test QC data from and associated with the local test device. In some such embodiments, the QC data subsystem, analysis subsystem and improvement subsystem are also preferably substantially local with the QC database and onboard the local test device.

[0123] iii. Peer-to-Peer [0124] In these and other preferred embodiments, the QC data subsystem preferably collects the test QC data from and associated with a remote peer group of the test devices. Congruent copies of the QC database are preferably updated and stored onboard each of the test devices in the remote peer group.

[0125] Improvements [0126] Preferably, the QC improvement data and the improved QC procedures are based on: the test QC data collected by the QC data subsystem; and/or statistic / algorithmic analyses performed by the QC analysis subsystem.

[0127] In some preferred embodiments, the QC data subsystem collects the test QC data, and identifies the corresponding QC parameters, with reference to two or more patient identification images of the consumables. The QC analysis subsystem registers the images against one another based on an affine transformation. In these and other preferred embodiments, the QC improvement data or the improved QC procedures may require the images of the consumables to be registered against one another based on an affine transformation.

[0128] Preferably, the QC improvement data and the improved QC procedures may: require training and certification of selected users; provide for set-up and management of the test devices and consumables; provide for workflow images to be taken by the test devices at regular intervals; and/or provide a QC diagnostic application for use by the test devices.

[0129] OC Method [0130] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that although some of the components, relations, functîonalities and applications of the system and computer readable medium are not specifically referenced or described in conjunction with the QC method, they may be used or adapted for use in association therewith. The QC method is suitable for use with the system and computer readable medium described herein, but it is not so limited.

[0131] Computer Readable Medium [0132] The computer readable medium (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, flash USB stick, RAM, ROM, and/or other computer memory device) includes exécutable instructions which are physïcally stored thereon and which, upon execution, preferably encode processors to perform the QC method according to the invention.

Further Description [0133] The QC system, method and computer readable medium preferably enable monitoring of QC issues and improve the overall QC with respect to any RDT device, user and consumables.

[0134] Preferably, the QC System, method and computer readable medium enable identification of at least three distinct components in conjunction with an ancillary device, interface, system or method: user QC parameters; device QC parameters; and consumable QC parameters.

[0135] Preferably, the QC system, method and computer readable medium are based on at least three modules which, based on the data collected, generate at least three distinct types of information: QC monitoring information, such as alerts, QC review dashboard; QC analysis report, such as QC card; and QC improvement data, such as QC training, QC corrective actions.

i. OC Monitoring [0136] Preferably, the QC system, method and computer readable medium provide for at least three levels of device QC monitoring:

• local device QC monitoring;

• group of devices QC monitoring (e.g., could be split into groups or customer fleets for a service providefs customers); and/or • ail device QC monitoring.

[0137] Preferably, the QC system, method and computer readable medium provide for at 5 least four levels of users QC monitoring:

• individual user QC monitoring;

• group of users for the same device QC monitoring;

• group of users QC monitoring; and/or • ail users QC monitoring.

[0138] Preferably, the QC system, method and computer readable medium provide for at least four levels of consumable QC monitoring:

• test QC monitoring;

• tests box QC monitoring;

• lot tests QC monitoring; and/or · global tests QC monitoring.

[0139] Preferably, the QC system, method and computer readable medium provide for collection of QC Data:

• Expiration date — identify the expiration date on the RDT or be able to use it in an associated database;

· Test time — visual time tracking on the consumables, such as, for example, incubation time (e.g., dots, color changes, size, or intensity);

• Light — monitoring illumination of the RDTs (e.g., intensity, colors, frequency, position, or number of diodes) and/or adjustment based on type of RDTs;

• Température — visual température tracking on the consumable and/or packaging, and/or on a température sensor inside the device;

• Humidity - visual humidity trackîng system on the consumable and/or packaging and/or on a humidity sensor inside the device;

• Caméra, working conditions, set-up, and/or device conditions;

• Logistic data — such as, for example, transport conditions, timeline(s) for delivery, and/or information conceming counterfeits;

• Weight sensor — identification of weight at registration time and/or analysis time;

• Affine registration, and/or tracking the link between the RDT and the patient; and/or • RDT identification (“ID”) reader (e.g., RFID and/or barcode reader).

îi. Analyse OC Data [0140] Preferably, the QC system, method and computer readable medium provide for statîstical analysis and/or algorithmic analysis in conjunction with and/or via:

• a QC data / analysis module onboard the device;

• a server-side QC data / analysis module; and/or • a QC algorithm based on the consumables (e.g., biomarker) and/or manufacturera.

iii. OC Improvements [0141] Preferably, for each level ofQC monitoring, the QC system, method and computer readable medium provide a spécifie type of QC improvement. The QC improvements are preferably defined, for example, based on the data collected (e.g., as in the non-exhaustive lists hereinbelow), or based on any statîstical / algorithmic analysis performed by any QC analysis modules ! applications on the server side or inside the device.

[0142] A QC improvement module / application may preferably provide various types of functions or features described herein. The QC system, method and computer readable medium preferably provide at least three types ofQC improvement.

[0143] Preferably, the QC system, method and computer readable medium provide QC improvement functions and/or features as follow;

• Affine registration;

• User tra ini ng and user certi fication;

• QC global database;

• QC sct-up management;

• Double readings capabilities — e.g., (remote, live and/or delayed) and/or (Algorithm, Users and/or Expert);

• Workllow management (e.g., taking picture every 10 seconds); and/or • Q C diagnosti c appl icati on.

[0144] Preferably, the QC system, method and computer readable medium provide types of QC improvement as follow:

• QC user improvement;

• QC device improvement; and/or • QC consumable improvement.

iv. Server-Side & Onboard Embodiments [0145] Preferably, the QC system, method and computer readable medium may be used through a QC server. In this case, the data workllow and/or the applications may preferably be hosted by and/or inside a QC server. (See, for example, Figure 2.) [0146] Preferably, the QC system, method and computer readable medium may also, or instead, bc used onboard and/or inside the test device. Altemately or in addition, the QC applications may preferably be hosted inside the test device. Updates ofthe QC databases and/or algorithms may preferably be done periodically, preferably based on user requirements and/or access to a network. (See, for example, Figure 3.) [0147] Preferably, the QC improvements are sent to the devices and the QC databases.

[0148] Preferably, on the device side, the QC improvements may be managed by a QC application and/or directly managed by a service provider application and/or by a diagnostic application onboard.

[0149] This concludes the description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention. The foregoing description has been presented for the purpose of illustration and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the précisé form dîsclosed. Other modifications, variations and alterations are possible in light ofthe above teachîng and will be apparent to those 5 skilled in the art, and may be used in the design and manufacture of other embodiments according to the présent invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended the scope of the invention be limited not by this description but only by any claims forming a part of this application, and/or the claims of any application ctaiming priority from this application, and/or any patent issuing thereon.

Claims

Claims

1. A quality control (QC) System for use with one or more biological or environmental diagnostic test devices, and one or more users or consumables, wherein the system comprises:

(a) a QC data subsystem which: (i) collects, from the test devices, test QC data associated with at least one of the test devices, the users and the consumables; and (ii) for each respective one of said test QC data, identifies one or more corresponding QC parameters based on said at least one;

(b) a QC analysis subsystem which détermines when one or more of said test QC data are outside said corresponding QC parameters;

(c) a QC improvement subsystem which, when said one or more of said test QC data are outside said corresponding QC parameters, generates QC improvement data associated with said at least one; and (d) a QC database to receive and store said QC improvement data for use in improved QC procedures associated with said at least one.
2. A quality control (QC) method for use with one or more biological or environmental diagnostic test devices, and one or more users or consumables, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

(a) (i) collecting, from the test devices, test QC data associated with at least one of the test devices, the users and the consumables; and (ii) for each respective one of said test QC data, identifyîng one or more corresponding QC parameters based on said at least one;

(b) determining when one or more of said test QC data are outside said corresponding QC parameters;

(c) when said one or more of said test QC data are outside said corresponding QC parameters, generating QC improvement data associated with said at least one; and (d) receiving and storing, in a QC database, said QC improvement data for use in improved QC procedures associated with said at least one.
3. A System according to claim 1, wherein said QC database is stored remotely from the test devices; or, a method according to claim 2, wherein said QC database îs stored remotely from the test devices.
4. A system according to one of ciaims 1 and 3, wherein at least part of said QC data subsystem, said QC analysis subsystem, and said QC improvement subsystem are located remotely from the test devices; or, a method according to one of ciaims 2 and 3, wherein at least part of steps (a), (b) and (c) are each performed remotely from the test devices.
5. A system according to any one of ciaims I, 3 or 4, wherein said QC data subsystem collects said test QC data from and associated with: (a) a selected one of the test devices; (b) a selected group ofthe test devices; and/or (c) ail of the test devices; or, a method according to any one of ciaims 2 to 4, wherein in step (a), said test QC data is collected from and associated with: a selected one of the test devices; a selected group of the test devices; and/or ail of the test devices.
6. A system according to any one of ciaims 1 or 3 to 5, wherein said QC database is stored onboard a local one of the test devices, and said QC data subsystem collects said test QC data from and associated with said local one; optionally, wherein at least part of said QC data subsystem, said QC analysis subsystem, and said QC improvement subsystem are substantially local with said QC database and/or onboard said local one; or, a method according to any one of ciaims 2 to 5, wherein said QC database is stored onboard a local one of the test devices, and said test QC data is collected from and associated with said local one; optionally, wherein at least part of steps (a), (b) and (c) are each performed substantially local with said QC database and/or onboard said local one.
7. A system according to claim 6, wherein said QC data subsystem collects said test QC data from and associated with a remote peer group of the test devices; optionally, wherein congruent copies of said QC database are updated and stored onboard each of the test devices in said remote peer group; or, f

a method according to one of claim 6, wherein said test QC data is collected from and associated with a remote peer group of the test devices; optionally, wherein congruent copies of said QC database are updated and stored onboard each of the test devices in said remote peer group.
8. A System according to any one of claims 1 or 3 to 7, wherein said QC analysis subsystem generates, and said QC database receives and stores, a QC analysis report on whether said one or more of said test QC data are outside said corresponding QC parameters; or, a method according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein a QC analysis report is generated in step (b), and received and stored in said QC database in step (d), with said QC analysis report on whether said one or more of said test QC data are outside said corresponding QC parameters.
9. A system according to any one of claims 1 or 3 to 8, wherein said QC data subsystem collects said test QC data associated with: (a) a selected one of the users; (b) ail of the users of a selected one of the test devices; (c) a selected group, type and/or class of the users; and/or (d) ail of the users; or, a method according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein said test QC data collected in step (a) is associated with: a selected one of the users; ail of the users of a selected one ofthe test devices; a selected group, type and/or class of the users; and/or al! of the users.
10. A system according to any one of claims 1 or 3 to 9, wherein said QC data subsystem collects said test QC data associated with: (a) a selected one of the consumables; (b) a selected shipment of the consumables; (c) a selected lot of the consumables; (d) a selected type of the consumables; and/or (e) ail of the consumables; or, a method according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein said test QC data collected in step (a) is associated with: a selected one of the consumables; a selected shipment of the consumables; a selected lot of the consumables; a selected type of the consumables; and/or ail of the consumables.
11. A System according to any one of claims 1 or 3 to 10, wherein said QC data subsystem collects a test date as said test QC data, and identifies an expiration date for the consumables as said corresponding QC parameters; and/or, wherein said QC data subsystem collects an incubation duration as said test QC data; optionally, wherein said QC data subsystem collects said incubation duration by monitoring one or more visual time tracking images associated with the consumables; or, a method according to any one of daims 2 to 10, wherein in step (a), a test date is collected as said test QC data, and an expiration date for the consumables is identified as said corresponding QC parameters; and/or, wherein in step (a), an incubation duration is collected as said test QC data; optionally, wherein in step (a), said incubation duration is collected by monitoring one or more visual time tracking images associated with the consumables.
12. A system according to any one of daims I or 3 to 11, wherein said QC data subsystem collects said test QC data by monitoring illumination data associated with the test devices and/or the consumables; optionally, wherein said QC data subsystem monitors said illumination data with reference to one or more intensities, colors, frequencies, positions, and/or numbers of light emitting diodes associated with the test devices; or, a method according to any one of daims 2 to 11, wherein in step (a), said test QC data is collected by monitoring illumination data associated with the test devices and/or the consumables; optionally, wherein in step (a), said illumination data is monitored with reference to one or more intensities, colors, frequencies, positions, and/or numbers of light emitting diodes associated with the test devices.
13. A system according to any one of daims 1 or 3 to 12, wherein said QC data subsystem collects said test QC data by monitoring température data associated with the test devices and/or the consumables; optionally, wherein said QC data subsystem monitors said température data with reference to one or more visual température tracking images associated with the consumables; optionally, wherein said QC data subsystem monitors said température data with reference to one or more température sensors associated with the test devices; or, a method according to any one of daims 2 to 12, wherein in step (a), said test QC data is collected by monitoring température data associated with the test devices and/or the consumables; optionally, wherein in step (a), said température data is monitored with reference to one or more visual température tracking images associated with the consumables; optionally, wherein in step (a), said température data is monitored with reference to one or more température sensors associated with the test devices.
14. A system according to any one of ciaims 1 or 3 to 13, wherein said QC data subsystem collects said test QC data by monitoring humidity data associated with the test devices and/or the consumables; optionally, wherein said QC data subsystem monitors said humidity data with reference to one or more visual humidity tracking images associated with the consumables; optionally, wherein said QC data subsystem monitors said humidity data with reference to one or more humidity sensors associated with the test devices; or, a method according to any one of ciaims 2 to 13, wherein in step (a), said test QC data is collected by monitoring humidity data associated with the test devices and/or the consumables; optionally, wherein in step (a), said humidity data is monitored with reference to one or more visual humidity tracking images associated with the consumables; optionally, wherein in step (a), said humidity data is monitored with reference to one or more humidity sensors associated with the test devices.
15. A system according to any one of ciaims 1 or 3 to 14, wherein said QC data subsystem: collects caméra data as said test QC data by monitoring one or more working, set-up and/or device conditions associated with the test devices; optionally, wherein said QC data subsystem collects said test QC data by tracking one or more transport conditions and/or delivery timelines associated with the consumables; and/or, identifies said corresponding QC parameters for authentic ones of the consumables, wherein said QC analysis subsystem validâtes the consumables as authentic when said test QC data are within said corresponding QC parameters, and identifies the consumables as counterfeit when said test QC data are outside said corresponding QC parameters; and/or, collects said test QC data from one or more weight sensors onboard the test devices to détermine one or more weights of the consumables at registration time and at analysis time; and/or, collects said test QC data by monitoring device identification data associated with the test devices; and/or, collects said test QC data, and identifies said corresponding QC parameters, with reference to two or more patient identification images of the consumables, and wherein the QC analysis subsystem registers said patient identification images against one another based on one or more affine transformations.
16. A system according to any one of claims 1 or 3 to 15, wherein said QC improvement data and said improved QC procedures:

require patient identification images of the consumables to be registered against one another based on one or more affine transformations; and/or, are based on said test QC data collected by said QC data subsystem; and/or, are based on one or more statîstîc and/or algorithmic analyses performed by said QC analysis subsystem; and/or, require training and/or certification of one or more of the users; and/or, provide for set-up and/or management of the test devices and/or the consumables; and/or, provide for workflow images to be taken by the test devices at regular intervals; and/or, provide a QC diagnostic application for use by the test devices.
17. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein in step (a):

caméra data is collected as said test QC data by monitoring one or more working, set-up and/or device conditions associated with the test devices; and/or, said test QC data is collected by tracking one or more transport conditions and/or delivery timelines associated with the consumables; and/or, said corresponding QC parameters are identified for authentic ones of the consumables; and wherein in step (b), the consumables are validated as authentic when said test QC data are within said corresponding QC parameters, and the consumables are identified as counterfeit when said test QC data are outside said corresponding QC parameters; and/or, said test QC data are collected from one or more weight sensors onboard the test devices to détermine one or more weights of the consumables at registration time and at analysis time; and/or, said test QC data is collected by monitoring device identification data associated with the test devices; and/or, said test QC data are collected, and said corresponding QC parameters are identified, with référencé to two or more patient identification images of the consumables; and wherein in step (b), said patient identification images are registered against one another based on one or more affine transformations.
18. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 14 or 17, wherein said QC improvement data in steps (c) and (d), and said improved QC procedures in step (d):

require patient identification images of the consumables to be registered against one another based on one or more affine transformations; and/or, are based on said test QC data collected in step (a); and/or, are based on said statistic and/or algorithmic analyses and wherein in step (b), one or more statistic and/or algorithmic analyses are performed; and/or, require traîning and/or certification of one or more of the users; and/or, provide for set-up and/or management ofthe test devices and/or the consumables; and/or, provide for workflow images to be taken by the test devices at regular intervals; and/or, provide a QC diagnostic application for use by the test devices.
19. A computer readable medium for use with one or more biological or environmental diagnostic test devices, and one or more users or consumables, with the computer readable medium comprising exécutable instructions which are physically stored thereon and which, upon execution, encode one or more processors to:

(e) (i) collect, from the test devices, test qualîty control (QC) data associated with at least one of the test devices, the users and the consumables; and (ii) for each respective one of said test QC data, identify one or more corresponding QC parameters based on said at least one;

(f) détermine when one or more of said test QC data are outside said corresponding QC parameters;

(g) when said one or more of said test QC data are outside said corresponding QC parameters, generate QC improvement data associated with said at least one; and (h) receive and store, in a QC database, said QC improvement data for use in improved QC procedures associated with said at least one.