A method of reading machine-readable labels on sample receptacles held by a sample rack. In the method, an absolute position of the sample rack is measured as the sample rack moves between first and second positions in a housing. During movement between the first and second positions, an image is acquired of a machine-readable label associated with each sample receptacle held by the sample rack. The image of each machine-readable label is thereafter decoded.

The sample container loading or storing unit includes a sample rack tray and a sample rack tray installation portion on which the sample rack tray is installed, the sample rack tray installation portion includes a claw portion that moves in a contact direction with a sidewall portion of the sample rack tray, the sample rack tray includes a claw guard portion provided on the sidewall portion of the sample rack tray, and the claw guard portion is configured to be separated from the sidewall portion of the sample rack tray by being pushed by a sample rack.

This disclosure provides a sample rack, a sample access kit and a sample access system. The sample rack comprises: a rack body for placing a sample container; a position collector configured to acquire a position of the sample container placed on the rack body; and a communicator configured to transmit identification information of the sample rack and the acquired position of the sample container on the rack body. The sample access kit comprises the above-described sample rack and a sample container having an identification disposed thereon. The sample access system comprises the above-described sample access kit and a mobile terminal.

An image capture device for capturing an image of barcodes of a plurality of test tubes held in a test tube rack,the plurality of test tubes each having an individual barcode thereon, the image capture device comprising: an enclosure comprising a transparent window which, in use, is adjacent to the test tube rack to be imaged;and a plurality of stationary components, the plurality of stationary components comprising: at least one camera mounted within the enclosure to capture an image of the barcodes; a lighting arrangement mounted within the enclosure, the lighting arrangement comprising at least one light source to illuminate the barcodes of the plurality of test tubes held in the test tube rack through the transparent window;a mirror in an optical path between the at least one camera and the transparent window, the mirror arranged to relay light rays reflecting from the barcodes of the plurality of test tubes held in the test tube rack to the at least one camera; and an interface for outputting the captured image to a host computer for decoding of said barcodes.

A sample injector is configured to determine an amount of movement of a piston for injecting a sample into an analyzer based on a preset amount of the sample to be injected into the analyzer and information of a first identification code about an internal volume read by an optical sensor.

A sample analyzing apparatus for performing an optical-based measurement on a sample includes a housing, a first light source, excitation optics, a first light detector, emission optics, and a monitoring system, all of which are disposed in the housing. The monitoring system is configured for monitoring a movable component disposed in the housing. The monitoring system includes one or more light sources for illuminating the movable component, and one or more light detectors for detecting light reflected from the movable component in response to being illuminated.

A method of reading machine-readable labels on sample receptacles. In the method, a sample rack is moved between a first position and a second position withing a housing, where the sample rack supports a plurality of sample receptacles, and each sample receptacle has a machine-readable label. An absolute position of the sample rack is measured as the sample rack moves between the first and second positions. An image of the machine-readable label associated with each sample receptacle is acquired as the sample rack moves between the first and second positions. Finally, the acquired image of each machine-readable label is decoded.

A sample-containing device configured to be placed into a sample processing instrument for performing a process on a sample contained in the device includes redundant identification features, such as machine-readable tags. A first machine-readable information tag is read before the device is placed in the instrument, and a second machine-readable information tag is read after the device is in the instrument. Information read from the two tags is compared to determine if there is proper correspondence between the information read from the tags to ensure that the correct sample processing device was placed in the instrument.

Aspects of the present disclosure include systems and methods. According to certain embodiments, provided is an integrated analysis system that includes a first module including a sample analysis component and a first internal container conveyor system. The integrated analysis system further includes a second module including a second internal container conveyor system. The first and second modules are positioned adjacent each other such that the first and second internal container conveyor systems are aligned and adapted to transport containers from the first module to the second module. Also provided are methods of analyzing and preparing samples (e.g., blood and body fluid samples), as well as components that find use within the analysis systems of the present disclosure.

A sample rack includes a housing that has multiple spaces or compartments each for receiving and retaining sample containers of various sizes. The sample rack includes dual hooks on the ends for engaging a sample rack handling system. Chamfers formed in the housing of the sample rack assist in placing and removing the sample rack from a sample rack handling system. The sample tube rack also includes a handle that extends upward from one end and includes gripping features. groove and bar, incorporated into each sample rack, are able to selectively interlock with adjacent racks to assist in lifting multiple sample racks together.