A method and system for pooling a plurality of specimens for processing, each specimen associated with a set of specimen characteristics. Each specimen is grouped based on the set of specimen characteristics, where the set of specimen characteristics includes a mass of each specimen. A set of flow cell characteristics for each flow cell included in a group of flow cells that includes at least one flow cell is identified. At least one pool is generated based on the set of specimen characteristics associated with each specimen included in the plurality of specimens and the set of flow cell characteristics for each flow cell included in the group of flow cells. Each pool is associated with a lane included in a flow cell and includes at least one specimen included in the plurality of specimens, and each lane is associated with a specimen type.

An automatic measurement system for Sludge settling Velocity comprises a sampling and shooting module, a data service module, data processing module, and a measurement and analysis module. The sampling and shooting module is configured to collect samples and to obtain a test images of samples. The data processing module is configured to collect and store process data. The measurement and analysis module is configured to obtain the sedimentation ratios of samples according to test images. The sludge activity is analyzed according to the sedimentation ratios. When the sludge activity is abnormal, the process data are obtained from data processing module, and the process analysis data are obtained according to the data and the sludge activity analysis results. The automatic measurement system can avoid errors caused by manual measurement and improve accuracy and efficiency of detection and can avoid the problems of untimely detection.

Provided herein are automated apparatus for the identification of microorganisms in various samples. The disclosure solves existing challenges encountered in identifying and distinguishing various types of microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria in a timely, efficient, and automated manner by sequencing.

Systems and methods that enable automated processing of specimens carried on microscope slides are described herein. Aspects of the technology are directed, for example, to automated slide processing apparatuses capable of dispensing liquids onto microscope slides. Additional aspects of the technology are directed to methods of replacing a reagent pipette in automated slide processing apparatuses. The apparatus can include, for example, a reagent pipette assembly including a reagent pipette moveable between at least one loading position for obtaining reagent from a reagent container at a filling station and at least one dispense position. The apparatus can also include a retainer for releasably securing the reagent pipette. In some embodiments, the reagent pipette assembly includes a locking mechanism for transitioning the retainer from an open configuration for receiving a pipette and a closed configuration for securing a pipette, in e.g., an aligned position within the retainer.

A system and method for automated single cell capture and processing is described, where the system includes a deck supporting and positioning a set of sample processing elements; a gantry for actuating tools for interactions with the set of sample processing elements supported by the deck; and a base supporting various processing subsystems and a control subsystems in communication with the processing subsystems. The system can automatically execute workflows associated with single cell processing, including mRNA capture, cDNA synthesis, protein-associated assays, and library preparation, for next generation sequencing.

A system and method for automated single cell capture and processing is described, where the system includes a deck supporting and positioning a set of sample processing elements; a gantry for actuating tools for interactions with the set of sample processing elements supported by the deck; and a base supporting various processing subsystems and a control subsystems in communication with the processing subsystems. The system can automatically execute workflows associated with single cell processing, including mRNA capture, cDNA synthesis, protein-associated assays, and library preparation, for next generation sequencing.

A method to provide control samples for validating a diagnostic test within a laboratory system is presented. The laboratory system comprises an aliquoting device, a storage, a transport system, at least two analyzers, and a control unit. A total number of control sample aliquots and an aliquot volume for each control sample aliquot is determined based on a validation time schedule. A provided total control sample volume is aliquoted into the determined total number of control sample aliquots with the determined aliquot volumes. The generated control sample aliquots are transported to one or more of the at least two analyzers according to the validation time schedule.

Methods, apparatuses, and systems are disclosed for analyzing quality control (QC) strategies that are applied to testing processes an analyte in order to meet an acceptable level of probability of patient harm that could result from incorrect test results. The measure of patient harm takes into account severity of patient harm, as well as its occurrence. Methods include calculating, based on the parameters of the QC strategies and the test apparatus, an expected number of incorrect final results E(N.sub.uf) due to a test system failure. The value of E(N.sub.uf) can be used as part of a calculation of a predicted level of probability patient harm. The ratio of the acceptable level of probability of patient harm to the predicted level of probability patient harm can determine the adequacy of the QC strategies.

An automated laboratory system for processing biological samples in a batch type manner is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system may receive assay instructions for biological samples processing among a plurality of devices. The devices may include a pre-analytical instrument and one or more analysis systems. The system may include an orchestration core application for determining an order of performance for the assays ordered for the samples.

A sample dispensing mechanism configured to dispense a sample and a reagent to the reaction vessel at a first dispensing position and the reaction cell positioned at a second dispensing position; a second reagent vessel disposed on a track of the sample dispensing mechanism; and a control unit configured to control the sample dispensing mechanism, in which the control unit is configured to, based on information on presence or absence of incubation of an analysis item, control the sample dispensing mechanism to dispense a sample and a reagent to the reaction vessel positioned at the first dispensing position in a case where the incubation is not required by the analysis item, and control the sample dispensing mechanism to dispense a sample to the reaction cell positioned at the second dispensing position in a case where the incubation is required by the analysis item.