Abstract: Systems and methods for guiding the management of blood/plasma screening laboratory workflow are disclosed. A system for analyzing biological samples can include centrifuges, pooling devices, biological sample analyzing devices, and a processor to monitor operation of the centrifuges, the pooling devices, and the biological sample analyzing devices. The processor can track the progress of the biological samples and generate progress indications In response to determining that an external control is present, the system can prevent release of the biological component to the biological sample analyzing device until the external control is also loaded into the analyzer. In response to a component of a biological sample being grouped into more than one pool or not intended to be pooled, the system can generate a warning. The system can provide a chronology of states, display the status of instruments/biological samples, indicate what components need operator attention, and search the status of samples/tests.