Abstract: A door hinge for a laboratory instrument door, the door hinge comprising a hollow body with a first longitudinal axis and a curved side wall comprising a track. At least a part of the track is inclined relative to the first longitudinal axis. The door hinge further comprises a linear guiding element with a second longitudinal axis parallel to the first longitudinal axis. At least a part of the linear guiding element is arranged in the hollow. The linear guiding element and the hollow body are rotatable against each other. The door hinge further comprises a body comprising a protruding pin. The body is movably attached to the linear guiding element so that the body is movable in two opposite directions along the second longitudinal axis and the protruding pin is movable on the track.

Abstract: A method for operating a laboratory system comprising laboratory instruments and a laboratory information system is presented. The method comprises grouping laboratory instruments into instrument cluster(s) and providing a cluster manager thereto. The plurality of laboratory instruments publishes their instrument resource descriptions. Each cluster manager maintains an inventory of cluster resources and publishes a list of processing capabilities of the instrument cluster. The laboratory information system assigns processing of test order(s) to instrument clusters. Each cluster manager assigns resources of the laboratory instruments corresponding to test orders from the laboratory information system in view of the inventory of cluster resources. Each laboratory instrument carries out the processing step(s) on the biological sample as instructed by the cluster manager.

Abstract: A laboratory sample distribution system is provided comprising a number of sample container carriers and a number of transport modules, wherein each transport module comprises: a transport surface, wherein the transport modules are arrangeable adjacent to one another in a row-direction and in a column-direction such that the transport surfaces of the transport modules together form a common transport surface, and controllable drive means being arranged below the transport surface and being adapted to move sample container carriers on top of the transport surface, wherein at least some transport modules of the number of transport modules are movable transport modules being adapted to be moved during operation of the laboratory sample distribution system such that a gap is formed between transport modules arranged in row-direction and/or column-direction or that a gap is closed between transport modules arranged in row-direction and/or column-direction.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer for analyzing samples is disclosed. The automatic analyzer comprises a housing at least partially enclosing at least one analyzing instrument, a drawer configured to be loaded with a plurality of reagent vessels, wherein the drawer is moveable in a longitudinal direction relative to the housing between a retracted position, in which the drawer is retracted in the housing, and extended positions, in which the drawer is extended from the housing, wherein the drawer defines arrangement positions for the reagent vessels at least in a first row parallel to the longitudinal direction, and a first detector associated with the first row and configured to identify the reagent vessels at a first detection position when arranged in the first row.

Abstract: In a hospital, improved access control to analytical devices is desirable. Accordingly, a computer implemented method for controlling user access to an analytical device based on a location of a user relative to the analytical device is provided. The method comprises receiving a first location credential of a first user of an analytical device from a location management system of an access controlled facility, wherein a first location credential at least partially defines a current location of the first user of the analytical device, updating a permitted user record associated with the analytical device based on a first location credential of the first user, receiving a user logon credential entered into the analytical device as part of a logon process of the analytical device, and permitting a logon to the analytical device if the received user logon credential entered into the analytical device accords with the permitted user record.

Abstract: A decapper for removing a cap from a laboratory sample container is presented. The decapper comprises a guidance. An apparatus comprising such a decapper is also presented.

Abstract: An automated method of monitoring a state of an analyzer is provided including a mass spectrometer (MS) with an electrospray ionization (ESI) source coupled to a liquid chromatography (LC) stream, including monitoring an electrospray ionization current of the ESI source and identifying a condition of multiple conditions of the analyzer based on the monitored ionization current of the ESI source, one of the conditions being a presence of a dead volume in a liquid chromatography stream of the analyzer downstream of an LC column of the LC stream.

Abstract: Interchangeable inserts are provided for a storage container configured to receive a plurality of vertically oriented items, where the inserts include a body having a base, an upper surface having an upper opening, and an upstanding tubular sidewall extending between the base and the upper surface. The base and the tubular sidewall together define an interior space of the insert. The tubular sidewall has an inner surface and an outer surface, where a pair of resilient securing tabs extend laterally from the outer surface of the tubular sidewall. The securing tabs frictionally engage the storage container for releasably coupling the insert to the storage container. Further, the insert has a first vent opening extending through the tubular sidewall through which air can enter the interior space of the body.

Abstract: The present description relates to a method for binding to a target molecule having an aldehyde compound derived from N-(2-aminoethyl)pyrrole, which compound also has a moiety of interest, to compounds (conjugates) obtained by this method, having both the target molecule and the moiety of interest and to novel substances derived from N-(2-aminoethyl)pyrrole.

Abstract: A laboratory sample distribution system comprising a plurality of sample container carriers, each adapted to carry one or more sample containers, each carrier comprising at least one magnetically active device and at least one electrically conductive member, a transport plane adapted to support the carriers, a plurality of electro-magnetic actuators stationary arranged below the transport plane, the actuators being adapted to move the carriers on top of the transport plane by applying a magnetic force to the carriers, a plurality of inductive sensors distributed over the transport plane, a control unit configured to control the movement of the carriers using an output signal provided by the inductive sensors by driving the actuators such that the carriers move along corresponding transport paths, and an evaluation unit configured to linearize the output signal from an inductive sensor by means of a linearization algorithm.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for inferring a condition of at least one analytical device based on at least one automatic notification received over a network from the analytical device is disclosed. The method comprises receiving, at a data processing agent, at least one automatic notification from at least one analytical device, processing, at the data processing agent, the at least one automatic notification, to thus identify one or more characteristics of the at least one automatic notification from the at least one analytical device, inferring, at the data processing agent, the condition of the at least one analytical device, by applying the one or more identified characteristics to a model; and generating, at the data processing agent, a notification reporting the inferred condition of the analytical device.

Abstract: A storage module for a laboratory automation system, a method of operating a laboratory automation system, and a laboratory automation system are presented. Items used by laboratory stations are stored centrally in a storage module and can be transported to the laboratory stations using a laboratory sample distribution system.

Abstract: A gripper for a laboratory container sorting device includes a vacuum gripper and a mechanical gripper. The vacuum gripper includes a suction cup and is configured to move the suction cup between a pickup position and a transfer position. The suction cup is configured to pick up a laboratory container when the suction cup is in the pickup position and to transfer the laboratory container when the suction cup is in the transfer position. The mechanical gripper is configured to grip and release the laboratory container when the suction cup is in the transfer position. A laboratory container sorting device, a laboratory system, and a method of operating the laboratory system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of determining a level of interference with a photometric in-vitro diagnostic assay and an in-vitro diagnostic analyzer for carrying out the method are described. The method comprises treating an aliquot of a sample with at least one reagent to obtain a sample/reagent mixture and subjecting the sample/reagent mixture to a photometric measurement in order to obtain a result of the in-vitro diagnostic assay, and during the same photometric measurement determining a preliminary level of interference by semi-quantitatively determining one or more interfering substances in the same sample/reaction mixture. The method further comprises triggering a separate photometric measurement of another aliquot of the same sample either undiluted or diluted with a liquid other than a reagent in order to determine an effective level of interference by quantitatively determining the one or more interfering substances, only upon determining a preliminary level of interference above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and associated apparatus, networked system, computer readable medium, and computer program element are presented. The computer-implemented method generates a message filter configuration based on a message priority indication received from a first analyzer network. The first analyzer network comprises at least one analytical device configured to generate a message. The method comprises receiving, at a data processing agent, a message priority indication indicating a priority assigned to the message in the first analyzer network, providing, at the data processing agent, at least one message filter configuration based on the message priority indication of the message, and communicating the message filter configuration, or a portion thereof, to a second analyzer network comprising a second analytical device.

Abstract: A test system for analyzing a sample of a bodily fluid is provided and comprises: at least one test strip comprising at least one capillary channel comprising an inlet opening configured to receive the sample; a vent opening configured to provide an air vent to the capillary channel; and at least one zone consisting of a detection zone and a reagent zone; at least one measuring device configured for interacting with the test strip, the measuring device comprising at least one sealing element for hermetically sealing the vent opening from an ambient atmosphere; and at least one suction device adapted to provide an underpressure to the vent opening; wherein the measuring device further comprises at least one valve or is connectable to the valve, wherein the valve is configured to vent the vent opening of the test strip when the measuring device interacts with the test strip.

Abstract: In conventional automatic analyzers, there have been instances where, when a plurality of associated items are analyzed as a set item, there is high variation in the analysis data obtained using the set item, leading to a need for improvement of analysis precision. The present invention comprises performing, in mutual association, a set of preparation steps to carry out until it is time to analyze an unknown sample, the set of preparation steps including a pre-preparation step in which stirring, etc., is performed when an analysis reagent kit is mounted on the analyzer, and a step for correcting a standard curve in which correction samples that correspond to analysis items are used. This makes it possible to perform analysis after the preparation states of a plurality of analysis reagent kits are collected as needed, enabling high-precision analysis of a set item.

Abstract: A sample concentrating unit and a sample concentrating method are described, which enable fast, precise and reproducible analyte concentration in a sample by evaporation of sample solvent. A specifically directed gas stream in cooperation with a vacuum generated in the sample concentrating unit keeps the sample at boiling point during the entire evaporation procedure while reducing analyte loss and risk of cross-contamination. The fully automated sample concentrating unit is designed to be integrated into an in-vitro diagnostic analyzer.

Abstract: A system and method for managing information relating to requests for a number of tests to be made of at least one sample within a laboratory environment are disclosed. The system may include a sample reception unit, a pre-analytical unit to scan, sort and/or aliquot the sample on request according to respective test requirements included within a respective sample order, an analytical unit to run at least one test on a sorted and/or aliquoted sample, and at least one decision unit. The decision unit acts as a connecting component for interconnecting the sample reception unit, the pre-analytical unit and the analytical unit as both an intermediary and coordinator such that tests can be performed via a recursive workflow until the sample is completely measured. The decision unit is further configured to collate the test results appropriately with the sample and to give a respective report towards a host component.

Abstract: A laboratory sample distribution system with a number of sample container carriers, each comprising at least one magnetically active device and adapted to carry a sample container; a transport plane adapted to support the carriers; a number of electro-magnetic actuators stationary arranged below the transport plane and adapted to move a corresponding carrier located on top of the transport plane by applying a magnetic force to the carrier; a touch panel arranged below the transport plane adapted to generate position signals (PS) depending on positions of the carriers located on top of the transport plane; a position determination unit adapted to determine the positions of the carriers located on top of the transport plane in response to the position signals (PS); and a control unit adapted to control the operation of the laboratory sample distribution system in response to the determined positions of the carriers.