Abstract: A method for improving the development of an initial surgical plan includes receiving input information, developing an initial surgical plan based upon the input information, and allowing a user to customize the initial surgical plan by providing input related to modifications to the initial surgical plan. The method further includes storing information related to the modifications to the initial surgical plan and using the stored information to develop a subsequent initial surgical plan based on the modifications.

Abstract: A method for improving the development of an initial surgical plan includes receiving input information, developing an initial surgical plan based upon the input information, and allowing a user to customize the initial surgical plan by providing input related to modifications to the initial surgical plan. The method further includes storing information related to the modifications to the initial surgical plan and using the stored information to develop a subsequent initial surgical plan based on the modifications.

Abstract: A method for improving the development of an initial surgical plan includes receiving input information, developing an initial surgical plan based upon the input information, and allowing a user to customize the initial surgical plan by providing input related to modifications to the initial surgical plan. The method further includes storing information related to the modifications to the initial surgical plan and using the stored information to develop a subsequent initial surgical plan based on the modifications.

Abstract: A method for guiding a user during surgical planning includes receiving input information; applying an algorithm to the input information to develop an initial surgical plan; and guiding a user by providing a plurality of suggested actions to the user. If the user performs the plurality of suggested actions, the plurality of suggested actions leads the user to the initial surgical plan. The user has an option to deviate from one or more of the plurality of suggested actions by performing non-suggested actions. Deviation from one or more of the plurality of suggested actions leads to development of a final surgical plan that is different from the initial surgical plan.

Abstract: A method for guiding a user during surgical planning includes receiving input information; applying an algorithm to the input information to develop an initial surgical plan; and guiding a user by providing a plurality of suggested actions to the user. If the user performs the plurality of suggested actions, the plurality of suggested actions leads the user to the initial surgical plan. The user has an option to deviate from one or more of the plurality of suggested actions by performing non-suggested actions. Deviation from one or more of the plurality of suggested actions leads to development of a final surgical plan that is different from the initial surgical plan.

Abstract: A magnetic conveyor system for transporting test samples in tubes disposed in a sample rack having a magnetic or magnetically attractive region is described. The magnetic conveyor system includes a drive system, a magnet coupled to the drive system and movable in response to the drive system and a tray having a first surface adapted to receive the sample rack. The magnet is spaced a predetermined distance from the first surface of the tray such that the magnet provides a magnetic force at the surface of the tray. The magnetic force engages the magnetically attractive region of the sample rack disposed on the tray to thereby move the sample rack along the first surface of the tray in response to movement of the drive system. When the tray reaches the end of the rack it is moved onto a processing queue tray where it is available for test purposes. A barcode reader reads a bar code on each test sample as it is placed on the process queue to identify one or more tests to perform.