Abstract: Embodiments of lab automation workstations are disclosed in which the pod that performs pipetting operations is integrated with pipette tip-loading functionality. To generate the necessary tip-loading force, a dual drive system is used that is symmetric about the Y-axis to allow for offset or partial tip box loads by dynamically centering the drive force (e.g., the tip-loading force) over the reaction load. This minimizes the need for oversized linear motion components while still allowing for the generation of high tip-loading forces needed to properly load a large number of pipette tips simultaneously.

Abstract: An improved optical flow cell adapted for use in a flow cytometer for differentiating formed bodies (e.g., blood cells) in liquid suspensions. Preferably manufactured by assembling, aligning, and optically joining at least two elements made from transparent material, the improved flow cell has a seamless internal flow channel of preferably non-circular cross-section in a cylindrical first element through which prepared samples can be metered and an independent second element having an external envelope suited to acquisition of optical parameters from formed bodies in such suspensions, the second element being conforming and alignable to the first element so that non-axisymmetric refractive effects on optical characterizing parameters of formed bodies passing through the flow channel in the first element may be minimized before the two elements are optically joined and fixed in working spatial relationship.

Abstract: Container identification data from a container inspection unit that analyzes a container containing a liquid is combined with liquid level detection raw data from a liquid level detection unit that analyzes the container containing the liquid and a liquid level detection result is generated. The liquid level detection result is cross-checked with additional data from the container inspection unit. The result can be used to plan a route for the container in the laboratory automation system.

Abstract: Apparatuses, components, methods, and systems for interrogating samples are provided. An example system includes a flow cell. An example flow cell includes an aperture, an inlet chamber, and a sample injector positioned within the inlet chamber. An example sample injector is configured to generate a sample stream that flows in biased proximity to a profile included in the inlet chamber. An example method includes the steps of causing sheath fluid to flow into an inlet chamber and through an aperture, injecting sample into an inlet chamber with a sample injector to form a sample stream that is entrained in the sheath fluid, and interrogating the sample stream as the sample stream passes through an interrogation region within the aperture. An example sample injector includes an outlet that is disposed in an off-center position within the inlet chamber.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to systems and methods for detecting the orientation of sample carriers using two or more RFID tags. One or two dimensional matrix of equally spaced RFID reader antennas may be positioned beneath or within an area on which racks are placed. The first RFID tag defines the origin of the sample carrier and its geometry. The second and additional RFID tags define the orientations of the sample carrier relative to the matrix of the RFID reader antennas. At least two of the tag antennas on the rack align uniquely with two antennas on the reader matrix. The system energizes each reader antenna and associates the RFID tags aligned with them to the RFID reader antenna's physical position.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes receiving, by one or more processors, a plurality of data values generated by one or more functional apparatuses. The processors group sets of data values from the plurality of data values. The processors, for each set of data values, determine a number of data values that pass a first predetermined threshold value, create a data point comprising the number of data values in the set of data values, a start time, and an end time, and store the data point when the number of data values in the data point pass a second predetermined threshold value. The processors analyze a group of data points created in step c) to determine if a total number of data values in the group of data points pass a criteria. The processors perform additional processing, if the total number of data values passes the criteria.

Abstract: An automated analysis instrument operates to detect inadequate dispensation of a fluidic substance on a tray. The instrument includes an image capturing device to capture an image of at least a portion of the tray including a receptacle portion and a surrounding portion around the receptacle portion. The instrument then identifies the surrounding portion of the at least the portion of the tray in the image, evaluates color components of the image corresponding to the surrounding portion of the at least the portion of the tray, and determines whether the fluidic substance is present on the surrounding portion of the at least the portion of the tray based on at least one of the color components.

Abstract: A circuit for delivering electrical energy to an AC mains connection is disclosed. The circuit includes a voltage source and a switch connected between the voltage source and the AC mains connection. The switch operates to transfer current from the voltage source to the AC mains. The circuit further includes a controller to control the switch. The controller operates to generate a simulated signal that represents a waveform of the AC mains without any distortion present on the waveform of the AC mains.

Abstract: A storage system for storing material such as sample tube caps comprises a drawer with a reservoir, the drawer being movable between a first position and a second position. A storage container is arranged below the reservoir of the drawer when the drawer is arranged in the first position. A transport device is configured to retrieve material from the storage container and to transport the material out of the storage container. Therein, the reservoir of the drawer comprises a bottom with at least one closable opening.

Abstract: Alkaline phosphatase chemiluminescent substrate formulations are provided exhibiting rapid incubation periods and improved stability for use in immunoassays.

Abstract: Certain types of automated medical analysis equipment are used to analyze blood or other fluids. The equipment may thus use various diluents or reagents that allow the blood or other fluids to be run through the analysis equipment for analysis and data collection. Disclosed is a diluent preparation module that combines purified water and reagent concentrate for use by this equipment. Also disclosed is a diluent preparation unit that combines more than one diluent preparation modules for redundancy and back-up purposes. Also disclosed are systems for supplying the Diluent prepared by the diluent preparation module or diluent preparation unit to one or more analytic instruments.

Abstract: A fluidics system for a flow cytometer is disclosed. In some examples, the system includes a junction disposed between a pump and a sample probe. In some examples, the pump is a peristaltic pump. A pulse-attenuation system is also disclosed. A method for removing gaps caused by pulsations in output data is also disclosed. A fluidics system and method for processing samples in parallel is also disclosed. A fluidic system for a flow cytometer that includes an agitator for agitating a sample is also disclosed. A sheath fluid transfer system of a fluidic system for a flow cytometer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of establishing a sample tube set which is adapted to be processed by a laboratory automation system.

Abstract: Instances of the present technology may include a method for operating a hematology analyzer. The method may include passing a control material through a hematology analyzer. The control material may include a first cell population and a second cell population. The method may also include determining a first cell population volume measurement and a second cell population volume measurement. A first value of a first cell population distribution width and a second value of a second cell population distribution width may be calculated. The method may include comparing the first value to a first reference range. The method may also include comparing the second value to a second reference range. Furthermore, the method may include classifying an operational status of the hematology analyzer based on the comparison of the first value to the first reference range and based on the comparison of the second value to the second reference range.

Abstract: An analytical laboratory system and method for processing samples is disclosed. A sample container is transported from an input area to a distribution area by a gripper comprising a means for inspecting a tube. An image is captured of the sample container. The image is analyzed to determine a sample container identification. A liquid level of the sample in the sample container is determined. A scheduling system determines a priority for processing the sample container based on the sample container identification. The sample container is transported from the distribution area to a subsequent processing module by the gripper.

Abstract: Systems and methods evaluate the results produced by histogram segmenting techniques. Exemplary techniques assess boundary region decision or placement techniques according to histogram based metrics, population based metrics, or combinations or transformations thereof.

Abstract: A filter mask for use in a flow cytometer includes light blocking features and light passing apertures. The flow cytometer operates to evaluate one or more characteristics of a sample by illuminating the sample and a carrier fluid and collecting light rays that are radiated from the sample and the carrier fluid. The light rays are passed through the filter mask. The light blocking features of the filter mask are arranged to selectively block radiated light at certain radiation angles, while permit light rays having other radiation angles to pass therethrough. A sensor analyzer receives the light rays that pass through to evaluate at least one characteristic of the sample. The light rays can also be separated into two beams, which can be independently filtered using different filter masks. The results can then be compared to provide even more information regarding characteristics of the sample.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to methods, systems, and kits for the preparation, purification and/or analysis of a glycan or glycoconjugate, and specifically to a magnetic bead based sample preparation protocol that can enable full automation and reduced sample preparation time relative to current methods of glycoanalysis. In some aspects, the sample preparation protocol can provide for glycoconjugate capture, glycan release, fluorescent derivatization, and glycan purification for subsequent capillary electrophoresis, liquid chromatography, or other glycoanalytical method without requiring time-consuming sample preparation steps such as centrifugation or vacuum-centrifugation.