The present invention describes an integrated incubator and image capture module that regulates the incubator atmosphere and obtains high-resolution digital images of sample specimens. The incubator has a cabinet type enclosure that enables the provision of a controlled environment to the contents of the incubator by having at least three ports on one face of the cabinet for the passage of sample containers. Additionally, an image capture module is located immediately adjacent to the incubator. In this regard, using at least three separate access/egress points for the sample containers streamlines operation of the system and enhances preservation of the incubator environment. Furthermore, locating the image capture module directly adjacent to the incubator reduces the amount of time a sample container is exposed to the external environment, thereby reducing the extent to which samples are exposed to potential contaminants and reducing the exchange of the lab and ambient atmospheres.

A model-based method of determining characteristics of a specimen container. The method includes providing a specimen container, capturing images of the specimen container at different exposures times and at different spectra having different nominal wavelengths, selecting optimally-exposed pixels from the images at different exposure times at each spectra to generate optimally-exposed image data for each spectra, and classifying the optimally-exposed pixels as at least being one of tube, label or cap, and identifying a width, height, or width and height of the specimen container based upon the optimally-exposed image data for each spectra. Quality check modules and specimen testing apparatus adapted to carry out the method are described, as are other aspects.

An autosampler includes a carrier for receiving a plurality of sample containers each having a top end and a visible indicium. The visible indicia are located below a top plane defined by the top ends. The autosampler includes: an optical sensor configured to read the visible indicia and to generate a corresponding output signal, and having a line of sight; a controller configured to receive the output signal; and a sampling system to withdraw a sample from the sample containers. The autosampler is operative to relatively move the optical sensor and/or the carrier such that the line of sight intersects the visible indicium of a selected one of the sample containers, wherein the line of sight extends: downward from a height above the height of the top plane; at an oblique angle to the top plane; and through a gap between the selected sample container and an adjacent sample container.

An autosampler includes a sample carrier for receiving first and second sets of sample containers each having a top end, a side wall, and a visible indicium on its side wall. The autosampler includes: an optical sensor to read the visible indicia and to generate a corresponding output signal; a controller to receive the output signal; and a sampling system to withdraw a sample. The sample carrier supports the first and second sets of sample containers at different heights such that the indicia of the sample containers of the second set are located above the top ends of the sample containers of the first set, whereby the indicia of the sample containers of the second set are exposed to the optical sensor over the top ends of the sample containers of the first set, thereby enabling the optical sensor to read the indicia of the second set of sample containers.

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 method of characterizing a serum or plasma portion of a specimen in a specimen container includes capturing a plurality of images of the specimen container from multiple viewpoints, stacking the multiple viewpoint images along a channel dimension into a single stacked input, and processing the stacked input with a single deep convolutional neural network (SDNN). The SDNN includes a segmentation convolutional neural network that receives the stacked input and outputs multiple label maps simultaneously. The SDNN also includes a classification convolutional neural network that processes the multiple label maps and outputs an HILN determination (Hemolysis, Icterus, and/or Lipemia, or Normal) of the serum or plasma portion of the specimen. Quality check modules and testing apparatus configured to carry out the method are also described, as are other aspects.

A system facilitating parallel laboratory operations which includes a plurality of labware components, and a plurality of processing heads configured to interact with the plurality of labware components is described. The system further includes a first set of actuators coupled to the plurality of processing heads and configured to actuate the plurality of processing heads along a first directional axis. The system further includes a second set of actuators configured to translate the plurality of labware components along at least a second directional axis and a third directional axis. The second set of actuators may include one or more magnetic levitation systems configured to cause movement of the plurality of labware components along the second directional axis and the third directional axis.

This disclosure is directed to a system and method for detecting a surface of a substrate within a scanner.

A sample receiving assembly capable of receiving a fluid sample from sample containers having different sizes and shapes includes an arm, an arm holder, a sample probe, and a support member, the support member having a bore therethrough and a plurality of linear grooves. The arm is disposed within the arm holder and the sample probe is disposed within the arm. The arm holder includes a hollow pivot pin insertable through the bore in the support member. The sample probe has a first portion extendable through a distal end of the arm, and a second portion extending axially through the hollow pivot pin. The plurality of linear grooves in the support member are sized and positioned to receive a guide pin on the arm and guide retraction of the arm into the arm holder from an extended position to a retracted position.

A method to localize a carrier on a laboratory transport system is presented. The laboratory transport system comprises a carrier associated with an identity, a multi-lane transport module, and a control unit. The carrier comprises a signal transmitter configured to transmit a signal comprising information about the identity. The multi-lane transport module comprises a transport surface comprising a first and a second transport lane as well as a first signal receiver and a second signal receiver each configured to receive the transmitted signal. Based on received signal strengths, the control unit localizes the carrier on one of the transport lanes of the multi-lane transport module.