Systems and methods include an optimization-based load planning module for laboratory analyzers of bio-fluid samples. The optimization-based load planning module is executable on a computer server and is configured to optimize assay (lab test) assignments across a large number of laboratory analyzers based on one or more of the following user selected and weighted objectives: reduced turn-around-time, load balancing, efficient reagent usage, lower quality assurance costs, and/or improved system robustness. The optimization-based load planning module outputs a load plan comprising computer executable instructions configured to cause a system controller of a laboratory analyzer system to schedule and direct each requested test to be performed at one or more selected laboratory analyzers of the laboratory analyzer system in accordance with the user selected and weighted objectives. Other aspects are also described.

A cancer cell detection device includes a computer with a database and a display and a microscope coupled to the computer. The microscope has a base upon which a biopsy sample can be placed. The device further includes a camera coupled to the microscope and computer. The camera is configured to capture images of the biopsy sample. The device also has a filter configured to attach to the microscope and a connection feature for connecting the computer to the camera and the filter. The computer further includes a processor that processes the images captured by the camera and classifies the images according to known variables stored in the database.

System and method for managing one or more experimental requests. For example, the method includes receiving multiple experimental requests, determining a schedule for executing the multiple experimental requests based upon attributes associated with each experimental request, and assigning the multiple experimental requests to remote laboratories for execution based upon the schedule and features of the remote laboratories.

System and method for processing one or more experimental workflows. For example, the method includes receiving an indication of an experimental workflow selected by a user, generating workflow configuration requirements for the experimental workflow, presenting a user interface to enable input of parameters to configure the experimental workflow in accordance with the workflow configuration requirements, performing a validation of the parameters, configuring the experimental workflow based upon the validated parameters, and transforming the configured experimental workflow into machine executable codes for execution by devices at remote laboratories.

The automatic analysis system comprises an analysis device which introduces sample containers which have been placed at a predetermined placement location into an analysis unit to perform analysis on the samples, and a management device which has a function of transmitting identification information for a sample to said analysis device when an analysis request has been made for that sample. The analysis device comprises a sample information management unit which retains sample identification information transmitted from the management device as analysis-requested sample information and retains identification information for samples which have been analyzed by the analysis unit as analysis-completed sample information.

A specimen processing system 100 which performs preprocessing and analysis of a specimen includes sensors 5a, 5b, . . . each detecting a driving state of a driving device installed in the system, an abnormality detecting part 3a determining from signal waveforms detected by the sensors 5a, 5b, . . . whether an abnormality occurs in the driving device, and a recording device sequentially recording the signal waveforms detected by the sensors 5a, 5b, . . . and storing a sensor signal waveform before or after the occurrence of an operation abnormality into an unerasable area when the abnormality is determined to have occurred in the abnormality detection part 3a. Consequently, there is provided a specimen processing system capable of realizing restoration from the time of the occurrence of an abnormality faster than in the past.

A method for sharing system information data in a network of two or more diagnostic instruments for performing assays is provided. The system information data includes operating information for the diagnostic instruments in the network. The method includes: sending a system information metadata packet to at least a first diagnostic instrument in the network, wherein the system information metadata packet, is associated with system information data on a second diagnostic instrument in the network and comprises one or more attributes of a system information data packet containing the associated system information data; receiving a request from the first diagnostic instrument to send the system information data packet, and in response to the request from the first diagnostic instrument to send the system information data packet, sending the system information data packet containing the associated system information data to the first diagnostic instrument.

A sample processing apparatus includes a pipette configured to dispense a sample or a reagent and an arm supporting the pipette. A camera is configured to capture an image of a tip end of the pipette and a container to which the sample or the reagent is dispensed. A controller is programmed to determine, based on the image, an adjustment value for the arm such that the pipette is inserted into the container without collision.

A flexible instrument control and data storage/management system and method for representing and processing assay plates having one or more predefined plate locations is disclosed. The system utilizes a graph data structure, layer objects and data objects. The layer objects map the graph data structure to the data objects. The graph data structure can comprise one node for each of the one or more predefined plate locations, wherein the nodes can be hierarchically defined according to a predefined plate location hierarchy. Each node can be given a unique node identifier, a node type and a node association that implements the predefined plate location hierarchy. The layer objects can include an index that maps the node identifiers to the data objects.

The invention relates to a laboratory instrument for the instrument-controlled handling of a partial problem in a treatment process which contains treatments of at least one laboratory sample. The invention moreover relates to a system containing a plurality of such laboratory instruments, wherein the system serves for the instrument-controlled handling of a problem containing a plurality of these partial problems in the treatment process of at least one laboratory sample. And the invention relates to a method for the instrument-controlled handling of a partial problem in a treatment process which contains treatments of at least one laboratory sample.