An apparatus is provided for scanning and decoding barcodes in a tray or other container containing multiple items, such as tissue samples, that are identified with discrete barcodes. The apparatus includes an imager, a lighting system, and a processor. The imager is configured to capture images within a selectable field of view. At least a portion of a bulk sample container, which is configured to carry a plurality of sample/tissue containers, is positioned within the field of view. The lighting system is configured to evenly light the field of view. The processor is configured to receive the captured images from the imager. The processor is further configured to analyze a first image of the captured images and to detect and decode the barcodes present in the first image.

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally pertain to systems and methods for performing amplicon rescue multiplex polymerase chain reaction (arm-PCR). In one embodiment, the system comprises a processor and a reader coupled to a control element. The control element is configured to control the operation of the processor and the reader based on a variety of settings. The processor is configured to receive a self-contained cassette for performing PCR amplification of DNA and/or RNA obtained from an organic specimen. The processor engages with the cassette and manipulates reagents within the cassette in order to amplify and detect the DNA from the specimen. The processor also causes the cassette to deposit the DNA on a microarray within the cassette. The reader is configured to receive the cassette after it has been processed by the processor and to capture an image of the microarray for transmission to the control element as test data. The control element is further configured to analyze the test data received from the reader and to produce an output indicative of a comparison of the test data to predefined data.

First analysis information including at least one of a sample analysis condition, a sample preparation condition and a kind of sample is assigned to at least one kind of jig, and the jig is arrangeable to correspond to any of a plurality of sample holders. Holding information representing whether a sample is held by each sample holder and jig information for identifying the kind of jig are acquired by a first information acquirer from an automatic sample injector. The first analysis information in regard to a corresponding sample holder is specified by a first analysis information specifier based on jig information. A batch file for controlling a sequence of analysis or preparation in regard to a sample held by a sample holder corresponding to a jig is created by a batch file creator with use of the holding information and the first analysis information.

According to one embodiment, an automatic analyzing apparatus includes a liquid tank, a first pump, a dispensing probe, and a thermal exchanger. The liquid tank stores a first liquid. The first pump pressurizes and sends the first liquid supplied from the liquid tank. The dispensing probe uses the first liquid that is sent out from the first pump as a pressure transmitting medium. The thermal exchanger exchanges heat between an atmosphere in the automatic analyzing apparatus and the first liquid in at least a part of a first flow path connecting the first pump to the liquid tank.

A rack for holding samples and various reagents, wherein the rack may be used for loading the samples and reagents prior to using the reagents. The rack accepts complementary reagent holders, each of which contain a set of reagents for carrying out a predetermined processing operation, such as preparing biological samples for amplifying and detecting polynucleotides extracted from the samples.

An automatic analyzing apparatus includes a reagent depository, a wave radiator, a wave receiver, a switcher, and processing circuitry. The wave radiator sends a radio wave to a plurality of wireless tags. The wireless tags are comprised by respective reagent containers in the reagent depository or by respective reagent containers at a reagent retaining space. The wave receiver receives return radio waves from the wireless tags that have received the radio wave. The switcher changes a response state of one of the wireless tags. The processing circuitry specifies reagent information corresponding to the reagent container that comprises the response state-changed wireless tag, based on the return radio waves received before and after the response state is changed.

A sample identification system for an automated sampling device is described. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a sample holder having a plurality of apertures configured to receive a plurality of sample vessels therein, the sample holder having one or more corresponding sample holder identifiers positioned proximate to the sample holder; and an identifier capture device configured to detect the one or more sample holder identifiers positioned proximate to the sample holder and generate a data signal in response thereto, the data signal corresponding to at least an orientation of the sample holder relative to a surface on which the sample holder is positioned.

Pre-registration information representing a correspondence relationship between analysis information representing a condition in regards to analysis or preparation of a sample, and a tray ID or a container type ID of a sample container is acquired by a pre-registration information acquirer. The tray ID or the container type ID is acquired by a tray ID acquirer or a container type ID acquirer from an automatic sample injector. The analysis information corresponding to the tray ID or the container type ID is specified by an analysis information specifier based on pre-registration information. Holding information representing whether a sample is held in a tray is acquired by a holding information acquirer from the automatic sample injector. A batch file is created by a batch file creator based on the holding information and the analysis information.

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally pertain to systems and methods for performing amplicon rescue multiplex polymerase chain reaction (arm-PCR). In one embodiment, the system comprises a processor and a reader coupled to a control element. The control element is configured to control the operation of the processor and the reader based on a variety of settings. The processor is configured to receive a self-contained cassette for performing PCR amplification of DNA and/or RNA obtained from an organic specimen. The processor engages with the cassette and manipulates reagents within the cassette in order to amplify and detect the DNA from the specimen. The processor also causes the cassette to deposit the DNA on a microarray within the cassette. The reader is configured to receive the cassette after it has been processed by the processor and to capture an image of the microarray for transmission to the control element as test data. The control element is further configured to analyze the test data received from the reader and to produce an output indicative of a comparison of the test data to predefined data.

The device for the storage and traceability of biological specimens placed in holders is provided with identification information in the form of encoded data. The device includes at least one tray provided with a plurality of cells for the storage of the holders provided with storage housings for the holders, at least one apparatus for reading encoded data and determining data relative to the location of each holder within the receptacle, and a computerized processor for the data read and determined by the apparatus. The is a device for recognizing an empty housing within the receptacle defined by a detector for a physical characteristic of the bottom of the cell or an element secured to this bottom.