A sample processing system is configured for analyzing, preprocessing, or carrying out other operations for a biological sample such as blood or urea. With the sample processing system, it is possible to store samples to be stored in a thermally insulated state or specimens required for accuracy control in the thermally insulated state for preventing evaporation or denaturing of the samples and specimens. Also it is possible to carry in or out the samples, rack by rack, according to necessity. Further, the sample processing system is provided with a buffer unit in a cold container having a capability for cold storage and also by accessing a sample rack at random for carrying in or out a rack with a transfer mechanism provided outside of the cold container.

A cryogenic storage system includes a transfer module configured to service one or more cryogenic storage freezers. The transfer module includes a working chamber that maintains a cryogenic environment for the transfer of sample tubes between different sample boxes. One or more freezer ports enable the transfer module to receive a sample box extracted from a respective freezer. An input/output (I/O) port enables external access to samples. A box transport robot operates to transport sample boxes between the freezer ports, the working chamber, and the I/O port. A picker robot operates to transfer sample tubes between sample boxes within the working chamber.

A sample processing system is configured for analyzing, preprocessing, or carrying out other operations for a biological sample such as blood or urea. With the sample processing system, it is possible to store samples to be stored in a thermally insulated state or specimens required for accuracy control in the thermally insulated state for preventing evaporation or denaturing of the samples and specimens. Also it is possible to carry in or out the samples, rack by rack, according to necessity. Further, the sample processing system is provided with a buffer unit in a cold container having a capability for cold storage and also by accessing a sample rack at random for carrying in or out a rack with a transfer mechanism provided outside of the cold container.

One embodiment of the method includes: closing both the inlet valve and the outlet valve, connecting a cryogenic liquid source to the cryogenic liquid inlet conduit, and introducing cryogenic liquid into the cryogenic liquid inlet conduit; opening both the inlet valve and outlet valve, thereby introducing cryogenic liquid into the sampler vessel inner volume, the cryogenic liquid has a free surface; closing both the inlet valve and the outlet valve after cryogenic liquid flows from the purge tube; disconnecting the cryogenic liquid source from the cryogenic liquid inlet conduit; opening the inlet valve, thereby allowing cryogenic liquid to flow from the cryogenic liquid inlet conduit; and closing the inlet valve after the free surface in the sampler vessel inner volume drops below the top of the first cryogenic liquid level, and the cryogenic liquid flow stops.

A cryogenic liquid sampler is provided. The sampler includes an inner volume and a useful internal length, a cryogenic liquid inlet conduit in fluid connection with an inlet valve, a weir tube in fluid connection with the inlet valve, wherein the weir tube comprises at least one weir hole, wherein the weir tube extends a predetermined distance into the inner volume, a cryogenic liquid outlet conduit in fluid connection with inner volume and in fluid connection with an outlet valve, and a purge tube in fluid connection with the outlet valve.

A sample processing system is configured for analyzing, preprocessing, or carrying out other operations for a biological sample such as blood or urea. With the sample processing system, it is possible to store samples to be stored in a thermally insulated state or specimens required for accuracy control in the thermally insulated state for preventing evaporation or denaturing of the samples and specimens. Also it is possible to carry in or out the samples, rack by rack, according to necessity. Further, the sample processing system is provided with a buffer unit in a cold container having a capability for cold storage and also by accessing a sample rack at random for carrying in or out a rack with a transfer mechanism provided outside of the cold container.

A method of evaporation control of a sample which is stored in a thermally insulated state is configured for preventing evaporation or denaturing of the samples and specimens. The method includes carrying the samples contained in individual containers out from a cold container having a capability of cold storage. An elapsed time that each sample container has been removed from the cold container is measured and is compared with a preset time. If the elapsed time is less than the preset time, the sample container can be returned to the cold container. An alarm is output if the elapsed time exceeds the preset time.

A sampler including an inlet, an outlet and a flushing device. The sampler adapted such that a sample fluid flows from the inlet, out the outlet and into sample containers. The flushing device is adapted to flush a pressurised pressurized flushing fluid past all surfaces of the sampler which are adapted to contact the sample fluid.

An automated storage and retrieval device for a biological sample is provided. The automated storage and retrieval device includes an upper cabin and a liquid nitrogen storage tank, where the upper cabin is communicated with the liquid nitrogen storage tank through a storage and retrieval channel; the upper cabin is provided therein with an operation area; the operation area is provided with a rack gripping mechanism, a rack barcode scanning mechanism, a cryotube suction mechanism, and a cryotube barcode scanning mechanism, and is configured to retrieve and store samples from the liquid nitrogen storage tank in the upper cabin through the storage and retrieval channel; and the upper cabin is provided with a pressure relief member for automatically discharging a pressure of the upper cabin.

An automated storage and retrieval device for a biological sample is provided. The automated storage and retrieval device includes an upper cabin and a liquid nitrogen storage tank, where the upper cabin is communicated with the liquid nitrogen storage tank through a storage and retrieval channel; the upper cabin is provided therein with an operation area; the operation area is provided with a rack gripping mechanism, a rack barcode scanning mechanism, a cryotube suction mechanism, and a cryotube barcode scanning mechanism, and is configured to retrieve and store samples from the liquid nitrogen storage tank in the upper cabin through the storage and retrieval channel; and the upper cabin is provided with a pressure relief member for automatically discharging a pressure of the upper cabin.