A sample liquid-surface position measurement device includes: a first light source that illuminates a side face of a container containing a sample; a first optical measurement sensor that is located on the opposite side of the container from the first light source, and measures transmitted light from the first light source; a first label position measuring unit that measures a position of a label affixed to the container; and an analysis section that calculates a liquid-surface position or an interface position of the sample in the container, from transmitted-light intensity data in a longitudinal direction of the container which is measured by the first optical measurement sensor, and from the position of the label in the longitudinal direction of the container which is measured by the first label position measuring unit.

A method of testing a biological sample, the method comprising: providing a centrifuge sample holder having a camera; arranging a transparent container comprising a fluid test medium in a recess of said centrifuge sample holder, wherein the camera is arranged to image a portion of the container comprising said fluid test medium; arranging said biological sample above and not in contact with said fluid test medium in said container; and with the camera, imaging a mixing of said biological sample with said fluid test medium while centrifuging the sample holder.

A sample holder for use in a centrifuge, the sample holder being generally planar and comprising: an aperture or recess for releasably retaining a sample storage member including a sample chamber adapted to contain a volume of liquid; a centre point around which the holder will rotate during use; and one or more calibration features, wherein the calibration feature(s) comprise one or more outer edges, which lie on the side of the or each calibration feature which is furthest from the centre point, and the one or more outer edges comprise a series of radially spaced-apart outer edge portions or positions which are spaced at different distances from the centre point as a function of angular position around the centre point.

A sample liquid-surface position measurement device includes: a first light source that illuminates a side face of a container containing a sample; a first optical measurement sensor that is located on the opposite side of the container from the first light source, and measures transmitted light from the first light source; a first label position measuring unit that measures a position of a label affixed to the container; and an analysis section that calculates a liquid-surface position or an interface position of the sample in the container, from transmitted-light intensity data in a longitudinal direction of the container which is measured by the first optical measurement sensor, and from the position of the label in the longitudinal direction of the container which is measured by the first label position measuring unit.

A model-based method of classifying a specimen in a specimen container. The method includes capturing images of the specimen and container at multiple different exposures times, at multiple different spectra having different nominal wavelengths, and at different viewpoints by using multiple cameras. From the captured images, 2D data sets are generated. The 2D data sets are based upon selection of optimally-exposed pixels from the multiple different exposure images to generate optimally-exposed image data for each spectra. Based upon these 2D data sets, various components are classified using a multi-class classifier, such as serum or plasma portion, settled blood portion, gel separator (if present), tube, air, or label. From the classification data and 2D data sets, a 3D model can be generated. Specimen testing apparatus and quality check modules adapted to carry out the method are described, as are other aspects.

An adapter is connectable to any one of a plurality of different instrument modules so that the connected adapter and any one of the plurality of different instrument modules is positionable within a centrifuge bucket. The adapter includes, for example, a support positionable in a first portion of the centrifuge bucket so that the any one of the plurality of different instrument modules is positionable in a second portion of the centrifuge bucket, a processor attachable to the support, a power source or a connector to a power source operably electrically connected to the processor, an interface operably connected to the processor for receiving data from the any one of the plurality of different instrument modules, and a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data from the processor to a remote location.

A separation sampling module for use within a bucket of a centrifuge for monitoring separation of a sample in a container includes a housing operable for supporting the container for containing the sample and removably positionable within the bucket of the centrifuge, at least one light source for illuminating the sample, at least one light detector for detecting light from the sample, an accelerometer for measuring acceleration of the housing, and at least one of a power source and a connector operably connectable to a power source for use in powering the at least one light source. Light from the at least one light source passing through the sample defines a light path disposed in a direction across the direction of a centrifugal force when the separation sampling module is disposed in the bucket and rotated in the centrifuge.