An analysis system, controller, and data processing device that are capable of avoiding the influence on control in the case where the names of the constituent elements are changed. The analysis system includes a plurality of constituent elements used for analysis; a controller configured to perform control on a basis of data received from the constituent elements; and a data processing device configured to process data received from the controller. The controller receives the control code, the additional code, and the name information from the plurality of constituent elements to generate an ID code on the basis of the control code and the additional code. The data processing device receives the ID code and the name information from the controller, and performs control on the basis of the control code included in the ID code.

In an example, a method includes obtaining an expected biological sample value at a computing device. The expected biological sample value indicates an expected concentration of a material biologically processed by a courier. The computing device determines whether the measured biological sample value is associated with the courier based on a comparison of the expected biological sample value to the measured biological sample value. The method also includes determining a particular set of operations to be performed at the computing device based on a result of the comparison.

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.

To reduce the risk of mistaken operation and improve convenience in an automatic analysis device. Information about types of measurement inputted from an input device is combined in an examination mode creation screen image 301 on a display device of an automatic analysis device that performs analysis of specific types of measurement on a specimen container accommodating a specimen, the information about types of measurement including biochemistry examination items 303, immunology examination items 304, ISE examination items 304, blood clotting examination items 306, etc. This information is associated with an examination mode name 302, which comprises discretionary setting information, and is stored in a table of a storage unit. Information which is to be displayed on the display device and for which a change in settings is to be enabled is limited on the basis of the stored information about types of measurement associated with the examination mode name 302.

A display method according to one or more aspects may be a method used in a sample analyzer comprising holders configured to hold reagent containers of reagents used for an analysis of a sample. The display method may include: displaying, on a display unit, icons respectively associated with the holders; receiving selection of icons from the icons displayed on the display unit; and receiving an instruction for a predetermined operation relevant to the selected icons.

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.

Systems and methods for managing a sample preparation and analysis system based on detected unique sample identities and locations is described. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a sample analysis information system communicatively connected with each of a sample data manager, a sample logging manager, and a sample preparation system, wherein the sample data manager stores on the sample analysis information system a sample type with a sample type protocol for execution by the sample preparation system, the sample logging manager assigns the sample type with a unique identifier positioned on a sample container, and the sample preparation system includes an identifier capture device to identify the unique identifier, access the sample type protocol from the sample analysis information system, and execute the sample type protocol responsive to a queue associated with a sample order assigned to the sample type via the sample data manager.

Systems and methods for managing a sample preparation and analysis system based on detected unique sample identities and locations is described. A method embodiment includes, but is not limited to, storing on a sample analysis information system a sample type and a sample type protocol for execution by a sample preparation system via a sample data manager; storing on the sample analysis information system an association between a unique identifier positioned on a sample container and the sample type with a sample logging manager; identifying the unique identifier at the sample preparation system with an identifier capture device of the sample preparation system; accessing from the sample analysis information system the sample type protocol based on the sample type associated with the unique identifier; and queuing a sampling procedure to execute the sample type protocol based on a sample order assigned to the sample type via the sample data manager.

Systems and methods are provided for processing a biological sample. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a sample vessel containing the sample; retrieving information from an information storage unit associated with the sample; using said information for selecting at least one cartridge front at least two or more different cartridges, each configured for use with a sample processing device; loading at least one or more reagents onto the cartridge, wherein the one or more reagents to be added are selected based at least in part on the information or instructions derived from the information; and placing the sample vessel in the cartridge.