A method of processing a sample in a receptacle having one or more assay order states can include automatically determining assay order states of the discrete areas and performing an assay on the sample, using the automatic sample processing instruments, based on the determined assay order states of the discrete areas. Each discrete area has a known association with a different assay. Each discrete area can be altered from a first assay order state to a second assay order state. The method includes a step of automatically determining assay order states of the plurality of discrete areas by determining whether each discrete area has been altered from the first assay order state to the second assay order state.

A sample receptacle can be used for ordering assays to be performed by an automatic sample processing instrument. The sample receptacle can include a body defining a chamber for containing a sample and a label. The label can include discrete areas configured to be altered from a first assay order state to a second assay order state. Each discrete area has a known association with a different assay. The label can also include assay-identifying indicia indicating the respective assay associated with a respective discrete area. A method of processing a sample in a receptacle having one or more assay order states can include automatically determining assay order states of the discrete areas and performing an assay on the sample, using the automatic sample processing instruments, based on the determined assay order states of the discrete areas.

Provided are: a recording unit that records one or more measurement items performed on a specimen put in at least one specimen container and a measurement order of each of the measurement items; a specimen dispensing mechanism that dispenses the specimen selected as a measurement target based on the measurement order into at least one of a first reaction container or a second reaction container; a first measurement unit that performs coagulation measurement, which is measurement of a coagulation item, on the specimen dispensed into the first reaction container after completion of a first preparation process determined in advance; and a second measurement unit that performs specific measurement, which is the measurement item different from the measurement of the coagulation item, on the specimen dispensed into the second reaction container after completion of a second preparation process determined in advance.

A high throughput system and method for analyzing the effects of a plurality of agents on planaria is disclosed. Multiple test zones are provided, where each test zone contains at least a portion of one planarian. The planaria in each test zone are then exposed to at least one agent, the test zones are sealed, and at various times, the test zones are moved automatically between a storage location and at least one assay station. At each assay station, the test zones are exposed to a set of conditions, and an image or video of the planaria in the test zones are captured. Automated image or video analysis is used to are evaluate and determine whether the agent has an effect.

Certain aspects relate to systems and usage techniques for modular lateral flow assay reader devices that can receive a number of different modules having a barcode scanning input device and optional network connectivity capabilities. A barcode scanning module can provide a simple input method that reduces errors compared to manual data entry. A network connectivity module can enable transmission of test results over a public network for standardizing, tracking and electronically connecting test results from assay reader devices located throughout a network. Such devices can programmatically implement a simplified workflow whereby pressing a single button readies the device for imaging, analyzing, and data storage/transmission and, in some implementations, configures the device to operate in one of a plurality of device operation modes.

A computer implemented method for analytical sample container classification, wherein the method comprises obtaining a digital representation of a visual identifier associated with a sample container; identifying at least one apparatus comprised within an analytical system, wherein the analytical system is intended to perform at least one analytical test using the sample container, wherein the at least one apparatus comprises an optical identifier reader; classifying the sample container associated with the visual identifier by characterizing the ability of the optical identifier reader of the at least one apparatus comprised in the analytical system to decode the visual identifier associated with the sample container, to thereby generate a corresponding classification result characterizing the sample container associated with the visual identifier; and outputting a message defining the classification result.

Certain aspects relate to systems and usage techniques for modular lateral flow assay reader devices that can receive a number of different modules having a barcode scanning input device and optional network connectivity capabilities. A barcode scanning module can provide a simple input method that reduces errors compared to manual data entry. A network connectivity module can enable transmission of test results over a public network for standardizing, tracking and electronically connecting test results from assay reader devices located throughout a network. Such devices can programmatically implement a simplified workflow whereby pressing a single button readies the device for imaging, analyzing, and data storage/transmission and, in some implementations, configures the device to operate in one of a plurality of device operation modes.

An analytic system for carrying out a chemical assay, the system having a bay with an opening on one side, the bay of a size and shape to enclose a cartridge carrying a sample material to be analyzed, one or more mechanisms within the bay through which the cartridge and or material within the cartridge is influenced, a door of a size to cover the opening, a securing mechanism associated with the bay and the door, by which the door is secured when closed.