Abstract: The present disclosure relates to blood sample preparation devices and methods. In some embodiments, a method for preparing a blood sample comprises: receiving at a sample preparation machine a sample container containing the blood sample; scanning an identifier of the sample container, the identifier containing information indicative of a characteristic of at least one of the sample container or the blood sample contained therein, actuating, after the scanning, and based on the information, the sample container to repeatedly change a position of the sample container; determining, based on the information, whether the sample container should be centrifuged; and transporting the sample container to a centrifuge to be centrifuged and then to a storage compartment when the determining indicates that the sample container should be centrifuged, and to the storage compartment without entering the centrifuge when the determining indicates that the sample container should not be centrifuged.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to blood sample preparation devices and methods. In some embodiments, a method for preparing a blood sample comprises: receiving at a sample preparation machine a sample container containing the blood sample; scanning an identifier of the sample container, the identifier containing information indicative of a characteristic of at least one of the sample container or the blood sample contained therein, actuating, after the scanning, and based on the information, the sample container to repeatedly change a position of the sample container; determining, based on the information, whether the sample container should be centrifuged; and transporting the sample container to a centrifuge to be centrifuged and then to a storage compartment when the determining indicates that the sample container should be centrifuged, and to the storage compartment without entering the centrifuge when the determining indicates that the sample container should not be centrifuged.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to blood sample preparation devices and methods. In some embodiments, a method for preparing a blood sample comprises: receiving at a sample preparation machine a sample container containing the blood sample; scanning an identifier of the sample container, the identifier containing information indicative of a characteristic of at least one of the sample container or the blood sample contained therein, actuating, after the scanning, and based on the information, the sample container to repeatedly change a position of the sample container; determining, based on the information, whether the sample container should be centrifuged; and transporting the sample container to a centrifuge to be centrifuged and then to a storage compartment when the determining indicates that the sample container should be centrifuged, and to the storage compartment without entering the centrifuge when the determining indicates that the sample container should not be centrifuged.

Abstract: A status visualization method of a diagnostic laboratory system. The status visualization method includes receiving, at a system controller, computer-readable data comprising analyzers included within the diagnostic laboratory system, and test demand for types of tests and number of the tests to be performed on samples by the analyzers, wherein the analyzers each include consumable items and maintenance items. The method further includes determining, via a walk-away time estimation module executing on the system controller, an estimated walk-away time for the analyzers based upon the test demand and status of the consumable items and maintenance items. Diagnostic laboratory systems with walk-away time estimation are disclosed, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A status visualization method of a diagnostic laboratory system. The status visualization method includes receiving, at a system controller, computer-readable data comprising analyzers included within the diagnostic laboratory system, and test demand for types of tests and number of the tests to be performed on samples by the analyzers, wherein the analyzers each include consumable items and maintenance items. The method further includes determining, via a walk-away time estimation module executing on the system controller, an estimated walk-away time for the analyzers based upon the test demand and status of the consumable items and maintenance items. Diagnostic laboratory systems with walk-away time estimation are disclosed, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A biological liquid collection vessel is adapted to contain a biological liquid to be centrifuged. The collection vessel has a vessel body having an open upper end and a closed lower end, a continuous wall, a target area at the upper end, and a solids area at the lower end that is connected to the target area. The target area is extended in length. In some embodiments, a volume capacity of both of the target area and the solids area are configured so that a red blood cell portion of the centrifuged biological liquid (e.g., blood) is substantially contained in the solids area, and the serum or plasma portion of the centrifuged biological liquid is substantially contained in the target area. Methods of and systems using the liquid collection vessels are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A monitor-mounted status indicator light assembly is disclosed, including at least one status indicator light and a mounting bracket adapted for mounting on a monitor. In some embodiments, standard VESA mounting configurations are employed, and the assembly's mounting bracket does not interfere with, or prevent, mounting of the monitor to a monitor mounting arm via the same VESA mounts.

Abstract: Winches with dual mode remote controls, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative winch can include a frame, a cable drum rotatably supported by the frame, a drive motor operatively connected to the cable drum, and a winch control module. The winch control module can include an enable/disable circuit having a normally open ground path connection and a controller having wireless capability connected to the enable/disable circuit. The controller can include instructions to disable the wireless capability of the controller when the normally open ground path connection is completed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for providing a user with remote real time access to pharmaceuticals, the system comprising a plurality of carts which accept cassettes that contain pharmaceuticals. The carts preferably contain a CPU which can communicate with a database. A remote CPU is also in electrical communication with the database and may be placed at a pharmacy. When a specific pharmaceutical is required for a specific patient, a user can electronically request a one time access code (OTAC) from the remote CPU. If the request is valid, an OTAC can be sent both electronically to the database in addition to being sent to the user. If the user inputs an OTAC that matches the one stored on the database, the cart is unlocked to provide access to the requested pharmaceutical. Pharmaceuticals that are currently found in the cart can be checked remotely by communicating with the database.

Abstract: Winches with integrated lighting, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative winch with integrated lighting can include a frame, a cable drum rotatably supported by the frame, a drive motor operatively connected to the cable drum, and an electrical module. The electrical module can include a housing with first and second end caps coupled to the housing. An elongate light guide can be mounted to the housing between the housing and the cable drum with one or more drum light sources connected to the elongate light guide.

Abstract: A sample collection kit is described for ensuring positive sample identification. The sample collection kit includes a sample container configured to hold a biological sample. The sample container has a lower end, an upper end, a sidewall that extends from the lower end to the upper end, and an identifier disposed along the sidewall. The identifier includes information encoded therein related to the sample container and the sample. The kit includes a sample container holder. The sample container holder has a bottom end, an open top end, a sidewall, and a window in the sidewall. The window is positioned in the sidewall of the container holder such that when the collection tube is inserted inside the sample container holder, the identifier of the sample container is aligned with window of the sample container holder.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sample preparation device and a related method. The sample preparation device includes a sample preparation module having a holder configured to hold the sample container, and an actuator coupled to the holder. The actuator is configured to cause the holder to repeatedly change a position of the sample container a set number of times in order when the sample container is held by the holder. The sample preparation device also includes a staging module configured to hold the sample container for a set period of time. The staging module includes a rack that holds the sample container when the sample container is released from the holder. The set period of time is sufficient to allow the blood in the sample container to further clot.

Abstract: A monitor-mounted status indicator light assembly is disclosed, including at least one status indicator light and a mounting bracket adapted for mounting on a monitor. In some embodiments, standard VESA mounting configurations are employed, and the assembly's mounting bracket does not interfere with, or prevent, mounting of the monitor to a monitor mounting arm via the same VESA mounts.