An automated pre-analytical processing method and an apparatus for pre-analytical processing of samples to be forwarded to an adjacent analyzer for analysis. Rack label information is read and communicated to a processor. From the rack label information, the processor determines where to route the rack. The pre-analytical system has a rack robot that conveys racks to discrete locations depending upon the routing information assigned to the rack by the processor. The pre-analytical system has an automated station that reads the labels of individual sample containers in the rack that are brought to the automated station on instructions from the processor. Depending on the type of sample container and the type of sample disposed therein, the samples are either prepared for analysis by the automated station or the sample containers are directly passed through the automated station. Prepared samples and passed through samples are passed individually to a batching rack.

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. A groove and bar, incorporated into each sample rack, are able to selectively interlock with adjacent racks to assist in lifting multiple sample racks together.

A parallel processing system for processing samples is described. In one embodiment, the parallel processing system includes an instrument interface parallel controller to control a tray motor driving system, a close-loop heater control and detection system, a magnetic particle transfer system, a reagent release system, a reagent pre-mix pumping system and a wash buffer pumping system.

A sample test automation system which is capable of reducing the workload of an operator and precisely carrying out necessary processes of each of samples without stagnation. In the sample test automation system, a sample tray 120 on which a plurality of samples 150 can be installed is prepared, an identifier for distinguishing the sample tray 120 is attached to the sample tray 120, a sample introducing unit 10 is provided with an identifier reading apparatus 111 which reads the identifier of the sample tray 120, and information about the samples 150 is switched based on the read identifier of the sample tray 120.

A parallel processing system for processing samples is described. In one embodiment, the parallel processing system includes an instrument interface parallel controller to control a tray motor driving system, a close-loop heater control and detection system, a magnetic particle transfer system, a reagent release system, a reagent pre-mix pumping system and a wash buffer pumping system.

A sample test automation system which is capable of reducing the workload of an operator and precisely carrying out necessary processes of each of samples without stagnation. In the sample test automation system, a sample tray 120 on which a plurality of samples 150 can be installed is prepared, an identifier for distinguishing the sample tray 120 is attached to the sample tray 120, a sample introducing unit 10 is provided with an identifier reading apparatus 111 which reads the identifier of the sample tray 120, and information about the samples 150 is switched based on the read identifier of the sample tray 120.

A system and method for locating sample vessels are presented. The system comprises a holder having an array of positions for holding sample vessels. An information tag is attached to the holder for storing and/or retrieving machine-readable information related to the positions of sample vessels with respect to the array of positions. The system further comprises a handheld device capable of reading information on the information tag. The handheld device has an input for inputting information related to a to-be-located sample vessel and an output for outputting a position of the to-be-located sample vessel with respect to the array of positions based on information stored in the information tag. The method comprises inputting information related to a to-be-located sample vessel into the handheld device, reading information stored in the holder's information tag with the handheld device; and outputting a position of the to-be-located sample vessel.

An example method includes retrieving a first carrier from a loading bay. In the example method, the retrieving of the first carrier is unrestricted by a position of the first carrier in the loading bay. The example method includes exposing the first carrier to an identification device to identify content of the first carrier and moving the first carrier from the identification device to a first location or a second location based on the content of the first carrier for performance of a diagnostic process using the content at the first location or the second location. The example method includes retrieving the first carrier from the first location or the second location and returning the first carrier to the loading bay.

A sample vessel assembly, comprising a base member including a base flange having first and second opposing surfaces, first and second sides intersecting with one another; and a first sidewall extending from the first surface at a distance from the first and second sides; and a lid member, including: a lid flange having third and fourth opposing surfaces, third and fourth sides intersecting with one another; and a second sidewall extending from the third surface at a distance from the third and fourth sides, the second sidewall engageable with the first sidewall such that the first surface of the base flange and the third surface of the lid flange are in an opposing spaced-apart relationship with one another and such that the first and second sidewalls cooperate with one another to define a sample chamber. Further disclosed is a method for automated analysis of samples in a sample vessel assembly.

An automation system for use with in-vitro diagnostics that includes a track configured to provide one or more paths and a plurality of sleeves. Each sleeve is configured to hold one of a plurality of fluid containers. The system also includes a plurality of carriers configured to travel along the track. Each carrier is separable from each sleeve and configured to hold one of the plurality of sleeves. The system further includes a tray having a plurality of rows. Each row is configured to hold at least one of: (i) one or more of the plurality of sleeves; and (ii) one or more of the plurality of carriers. The tray is configured to at least one of: (i) unload the plurality of sleeves or the plurality of carriers from the tray; and (ii) load the plurality of sleeves or the plurality of carriers to the tray.