Provided is an automatic analyser capable of switching an apparatus operation mode, such as automatic reexamination, without stopping measurement by efficiently using a rack. The automatic analyser includes a storage unit that stores an operation mode, such as automatic reexamination, of the automatic analyser, a detection unit that detects an operation mode switching rack inserted into an insertion unit, and a control unit that switches the operation mode stored in the storage unit on the basis of the detection of the operation mode switching rack by the detection unit. The control unit applies the switched operation mode to an examination object rack transported from the insertion unit to a transport line after the operation mode switching rack.

A robotic system is provided for accurately and quickly sorting sample tubes within or between sample tube racks.

State-of-the-art analyzers in clinical laboratories require complex robotics, as well as daily human maintenance. In addition, a discrete analyzer is required for each analytic method, with two or more such analyzers containing expensive, redundant components. Accordingly, a total lab automation system is disclosed that is capable of combining the functions of all such analyzers using a compact superset of stations. In an embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of conveyors, arranged along an X-axis of a tabletop surface, and configured to move in both directions along a Y-axis, under the control of a controller. One or more stations may extend along the X-axis, to orthogonally span all of the conveyors, such that a tool of each station may move along the X-axis, and potentially along the Z-axis, to process items on the conveyors, under the control of the controller.

Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

A laboratory sample distribution system is presented. The system comprises a number of sample container carriers, a transport plane, a number of electro-magnetic actuators, a number of position sensors and a position determination unit. The position sensors and the position determination unit enable improved sample container carrier position detection on the transport plane. A laboratory automation system comprising such a laboratory sample distribution system is also presented.

A system for managing information in a laboratory is disclosed. The system can receive sample information, the sample information including at least one sample identifier and sample order information. The system can send movement information to one or more robotics units based on at least the sample identifier. The system can perform, on at least one identified sample, one or more analytical functions to generate results data. The system can organize the results data based on the sample order information.

The present invention provides a device and system for monitoring the accuracy of procedures in the course of the performance of a task, the task comprising at least one procedure to be performed, the device comprising: an input interface for receiving input data relating to the procedures; a data store for storing data relating to the procedures; a processor for: comparing the input data with the stored data; and generating a comparison result indicating the result of that comparison; and an output interface for outputting the comparison result.

Systems and methods for use in an in vitro diagnostics setting may include an automation track, a plurality of carriers configured to carry a plurality of sample vessels along the automation track, and a characterization station including a plurality of optical devices. A processor, in communication with the characterization station, can be configured to analyze images to automatically characterize physical attributes related to each carrier and/or sample vessel. A method may include receiving a plurality of images from a plurality of optical devices of a characterization station, wherein the plurality of images comprise images from a plurality of perspectives of a sample vessel being transported by a carrier, automatically analyzing the plurality of images, using a processor, to determine certain characteristics of the sample vessel, and automatically associating the characteristics of the sample vessel with the carrier in a database.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method method for providing a user interface on a user interface-providing device for operating a liquid handler to prepare a candidate composition to be tested to provide a nucleic acid amplification composition for detecting a target nucleic acid molecule, the method comprising: displaying an input screen for selecting types of tasks and a plurality of test items for preparing the candidate composition: displaying (i) a parameter defined by the selected task and the test item and (ii) an input screen for receiving the parameter value for the displayed parameter; receiving the parameter value; and transferring the received parameter value to the liquid handler, wherein the user interface-providing device communicates with the liquid handler such that the liquid handler is operated at least partially based on an instruction and a parameter value to be referenced upon execution of the instruction, wherein the test of the candidate composition is performed for at least one test item among the plurality of test items, wherein each of the plurality of test items is to test a detection performance of the candidate composition, and wherein the detection performance comprises a sensitivity and/or specificity for the target nucleic acid molecule.

Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.