Systems, methods, devices, and apparatus for detecting sample defects in blood samples processed in automated processing systems are described herein. One aspect describes an automated blood sample processing apparatus having a pre-analytic specimen integrity monitoring device. Another aspect describes devices, systems, and methods for identifying blood components and properties in blood samples. Further aspects relate to systems and methods for setting reference ranges for sample defects and interference in blood samples. Additionally, devices, systems, and methods for identifying defective samples are described.

Liquid level sensing apparatus and related methods are disclosed. An example method includes moving a cannula to pierce a seal of a container to provide access to a liquid in a cavity of the container; moving a probe through a passageway of the cannula and into the cavity of the container; and when the probe is at least partially positioned in the cannula: providing a first signal to the probe to cause the probe to emit a first electrical field; and providing a second signal to the cannula to cause the cannula to emit a second electrical field.

A recapper for placing foils on laboratory sample containers is presented. The foils are brought on the sample container by a lever arrangement that is rotated around a vertical axis.

Liquid level sensing apparatus are disclosed. An example liquid level sensing apparatus includes a cannula defining a body having a tip and an access channel. The tip to pierce a container, where the cannula is to be at least partially positioned in the container when the tip pierces the container. A probe is to be positioned in the access channel. A signal source is to electrically energize the probe and the cannula to cause the probe to emit a first signal and cause the cannula to emit a second signal.

Systems, methods, devices, and apparatus for detecting sample defects in blood samples processed in automated processing systems are described herein. One aspect describes an automated blood sample processing apparatus having a pre-analytic specimen integrity monitoring device. Another aspect describes devices, systems, and methods for identifying blood components and properties in blood samples. Further aspects relate to systems and methods for setting reference ranges for sample defects and interference in blood samples. Additionally, devices, systems, and methods for identifying defective samples are described.

A recapper for placing foils on laboratory sample containers is presented. The foils are brought on the sample container by a lever arrangement that is rotated around a vertical axis.

An autosampler for dispensing samples is provided. The autosampler comprises a sample tray for holding the samples to be dispensed. The sample tray is moveable between a plurality of dispensing positions. The autosampler also comprises a noncontact coupling configured to move the sample tray between the plurality of dispensing positions. An autosampler for dispensing samples is also provided, comprising: a sample tray for holding the samples to be dispensed, the sample tray being moveable between a plurality of dispensing positions, the sample tray and a body of the autosampler comprising respective contact surfaces that contact each other as the sample tray moves between the plurality of dispensing positions, wherein the contact surface of at least one of the sample tray and the body of the autosampler comprises a self-lubricating material.