| abstract |
The new method is particularly useful for inventorying frozen laboratory specimens such as found in a hospital or research center. The method includes placing a specimen at a primary location in a freezer, selecting an "identifier" unique to that specimen and displaying a symbol representing the primary location. More typically, both the storage system and the number of specimens are quite large and progressively-more-specific secondary, tertiary and even sub-tertiary locations will also be displayed. Removing the specimen from the compartment involves manipulating the freezer interface device, e.g., keypad and screen, to display at least the primary location. The user may manipulate by "scrolling" the screen or by entering certain specimen-identifying parameters such as a specimen description, the date of initial storage and others. An optional security arrangement can be incorporated and requires that persons attempting to place or remove a specimen must enter a personal identification number (PIN). A related apparatus is also disclosed. |