Abstract: This analysis apparatus includes a transporter transporting the specimens to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit, and a control portion so controlling the transporter as to transport a first specimen container, stored in the rack, storing a first specimen to the first measurement unit and as to transport a second specimen container, stored in the rack along with the first specimen container, storing a second specimen to the second measurement unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated opening/closing of one or more fluid containers is presented. Each container comprises an opening and a cap for closing the opening. The cap is pivotable with respect to the container body so as to open or close the container. A mount and a carriage supported by the mount by a translating mechanism bidirectionally translate the carriage with respect to the mount. The carriage comprises a base portion and a pivoting portion supported by the base portion by a pivoting mechanism that bidirectionally pivots the pivoting portion with respect to the base portion. The pivoting portion has a contact member that contacts a projecting portion of the cap of each of the fluid containers while pivoting the pivoting portion so as to open and optionally close the opening. A drive is coupled to the carriage for translating the base portion and pivoting the pivoting portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically marking laboratory test tubes in the stage of drawing biological material to be analyzed, which includes two or more distributors of test tubes of different types that are selectable by a control unit and are suitable for feeding test tubes to a test-tubes positioning device which in turn is suitable for presenting correctly positioned test tubes to a computerized labelling machine containing a printer for printing barcodes on labels. Each distributor includes an automatic drawing and discharging device for drawing and discharging single test tubes from a container of test tubes of a selected distributor to the positioning device.

Abstract: A luminescence detecting apparatus and method for analyzing luminescent samples is disclosed. A detecting apparatus may be configured so that light from luminescent samples pass through a collimator, a first lens, a filter, and a camera lens, whereupon an image is created by the optics on the charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. The detecting apparatus may further include central processing control of all operations, multiple wavelength filter wheel, and/or a robot for handling of samples and reagents.

Abstract: A method for automatically dosing a fixative solution in a flexible bag containing at least one biological organic sample comprises placing the bag with the sample in a dosing system (e.g., on a holder or weighing device), computing a required volume or weight of fixative solution as a function of the sample or the bag with the sample, and automatically transferring the computed volume or weight of fixative solution from a storage container into the bag. A system is also described for automatically dosing a fixative solution in a flexible bag containing at least one biological organic sample, a carrier for said flexible bags, and a storage cabinet for storing the carrier.

Abstract: Described here are systems, devices, cartridges, methods, and kits for detecting or quantifying at least two different analytes using at least two different techniques, in a single sample. The cartridges typically comprise at least two test sites and the location of at least one test site is not dependent on a corresponding measurement device. The systems generally comprise a device, memory, and a processing module. The device comprises a light source, an array detector, and a port configured to accept at least a portion of a cartridge. The processing module is configured to perform an image analysis of the cartridge. The methods comprise the steps of acquiring calibration information, acquiring an image of the cartridge, performing an image analysis, and cycling through specific detection or quantification techniques corresponding to the techniques required by the test sites. Computer readable media are also described.

Abstract: There is provided a data processing method that reduces influences of air bubbles and dirt while maintaining changes in light amounts. Two scattering light photoreceivers are disposed in the forward direction. A photoreceiver 33a closer to the optical axis is taken to be a main angle photoreceiver, and a photoreceiver 33b further from the optical axis is taken to be a sub-angle photoreceiver. Noise is estimated based on the reaction process data of the sub-angle photoreceiver, and noise is reduced by subtracting the estimated noise from the reaction process data of the main angle photoreceiver.

Abstract: A method and laboratory system for handling sample tubes and an image analyzing unit are disclosed. An incoming primary rack (PR) containing sample tubes (S) is transferred to an image analyzing unit (310). Geometry parameters of at least one sample tube contained in the primary rack are determined by means of image analyzing and compared with predetermined geometry criteria. If the sample tube's geometry fulfils the criteria, the sample tube is categorized as system conform and removed from the primary rack with a gripper for further processing; otherwise it is categorized as non-system conform and entered into error processing.

Abstract: An interface apparatus between a pneumatic mail system and a feeding system of biological products to a laboratory automation system is described, the apparatus comprising a capsule suitable for being conveyed in a pneumatic mail system which accommodates therein one or more biological material containers, said capsule opening and connecting to a device for transferring said biological material containers contained in said capsule into at least one recruiting device of said biological product containers, said at least one recruiting device being used to load said containers of biological products into a positioning device interfaced with a gripping device of said biological product container for transferring said biological product container on an automatic conveyor belonging to a laboratory automation system. Said capsule has an inner chamber containing foam elements adapted to withhold said biological product containers present in said capsule.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sample analyzer, comprising: a container storage configured to store a plurality of reagent containers; a setting chamber including within a setting portion on which at least one reagent container is set; a container detector for detecting the reagent container on the setting portion; a gate to open and close an entrance of the setting chamber; a transferring section configured to hold the reagent container on the setting portion and transfer it to the container storage; and a controller programmed to initiate the transferring section to transfer the reagent container from the setting portion to the container storage if the reagent container is set on the setting portion when the entrance of the setting chamber is closed by the gate.

Abstract: There is provided an analyzer capable of stably supplying the cuvettes even if a great number of cuvettes is input to the storage section without thinking. The analyzer includes a storage section configured to store the plurality of input cuvettes, a take-out section configured to take out the cuvettes in the storage section from the storage section, and a vibration unit configured to vibrate the storage section to stimulate movement of the cuvettes in the storage section.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, apparatuses and methods for automated bioprocessing. Examples of protocols and bioprocessing procedures suitable for the present invention include but are not limited to: immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, recombinant protein isolation, nucleic acid separation and isolation, protein labeling, separation and isolation, cell separation and isolation, food safety analysis and automatic bead based separation. In some embodiments, the invention provides automated systems, automated devices, automated cartridges and automated methods of western blot processing.

Abstract: A method for fixation of organic tissue samples includes immersing a tissue sample in a solution of Formalin at a temperature of between 2° C. and 10° C. for a first time period (A), and immersing the tissue sample in a cold fixation dehydrating agent for a second time period (B) following the first time period. An automated tissue fixation system for fixating organic tissue samples in Formalin is also described.

Abstract: A sample analyzer comprising: a measurement section; a transportation section; an identification data obtainer; and a system controller; is disclosed. The system controller is configured to acquire a result of determination regarding whether a sample needs a re-measurement for a sample based on a result of a measurement of the sample. When the system controller recognizes a presence of the washing fluid tube transported by the transportation section before a determination result regarding a necessity of re-measurement is obtained for an already aspirated sample, the system controller prohibits the supply of the washing fluid in the washing fluid tube to the measurement section.

Abstract: The present invention is a pipette tip supplying apparatus which comprises: a storing section configured to store a plurality of pipette tips; a supplying section configured to supply at least one of the plurality of pipette tips stored in the storing section outside the storing section; a detector configured to detect a pipette tip assembly in which one pipette tip and another pipette tip are piled up with a distal end of the one pipette tip inserted into the another pipette tip; and a discharging section configured to discharge the pipette tip assembly from the storing section, when the detector has detected the pipette tip assembly in the storing section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve structure for a microfluidic channel, where the valve serves the opening and closing of a channel (8) on a second level raised through channel pillars from the plane of the microfluidic channel network at the first level of a base plate (1), and where the channel wall is formed of a resilient material. The valve structure consists of a base plate (1) part, of protruding supporting walls (3, 3?) belonging to the base plate (1) and of a resilient part (7) between the supporting walls (3, 3?), within which the channel (8) is formed, and it consists furthermore of pressing appliances (9, 9?) situated on the two sides of the channel, as well as of displacement appliance (10) ensuring the movement of the pressing appliances in the direction of the mid-line of the channel (8).

Abstract: A sample rack transport system comprising: a plurality of transport apparatuses which are connected so as to transport a sample rack to a plurality of sample processing apparatuses; and a control apparatus which communicates with the plurality of transport apparatuses and controls the transport of the sample rack by the plurality of transport apparatuses, wherein at least one of the plurality of transport apparatuses includes a transmission switch which is operated by a user to transmit a signal to the control apparatus, and when the transport of the sample rack has stopped due to a trouble which occurred in one of the plurality of transport apparatuses, responsive to an operation of a transmission switch of another transport apparatus, the control apparatus restarts the transport of the sample rack by the plurality of transport apparatuses. Also, a method for transporting a sample rack.

Abstract: A cell isolation instrument includes: a first container which has an opening in an upper portion; a filtration member which defines at least a part of a lower portion of the first container; an isolation member which is movably housed in the first container to collide with a tissue, thereby isolating cells; and a second container which houses the first container in a manner that the first container can be taken out.

Abstract: Automated fluid handling system comprising a housing (20) and two or more fluid handling units (26) arranged as interchangeable modular components with an external fluidics section (30) and an internal non fluidics section (32), and wherein the housing (20) comprises a liquid handling panel (22) with two or more of component positions for receiving said interchangeable modular components (26) such that the external fluidics section (30) is separated from the non fluidics section (32) by the liquid handling panel (22).

Abstract: A liquid sample is aspirated using an aspirating tube provided with a flow path extending lengthwise in the interior of the tube, and an aspiration orifice for aspirating the liquid sample formed near the tip of the tube. The aspiration of the liquid sample to the aspirating tube is monitored during aspiration. Liquid sample is aspirated by the aspirating tube, and the collected material in the aspirating tube in the region at the tip side from the region containing the liquid sample to be used for measurement is delivered to a detecting part provided externally to the aspirating tube, and whether or not liquid sample is contained in the collected material is detected in the detecting part.

Abstract: A holding unit pivotally holds a plurality of reagent bottles which store reagents. A reagent case houses the holding unit and has an edge higher than at least the housed holding unit. The reagent cover is a cover for closing the reagent case. A cooling unit is mounted on one outer surface of the reagent case and cools air in the reagent case closed by the reagent cover through one outer surface. A circulating unit is mounted on the holding portion and circulates the cooled air in the reagent case closed by the reagent cover.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a tape magazine especially for a hand-held device for analyzing a body fluid with a test tape that can be unwound from a storage unit and wound onto a waste unit where the waste unit can be driven in order to wind forward the test tape. The invention provides that a lock which keeps the test tape under tension is integrated in the tape magazine at least on the storage unit. The present invention also concerns a hand-held device with such a tape magazine. The present invention also concerns a hand-held device with a mechanical drive for the test tape and a disposable hand-held device with polymer-based electronic components.

Abstract: A diagnosis assisting system comprising: an analyzing section for analyzing a sample collected from a subject; a determining section for determining whether there is a possibility that a subject has a predetermined disease based on an analysis result obtained by the analyzing section; a notification section for notifying the possibility when the determining section has determined that there is the possibility; and a diagnosis assisting information display section for displaying a diagnosis assisting information screen which displays diagnosis assisting information related to the predetermined disease, is disclosed. A diagnosis assisting information providing device and a computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: This blood analyzer includes a sample preparation portion preparing a measurement sample free from a labeling substance from a blood sample and a hemolytic agent free from a labeling substance, a light information generation portion generating fluorescent information and at least two types of scattered light information from the measurement sample and a control portion performing a first classification of white blood cells in the measurement sample into at least four groups of monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils and others on the basis of the fluorescent information and the two types of scattered light information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for optimizing and controlling the particle size distribution and scale-up of production of nanoparticle in an aerosol flame reactor. The method provides nanoparticles with desired, optimized and controlled particle size and the specific surface area in aerosol reactors using a simulation tool with programmed instructions. The simulation tool couples flame dynamics model and particle population balance model.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selectively accessing a portion of a sterile cryopreserved sample are disclosed. The apparatus may include a container configured to receive the cryopreserved sample and having a first portion and a second portion, a heat sink chamber surrounding the first portion of the container, and a heat source adjacent to the second portion of the container. The chamber may be configured to maintain a non-accessed portion of the sample in a cryopreserved state. The heat source may be configured to separating an accessed portion of the sample from the non-accessed portion of the sample while maintaining the viability of the accessed portion while the non-accessed portion is maintained in the cryopreserved state.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for automatic processing at least one biological sample accommodated on a carrier member, such as a slide by applying a predetermined amount of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, said apparatus comprising; a housing frame; at least one processing section for accommodating at least one slide, the at least one processing section is provided within the housing; a hood cover protecting the at least one processing section in said housing; wherein the hood cover completely encloses the processing section defining an interior space; and wherein the apparatus further comprises climate control device provided to control the environment within the interior space.

Abstract: A sample is contained in a sample container and a physical relationship between the sample and a sample ID thereof is established. However, after the sample ID is read by a bar code reader and the sample is transferred to an analysis-dedicated small sample container, the sample ID and the sample are separated from each other. Following the end of analysis, therefore, the sample ID must be merged with a corresponding analysis result. A read/write-enable ID carrier is provided on an analysis-dedicated sample container into which the sample is pipetted or on a tank for holding the analysis-dedicated sample container. When the sample is pipetted or when the analysis-dedicated sample container is moved, the sample ID and other information are transferred to the read/write-enable ID carrier.

Abstract: A sample processing system that may be automated and methods are disclosed where samples are arranged on a carrier element and a process operation control system automatically processes the samples perhaps robotically with an operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information monitor or a data capture element. Significant process details as well as operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information may be monitored and an automatic notice element may cause notification of a person at some display that may be remote. Various people may be notified, such as an administrator, a supplier, or a manufacturer of an opportunity for some action such as reagent reordering or the like. A simulated motion display may be included to “watch” simulated operation in real time or long after completion of the actual processing.

Abstract: A laboratory module for storing and delivering to further processing of a plurality of samples. The laboratory module has at least one sample rack holding the plurality of samples, a plurality of bays comprised of a plurality of guiding rails, a transport chamber for transporting the plurality of samples to a storage location and for delivering the plurality of samples at predetermined times to a processing system, wherein the transport chamber is adapted to accommodate the at least one sample rack and to align with any one of the plurality of guiding rails for placing thereon or for removing therefrom the at least one sample rack.

Abstract: Specimen analyzer includes a first holding section for holding a container; a first mechanism section for executing a first operation for the container on the first holding section; a second holding section for holding the container; a first transfer mechanism section for transferring the container from the first holding section to the second one; a second mechanism section for executing a second operation for the container on the second one; an error detector for detecting error in the first mechanism section; and an error controller for controlling the operation of the first holding section, the first and second operation so that the first operation and the transfer operation of the first holding section would be stopped while the second operation would be continued in case of the error in the first mechanism section. An abnormality control method of the analyzer and computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A slide processing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprise a liquid transporter for transporting a staining liquid reserved in a first liquid container and a washing liquid reserved in a second liquid container; a first instruction receiver for receiving a first instruction that instructs to initiate preparation of a slide stained with the staining liquid; a second instruction receiver for receiving a second instruction that instructs to initiate washing of a housing element which accommodates therein a slide to be stained; and a controller. When receiving the first instruction, the controller performs staining of the slide accommodated in the housing element by causing the liquid transporter to transport the staining liquid into the housing element. When receiving the second instruction, the controller performs washing of the housing element by causing the liquid transport to transport the washing liquid into the housing element.

Abstract: An analyzer includes a second memory enabled to memorize that control by a controller is for first area, the controller controls at least one of measurement, analysis and display to be for a first area when a second application program starts in a case where said second memory memorizes that the control by the controller is for the first area.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer adapted to enhance sample/reagent dispensing accuracy, regardless of a difference in sample/reagent dispensing height of a dispensing probe. When the amount of sample in a sample container is small, tip height “h1” of a sample dispensing probe positioned immediately after it has aspirated the sample decreases below tip height “h?” of the sample dispensing probe positioned immediately before it discharges the sample. The sample in this state takes a concave shape at the tip of the sample dispensing probe positioned immediately before it discharges the sample. When the amount of sample in a sample container is large, tip height “h2” of the sample dispensing probe positioned immediately after it has aspirated the sample increases above the tip height “h?” and the sample takes a convex shape at the tip of the sample dispensing probe positioned immediately before it discharges the sample.

Abstract: A method is described for distributing samples within an automated analyzer from a linear arrangement of sample vessels to a processing plate in a two-dimensional n×m arrangement wherein samples are sorted, followed by transfer with a pipetting device with a linear arrangement to a processing vessel in a two-dimensional n×m arrangement and subsequent processing of samples using a second pipetting device which has a two-dimensional n×m arrangement.

Abstract: The invention discloses an automatic detection instrument for stool specimen, comprising an automatic controller; a dilution device used for adding quantitative diluent into the stool specimen; a stirring and blending device used for stirring and blending the diluted stool specimen; a detecting unit used for detecting the stool specimen, and an aspirating and cleaning device connected with the detecting unit through pipelines and used for transmitting the stool specimen to the detecting unit and cleaning the detecting unit and the connecting pipelines after detection. The detection instrument of the invention can automatically carry out quantitative dilution, physical microscopic examination and partial chemical detection for specimen completely in comparatively sealed pipelines, thereby reducing the link of air contact, reducing the contamination for the environment and laboratory, and improving the work efficiency by using computer software for automatic control.

Abstract: A sample analyzer comprises a container setting part on which a liquid container is to be set, a liquid supplying part configured to supply a liquid to the liquid container, an aspiration tube configured to aspirate a sample or a reagent, a movement mechanism configured to move the aspiration tube, a liquid surface sensor configured to detect contact of the aspiration tube with a liquid surface, and a controller configured to execute an aspiration tube adjustment operation. The aspiration tube adjustment operation comprises supplying the liquid to the liquid container by the liquid supplying part, lowering the aspiration tube by the movement mechanism toward the liquid container set on the container setting part, and obtaining information regarding a position in a height direction of the aspiration tube at a time when the aspiration tube has come into contact with the liquid surface.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer is free from limitations on layout of various mechanisms, and thus causing no bottlenecks, for example, in a space-saving design of the automatic analyzer. This invention includes a coaxial planar duplex arrangement of two dilution disks each with annularly disposed dilution cells, and the dilution disks A and B operate independently of each other. Various mechanisms (parent-sample sampling mechanism, diluent delivery mechanism, diluent/sample mixing mechanism, and diluted-sample sampling mechanism) used in a dilution process can each access the two dilution disks. The dilution process for a parent sample, executed on the dilution disks A and B, can be continuously conducted by providing a fixed delay in operational timing between the two dilution disks.

Abstract: A clinical diagnostic sample analyzer for analyzing a sample of a patient is disclosed. The analyzer includes a telescoping closed-tube sampling assembly with a sample probe concentrically housed within a piercing probe and a venting mechanism. The closed-tube sampling assembly is used for aspirating a sample from a sample tube for analysis by a clinical diagnostic sample analyzer.

Abstract: A clinical tester has been described that includes a probe to aspirate a fluid. The probe is washed between aspirations to reduce carryover. The wash operation includes both an internal and an external wash, where the internal wash operation is terminated prior to terminating the external wash. In one embodiment, the probe wash can be implemented on an integrated clinical chemistry/immunoassay tester.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying reagents to tissue mounted on slides, in the field of histology is disclosed. The apparatus holds a number of slides, in slide trays, which are loaded onto the apparatus. Each slide tray forms a batch of slides, with all the batched forming a group. The apparatus holds a number of reagents, grouped into a first group comprising bulk type reagents, and a second group comprising antibodies or probes, and detection systems, for identifying elements of the tissue. A group fluid dispenser, in the form of a robot arm, dispense reagents to the group of slides. Each batch of slides has its own batch fluid dispenser to dispense reagents onto the batch of slides. In on embodiment, the group fluid dispenser dispense antibodies, probes, detection reagents to all slides depending on the protocol defined for each slide, and the batch dispensers dispense bulk reagent to each batch, thus freeing the group fluid dispense from dispensing bulk reagents to all slides.

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus, comprising: a plurality of sample processing units each configured to process a sample; at least one transport device configured to provide a transport path along which a rack is transported to or from one of the plurality of sample processing units, wherein a rack comprises a plurality of positions configured to hold containers thereat, and at least some of the positions are correlated to at least some of the sample processing units; a controller comprising at least one processor and at least one memory that stores computer programs executed by the at least one processor to: direct the at least one transport device to transport the rack to deliver a container held therein to a sample processing unit correlated to a position of the container at which the container is held in the rack.

Abstract: An apparatus including at least one of a stainer module and a coverslipper module; an imaging module; a storage module; an automated transport module for transporting at least one slide between at least one of the stainer module and the coverslipper module, the imaging module and the storage module; and a controller. A method including processing at least one slide; determining whether an imaging module is available for imaging of a biological specimen on the at least one slide; transporting the at least one slide to the imaging module using an automated transport module; and transporting the at least one slide to a storage module using the automated transport module when it is determined that the imaging module is not available. A system including a processing module for processing at least one slide including a biological specimen thereon. A machine readable medium.

Abstract: Analytical systems and methods are provided for simultaneously dispensing metered volumes of fluids at different rates and mixing the fluids to generate a mixed sample having the fluids in proportion to the different rates at which they were dispensed. In some cases two or more of the fluids are premixed prior to mixing with other fluids. In some cases a use composition and diluent are simultaneously dispensed at different rates and premixed to form a diluted sample. One or more reagents may be mixed with the diluted sample and the sample mixture can be analyzed to determine characteristics of the use composition.

Abstract: An automated machine for handling and embedding tissue samples contained on microtome sectionable supports. The machine includes an input member configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports prior to a tissue embedding operation. An output member is configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports after the tissue embedding operation. A cooling unit is configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports during the tissue embedding operation. A motorized carrier assembly is mounted for movement and configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports. The carrier assembly moves the support from the input member to the cooling unit and, finally, to the output member. A dispensing device dispenses an embedding material onto the microtome sectionable support and at least one tissue sample carried by the microtome sectionable support during the embedding operation.

Abstract: A method in a fraction collector for accurate positioning of a dispensing device with respect to wells of a micro plate in which prior to the dispensing a sensing device is moved over the micro plate the sensing device being able to detect the number of walls between the wells in the rows and columns of the micro plate.

Abstract: The present invention is a sample analyzer including: a first and a second measurement unit configured to measure a sample accommodated in a sample container; a rack transport unit configured to transport each of a plurality of sample containers held in a sample rack to either the first or the second measurement unit; and a controller configured to acquire a measurement item information indicating a measurement item of each of samples accommodated in the plurality of sample containers held in the sample rack, determine a sample container to be a transport object and a measurement unit to be a transport destination of the sample container based on the acquired plurality of measurement item information, and control the rack transport unit to transport the sample container determined as the transport object to the measurement unit determined as the transport destination.

Abstract: In a sample-processing system that includes one or more function modules and one or more buffer units each combined as a pair with one of the function modules, in case of device stoppage due to failure, since a number of sample racks are held in the buffers, resetting involves a huge amount of time for storage of the racks. In addition, if the system configuration includes a plurality of buffer units, the resetting time increases with the number of buffer units. Sample rack ID reading means is provided in each buffer unit and during resetting, IDs of the sample racks in the buffer unit are read in the buffer unit. The buffer unit then uses the read information to make an inquiry to a control unit as to transport destinations of each sample rack. After this, sample processing based on transport destination instructions from the control unit is restarted using the buffer unit as a restarting position.

Abstract: An automated analyzer and a reagent vessel opening/closing device allows reduction of the time period during which reagent vessels are opened unnecessarily. The reagent vessel opening/closing device opens or closes the lids of reagent vessels when the reagent vessels are at a dispensing/stirring position on a reagent vessel transfer device of an automated analyzer. The device for opening/closing the lids of reagent vessels includes a hook base secured to a unit base and a hook-base drive unit for moving the hook base with respect to the unit base in opening/closing directions of the lids of the reagent vessels. A plurality of hooks are attached to the hook base and a plurality of motors are each adapted to slide one of the hooks with respect to the hook base to engage/disengage the hook with/from the lid of a reagent vessel.

Abstract: An automated sample processing system having a sample input adapted to simultaneously receive a number of sample containers, a reagent input adapted to receive one or more new reagent supplies, a consumable input adapted to receive one or more new consumable supplies, a solid waste output adapted to receive used consumable supplies, a liquid waste output adapted to receive one or more used reagent supplies, and a processing center. The processing center includes a decapper adapted to remove a lid from at least one sample container, an aspirator adapted to remove a specimen from the at least one sample container and transfer the specimen to an output vessel, and a capper adapted to replace the lid on the at least one sample container.