Abstract: A method of initiating a tube joining process includes receiving, with a tube joining device, data associated with a cartridge. The method further includes determining whether the cartridge is authentic based on the data. The method further includes, in response to a determination that the cartridge is authentic, initiating the tube joining process. A method of verifying media combination protocol includes verifying a first media bag. The verifying includes receiving, with a tube joining device, first data associated with the first media bag. The receiving includes concurrently scanning, with a scanner, a first plurality of items. The method further includes mapping the first plurality of items to a first plurality of predetermined fields. The method further includes, after the mapping, determining whether a first predetermined condition is met.