Sample analysis system and method are provided. The sample analysis system includes a first sample analyzer, a second sample analyzer, a sample rack transport device, and a sample sorting device provided between the first and second sample analyzers. The sample rack transport device includes a transport track for conveying a sample rack with sample containers to the first and/or second sample analyzer for testing. The first and second sample analyzers are arranged in sequence along a first transport direction of the transport track. The sample sorting device includes a connecting track, a sorting platform, and a sample transfer mechanism. The sample transfer mechanism is capable of moving to a position above the connecting track, so as to transfer the sample container(s) in the sample rack conveyed to the connecting track to a sample rack on the sorting platform. Efficiency of sample analysis is improved.

Provided is a sample analysis system. The sample analysis system includes a first analysis module, a second analysis module and a cascade dispatching mechanism. The cascade dispatching mechanism is configured to dispatch at least a portion of first sample vessels provided by a first sample feeding mechanism to the second analysis module, so as for a second test component to test at least a portion of a first sample in each of the first sample vessels dispatched by the cascade dispatching mechanism, to obtain a second test result; and/or, to dispatch at least a portion of second sample vessels provided by a second sample feeding mechanism to the first analysis module, so as for a first test component to test at least a portion of a second sample in each of the second sample vessels dispatched by the cascade dispatching mechanism, to obtain a first test result.

An apparatus and system including an apparatus to identify an identifier on a tissue cassette in an assembly of a plurality of tissue cassettes including a light source operable to illuminate a plurality of tissue cassettes; a sensor operable to automatically capture an identifier on an individual tissue cassette or an image of the plurality of tissue cassettes in the assembly; and where the sensor is operable to capture reflected light from the light source of an image of the plurality of tissue cassettes, a converter to convert image data into an electronic signal. The system may include a processor operable to compare an identifier with a tissue processing protocol. A method including sensing identifiers on tissue cassettes each containing a tissue sample in an assembly comprising a plurality of tissue cassettes; and determining or verifying a tissue processing protocol of a tissue sample based on the sensed identifier.

A slide transfer device is configured to transfer a plurality of slides from a first container to a second container, which can improve compatibility between slide preparation devices and microscopes. The first container is configured to receive slides from a slide preparation device, and the second container is configured to provide slides to a slide loader of a microscope. The first container may not be compatible with the microscope slide loader. The first container may differ from the second container by one or more of a maximum distance across, a slide capacity, a number of slide receptacles, a distance between slide receptacles, or a size of slide receptacles. The plurality of slides comprises a first orientation and a first order in the first container and the slide transfer device is configured to provide the plurality of slides to the second container with a second orientation or a second order.

A system for storage of blocks of embedding material containing histological samples, includes a controlled atmosphere storage cell, wherein a plurality of compartments is arranged to receive trays having an identification element. Each tray carries a plurality of cassettes each carrying a block containing a histological sample. Each cassette bears an identification element. The position of each cassette in the tray and the position of each tray in the storage cell are stored. The system includes an input/output module with a plurality of input stations and at least one output station. The input stations include at least a first input station associated to an interface station with an automatic transport system of cassettes. The output station is configured to interface with a structure for manual loading or unloading of trays carrying cassettes, or to cooperate with an autonomous mobile robot configured to support one or more trays carrying cassettes.

A fluid sampling system having a nozzle, a fluid path configured to transfer a process fluid sample of a process fluid from a process fluid source of a lithium recovery system to the nozzle, a fluid control device along the fluid path, an identification tag reader, and a processing device. The fluid control device may operate between a closed position in which it prevents transfer of the process fluid sample and an open position in which it permits transfer of the process fluid sample into a sample container. The identification tag reader may read an identification tag associated with the sample container and output dispenser identification tag data indicative of the identification tag. The processing device may receive process sensor data indicative of properties of the process fluid, receive the dispenser identification tag data, and associate the dispenser identification tag data with the process sensor data.

An operator can perform exchange work of a reagent container without including a mechanism for reagent exchange and interrupting an analysis operation. An automatic analyzer includes: an analysis unit including a plurality of operation units for performing analysis of a specimen; and a control unit for controlling the analysis unit. The control unit allows the analysis unit to set to at least (a) an analysis operation mode in which a first and a second operation unit are operated for the analysis of the specimen, (b) a partial operation mode in which only the first operation unit is continuously operated after the analysis of the specimen is completed in the analysis operation mode, and (c) a reagent exchange mode in which consumables containing a reagent are exchangeable in the analysis unit. The control unit allows the analysis unit to shift from the partial operation mode to the reagent exchange mode.

An automated sample registration system for registering samples disposed in sample containers or tubes, the system including: a sample container infeed store station having a holding location with a store array configured for storing the containers therein; a sample imager station, with a machine vision system having at least one of a line scanner and a camera, at least one of the line scanner and the camera being configured to generate a machine readable image of each container transported from the array with a transport device automatic grip, the container being held in the grip substantially continuously from container pick, at the store array, throughout imaging of the container by the machine vision system; wherein the grip holds the sample container substantially coincident, at least in part, with imaging of the container by the machine vision system so that generating the machine readable image is effected in one grip step.

The present invention provides improved methods, facilities and systems for parallel processing of biological cellular samples in an efficient and scalable manner. The invention enables parallel processing of biological cellular samples, such as patient samples, in a space and time efficient fashion. The methods, facilities and systems of the invention find particular utility in processing patient samples for use in cell therapy.

A container storing device connected to an automatic analyzer through a transportation path that transports a rack includes a storage that stores specimen containers, a container transportation mechanism that transfers the specimen containers between the storage and a rack, and a control unit. The transportation path transports the rack from the container storing device toward the automatic analyzer. The rack includes a plurality of container setting positions. After a plurality of taking-out target specimen containers in which specimens for which a measurement request has been made from the automatic analyzer are housed become capable of being taken out, the control unit decides taking-out priority regarding the plurality of taking-out target specimen containers and executes control such that the taking-out target specimen container having higher taking-out priority is mounted on the rack at the container setting position located more forward in a transportation direction of the transportation path.