Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a computer implemented method of managing sample processing priorities in a diagnostic laboratory comprising at least one sample processing device connected to a host system. The method comprises generating a communication message between the host system and the at least one sample processing device related to a sample processing order received in association with a sample, the message comprising one of at least two priority identifiers (R, S) indicative of respective sample processing priorities from lower priority to higher priority according to the received sample processing order. The method further comprises identifying the sample by the at least one sample processing device and processing the sample by the at least one sample processing device according to the sample processing priority (S, R) in the message.