Abstract: An automated pre-analytical processing method and an apparatus for pre-analytical processing of samples to be forwarded to an adjacent analyzer for analysis. Rack label information is read and communicated to a processor. From the rack label information, the processor determines where to route the rack. The pre-analytical system has a rack robot that conveys racks to discrete locations depending upon the routing information assigned to the rack by the processor. The pre-analytical system has an automated station that reads the labels of individual sample containers in the rack that are brought to the automated station on instructions from the processor. Depending on the type of sample container and the type of sample disposed therein, the samples are either prepared for analysis by the automated station or the sample containers are directly passed through the automated station. Prepared samples and passed through samples are passed individually to a batching rack.

Abstract: An automated pre-analytical processing method and an apparatus for pre-analytical processing of samples to be forwarded to an adjacent analyzer for analysis. Rack label information is read and communicated to a processor. From the rack label information, the processor determines where to route the rack. The pre-analytical system has a rack robot that conveys racks to discrete locations depending upon the routing information assigned to the rack by the processor. The pre-analytical system has an automated station that reads the labels of individual sample containers in the rack that are brought to the automated station on instructions from the processor. Depending on the type of sample container and the type of sample disposed therein, the samples are either prepared for analysis by the automated station or the sample containers are directly passed through the automated station. Prepared samples and passed through samples are passed individually to a batching rack.

Abstract: An automated pre-analytical processing method and an apparatus for pre-analytical processing of samples to be forwarded to an adjacent analyzer for analysis. Rack label information is read and communicated to a processor. From the rack label information, the processor determines where to route the rack. The pre-analytical system has a rack robot that conveys racks to discrete locations depending upon the routing information assigned to the rack by the processor. The pre-analytical system has an automated station that reads the labels of individual sample containers in the rack that are brought to the automated station on instructions from the processor. Depending on the type of sample container and the type of sample disposed therein, the samples are either prepared for analysis by the automated station or the sample containers are directly passed through the automated station. Prepared samples and passed through samples are passed individually to a batching rack.

Abstract: A system for automatically processing a biological specimen is provided that includes an elevator comprising a plurality of shelves configured to receive a plurality of sample trays. The trays may comprise a plurality of sample containers containing a sample and having a plurality of respective caps engaged therewith. The trays may further include a plurality of centrifuge tube racks each containing a plurality of centrifuge tubes. The system may include a first transport mechanism, a second transport mechanism and a third transport mechanism. The system may include a chain-of-custody device configured to read identifiers on each of the containers. The system may also include a pipetting device configured to remove a portion from the sample containers and dispense the sample into the centrifuge tubes.

Abstract: A system for automatically processing a biological specimen is provided that includes an elevator comprising a plurality of shelves configured to receive a plurality of sample trays. The trays may comprise a plurality of sample containers containing a sample and having a plurality of respective caps engaged therewith. The trays may further include a plurality of centrifuge tube racks each containing a plurality of centrifuge tubes. The system may include a first transport mechanism, a second transport mechanism and a third transport mechanism. The system may include a chain-of-custody device configured to read identifiers on each of the containers. The system may also include a pipetting device configured to remove a portion from the sample containers and dispense the sample into the centrifuge tubes.

Abstract: A system for automatically processing a biological specimen is provided that includes an elevator comprising a plurality of shelves configured to receive a plurality of sample trays. The trays may comprise a plurality of sample containers containing a sample and having a plurality of respective caps engaged therewith. The trays may further include a plurality of centrifuge tube racks each containing a plurality of centrifuge tubes. The system may include a first transport mechanism, a second transport mechanism and a third transport mechanism. The system may include a chain-of-custody device configured to read identifiers on each of the containers. The system may also include a pipetting device configured to remove a portion from the sample containers and dispense the sample into the centrifuge tubes.

Abstract: A sample carrier including a lower support wall, a base joined to or in fixed proximity to a bottom end of the lower support wall, and sample tube receiving areas in fixed proximity to the lower support wall for receiving and holding a plurality of sample tubes in substantially vertical orientations. The sample carrier further includes a blocking wall joined to a top end of the support wall which extends laterally over portions of sample tubes held by the sample carrier, thereby limiting vertical movement of the sample tubes during automated sampling procedures. The contents of sample tubes held by the sample carrier can be accessed by a robotic pipetting device. Additionally, a drip shield having a cover plate, a pair of through-holes for accessing sample tubes held by a the sample carrier, and a depending runner for maintaining the sample carrier on a sample carousel.

Abstract: A sample carrier comprising a lower support wall, a base joined to or in fixed proximity to a bottom end of the lower support wall, and sample tube receiving areas in fixed proximity to the lower support wall for receiving and holding a plurality of sample tubes in substantially vertical orientations. The sample carrier further comprising a blocking wall joined to a top end of the support wall which extends laterally over portions of sample tubes held by the sample carrier, thereby limiting vertical movement of the sample tubes during automated sampling procedures. The contents of sample tubes held by the sample carrier can be accessed by a robotic pipetting device. Additionally, a drip shield comprising a cover plate, a pair of through-holes for accessing sample tubes held by a the sample carrier, and a depending runner for maintaining the sample carrier on a sample carousel.

Abstract: A sample carrier comprising a frame and one or more sample tube receiving structures pivotally connected to the frame. Each sample tube receiving structure includes a bottom member adapted to receive a plurality of sample tubes and a top member having a plurality of aligned apertures sized to receive sample tubes therethrough. The sample tube receiving structures can be releasably locked relative to a support wall of the frame, thereby substantially immobilizing sample tubes that are held by the sample carrier.