Method and laboratory system for processing a laboratory carrier based on characteristics of a test liquid in the laboratory carrier

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for processing a laboratory carrier in a laboratory system based on the characteristics of a test liquid in the laboratory carrier. The laboratory system includes: a laboratory carrier containing a test liquid; a terahertz wave source; a terahertz detector; a laboratory carrier processing device; and a control unit. Using terahertz technology and data analysis, the characteristics of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier can be determined. And the control unit controls the laboratory carrier processing device based on the determined characteristics of the test liquid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure belongs to the field of handling laboratory carriers in an automated in vitro diagnostic laboratory. In this field, the present invention relates to a method for handling laboratory carriers based on the characteristics of test liquids in the laboratory carriers, a laboratory system, a computer program product, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In an automated diagnostic laboratory environment, a large number of laboratory carriers containing test liquids are handled in a careful and efficient manner to produce accurate and reliable test results, which represent critical information for doctors. Inaccurate diagnostic tests may lead to incorrect test results, or in the worst case, false negative or false positive test results, resulting in misinterpretation of test results, inappropriate further testing, and initiation of treatments with potentially dangerous consequences for the patient. Generally, an automated diagnostic laboratory environment includes laboratory systems, such as pre-analytical systems, analytical systems, and post-analytical systems, for performing test liquid preparation, test liquid analysis, and / or test liquid storage according to a predefined laboratory workflow. Therefore, the handling of laboratory carriers in the laboratory environment includes operations such as transporting, sorting, capping / decapping, centrifuging, heating, cooling, storing / archiving, shaking, and identifying laboratory carriers containing test liquids, as well as pipetting operations such as aspirating and / or dispensing test liquids into and / or out of laboratory carriers.

[0003] To handle laboratory carriers reliably, information about one or more characteristics of the test liquids in the laboratory carriers, such as liquid level, volume, leakage, or centrifugation status, is crucial. For example, for reliable and accurate pipetting operations, the accurate positioning of the pipetting device relative to the test liquid is important to be able to aspirate the correct volume of test liquid. In addition, the relative position between the pipetting device and the laboratory carrier is important because physical contact between the pipette tip of the pipetting device and the laboratory carrier may cause cross-contamination of the test liquid or damage to the laboratory carrier or the pipetting device.

[0004] Laser- and / or camera-based imaging techniques for determining the characteristics of test liquids in laboratory carriers are well known in the art. However, laser- and / or camera-based imaging may not provide reliable information about the characteristics of test liquids in opaque laboratory carriers, for example, whether the test liquid in the laboratory carrier is completely or partially covered by a barcode or other label containing the laboratory carrier and / or information about the test liquid in the laboratory carrier.

[0005] JP 2006200949A discloses a method for determining the liquid level in an opaque laboratory carrier using X-ray technology. Irradiating the laboratory carrier with X-rays may cause damage to the test liquid or degradation of the analyte, resulting in incorrect test results.

[0006] It is necessary to determine the characteristics of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier in a simple, reliable, and safe manner, so as to better meet the needs of automated in vitro diagnostic laboratory carrier processing. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a method, a laboratory system, a computer program product, and a computer-readable storage medium for processing a laboratory carrier based on the characteristics of a test liquid in the laboratory carrier.

[0008] The present disclosure relates to a method for processing a laboratory carrier in a laboratory system based on the characteristics of a test liquid in the laboratory carrier. The laboratory system includes: a laboratory carrier containing a test liquid; a terahertz wave source; a terahertz detector; a laboratory carrier processing device; and a control unit. The control unit is communicatively connected to the terahertz wave source, the terahertz detector, and the laboratory carrier processing device. The method includes the following steps:

[0009] a) Placing the laboratory carrier between the terahertz wave source and the terahertz detector

[0010] b) Irradiating the laboratory carrier containing the test liquid with terahertz waves by the terahertz wave source

[0011] c) Measuring the intensity of the terahertz radiation reaching the terahertz detector by the terahertz detector

[0012] d) Generating, by the control unit, an image based on the measured intensity of the terahertz radiation reaching the terahertz detector, the image including different absorption intensities of the irradiated laboratory carrier containing the test liquid, wherein a first absorption intensity range relates to the test liquid, a second absorption intensity range relates to the laboratory carrier, and a third absorption intensity range relates to air, and wherein the first absorption intensity range, the second absorption intensity range, and the third absorption intensity range are different

[0013] e) Detecting, by the control unit, the liquid contour line of the test liquid, the carrier contour line of the laboratory carrier, and the air contour line based on the first absorption intensity range, the second absorption intensity range, and the third absorption intensity range

[0014] f) Determining, by the control unit, the characteristics of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier based on the detected liquid contour line, the detected carrier contour line, and the detected air contour line

[0015] g) The control unit controls the laboratory carrier processing device based on the determined characteristics of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier to process the laboratory carrier in the laboratory system.

[0016] The present disclosure also relates to a laboratory system. The laboratory system includes: a laboratory carrier containing a test liquid; a terahertz wave source; a terahertz detector; a laboratory carrier processing device; and a control unit. The control unit is communicatively connected to the terahertz wave source, the terahertz detector, and the laboratory carrier processing device. Moreover, the laboratory system is configured to perform steps a) to g) of the method of processing a laboratory carrier based on the characteristics of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier as described herein in the laboratory system.

[0017] The present disclosure further relates to a computer program product that includes instructions for causing the laboratory system as described herein to perform the method steps of processing a laboratory carrier based on the characteristics of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier as described herein in the laboratory system.

[0018] The present disclosure further relates to a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program product is stored, the computer program product including instructions for causing the laboratory system as described herein to perform the method steps of processing a laboratory carrier based on the characteristics of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier as described herein in the laboratory system. Description of the Drawings

[0019] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a laboratory system.

[0020] FIGS. 2A to 2F show schematic diagrams of two embodiments of the characteristics of the test liquid determined from the detected liquid contour, the detected carrier contour, and the detected air contour.

[0021] FIGS. 3A to 3F show schematic diagrams of two additional embodiments of the characteristics of the test liquid determined from the detected liquid contour, the detected carrier contour, and the detected air contour.

[0022] FIGS. 4A to 4C show schematic diagrams of an additional embodiment of the characteristics of the test liquid determined from the detected liquid contour, the detected carrier contour, and the detected air contour.

[0023] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method of processing a laboratory carrier based on the characteristics of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier.

[0024] Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0025] In FIG. 1, a schematic view of an embodiment of a laboratory system (12) is shown. The illustrated laboratory system (12) includes: a laboratory carrier (10) that contains a test liquid (14); a terahertz wave source (16); a terahertz detector (18); two laboratory carrier handling devices (20, 21); and a control unit (22). The illustrated laboratory carrier (10) includes: a test liquid container (36) that is configured to receive, hold, transport, and / or release the test liquid (14); and a container holder (37) that is configured to receive, hold, transport, and / or release the test liquid container (36). The test liquid container (36), the container holder (37), or both may be completely opaque or partially opaque. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, one or more paper labels (35) may be attached to the test liquid container (36). In addition or alternatively, the test liquid container (36) may be made of an opaque plastic. In addition or alternatively, the container holder (37) may be made of an opaque plastic or metal. In the illustrated embodiment, the laboratory carrier (10) is positioned between the terahertz wave source (16) and the terahertz detector (18) by a transport system (21). The terahertz wave source (16) irradiates the laboratory carrier (10) containing the test liquid (14) with terahertz waves (24), and the terahertz detector (18) measures the intensity of the terahertz radiation that reaches the terahertz detector (18). In addition to positioning the laboratory carrier (10) between the terahertz wave source (16) and the terahertz detector (18), the transport system (21) may also transport the laboratory carrier (10) to a dedicated location in the laboratory system (12), such as an error handling area, a centrifuge, or a de-capper (not shown) of the laboratory system. Thus, the transport system (21) is one of the two laboratory carrier handling devices of the laboratory system (12). The illustrated laboratory system (12) further includes a pipetting device (20) as the other laboratory carrier handling device. As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit (22) is communicatively connected to the terahertz wave source (16), the terahertz detector (18), and the laboratory carrier handling devices (20, 21), as indicated by the dashed lines. The illustrated control unit (22) further includes a user interface (23) that is used to display and / or input information about the laboratory carrier (10) and / or the test liquid (14).

[0026] Figures 2A to 2F show schematic diagrams of two embodiments of the test liquid characteristics determined by the detected liquid contours (28, 29), the detected carrier contour (30), and the detected air contour (32). For simplicity, Figures 2A and 2D show the laboratory carrier (10) including only the test liquid container (36). Alternatively, the laboratory carrier (10) may include the test liquid container (36) and the container holder (37), as shown in Figure 1.

[0027] Figure 2A shows a test liquid container (36) containing a test liquid (14) having a certain test liquid level (34). Figure 2B shows the generated image (26) that includes different absorption intensity ranges (27, 31, 33) of the irradiated test liquid container (36) containing the test liquid (14) (as shown in Figure 2A). The first absorption intensity range (27) relates to the test liquid (14), the second absorption intensity range (31) relates to the test liquid container (36), and the third absorption intensity range (33) relates to air. The first absorption intensity range, the second absorption intensity range, and the third absorption intensity range (27, 31, 33) are different, as indicated by the black area, the shaded area, and the white area. Figure 2C shows the image (26) having: the detected liquid contour (28) of the test liquid (14), as indicated by the dotted line; the carrier contour (30) of the test liquid container (36), as indicated by the dashed line; and the air contour (32), as indicated by the solid line. As shown in Figure 2C, the test liquid level (34) is at the common interface of the liquid contour (28) and the air contour (32).

[0028] In FIG. 2D, a test liquid container (36) with a leak is shown. Thus, the test liquid (14) is both inside and outside the liquid container (36). FIG. 2E shows a generated image (26) that includes different absorption intensity ranges (27, 31, 33) of the irradiated test liquid container (36) containing the test liquid (14) (as shown in FIG. 2D). The first absorption intensity range (27) relates to the test liquid (14), the second absorption intensity range (31) relates to the test liquid container (36), and the third absorption intensity range (33) relates to air. The first, second, and third absorption intensity ranges (27, 31, 33) are different, as indicated by the black, shaded, and white regions. FIG. 2F shows the image (26) having: two detected liquid contour lines (28, 29) of the test liquid (14), as indicated by the dotted lines; a carrier contour line (30) of the test liquid container (36), as indicated by the dashed line; and an air contour line (32), as indicated by the solid line. A test liquid leak is determined when two liquid contour lines (28, 29) are detected and one of the detected liquid contour lines (29) is outside the detected carrier contour line (30).

[0029] FIGS. 3A through 3F show schematic views of two additional embodiments of test liquid characteristics determined by the detected liquid contour lines (28, 29), the detected carrier contour line (30), and the detected air contour line (32). For simplicity, FIGS. 3A and 3D show a laboratory carrier (10) that includes only the test liquid container (36). Alternatively, the laboratory carrier (10) may include the test liquid container (36) and a container holder (37), as shown in FIG. 1. As Figure 3AAs shown, a portion of the test liquid (14) is located at the inner surface of the laboratory container (36) and above the liquid level (34) of the test liquid (14), indicating that the laboratory container (36) has not been centrifuged. FIG. 3B shows the generated image (26), which includes different absorption intensity ranges (27, 31, 33) of the irradiated test liquid container (36) containing the test liquid (14) (as shown in FIG. 3A). The first absorption intensity range (27) relates to the test liquid (14), the second absorption intensity range (31) relates to the test liquid container (36), and the third absorption intensity range (33) relates to air. The first absorption intensity range, the second absorption intensity range, and the third absorption intensity range are different, as indicated by the black area, the shaded area, and the white area. FIG. 3C shows the image (26), which has: detected liquid contour lines (28, 29) of the test liquid (14), as indicated by the dotted line; a detected carrier contour line (30) of the test liquid container (36), as indicated by the dashed line; and a detected air contour line (32), as indicated by the solid line. When two liquid contour lines (28, 29) are detected, where the larger test liquid contour line (28) includes the test liquid level (34) and the smaller test liquid contour line (29) is located at the carrier contour line (30) and above the test liquid level (34), the non-centrifuged state of the test liquid container (36) is determined.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3D, the test liquid (14) in the test liquid container (36) is a biological liquid, which includes plasma and red blood cells that form a plasma portion (38) and a blood clot (40) during centrifugation. The shown test liquid container (36) is centrifuged. FIG. 3E shows the generated image (26), which includes different absorption intensity ranges (27, 31, 33) of the irradiated test liquid container (36) containing the test liquid (14) (as shown in FIG. 3D). The first absorption intensity range (27) relates to the test liquid (14), the second absorption intensity range (31) relates to the test liquid container (36), and the third absorption intensity range (33) relates to air. As further shown in FIG. 3E, the first absorption intensity range (27) includes two different absorption intensity sub-ranges, as indicated by the black area and the grid area within the first absorption intensity range (27). In the shown example, the difference between the two absorption intensity sub-ranges is higher than a threshold. Additionally, the first absorption intensity range, the second absorption intensity range, and the third absorption intensity range are different, as indicated by the black area / grid area, the shaded area, and the white area. FIG. 3F shows the image (26), which has: detected liquid contour lines (28, 29) of the test liquid (14), as indicated by the dotted line; detected carrier contour lines (30) of the test liquid container (36), as indicated by the dashed line; and detected air contour lines (32), as indicated by the solid line. When two test liquid contour lines (28, 29) with two different absorption intensity sub-ranges are detected, and the difference between the two absorption intensity sub-ranges is greater than the threshold, the centrifugation state of the test liquid container (36) is determined. If the difference between the two absorption intensity sub-ranges is lower than the threshold, the non-centrifuged state of the test liquid container (36) (not shown) is determined.

[0031] Figures 4A through 4C show schematic views of another embodiment of test liquid characteristics determined by detected liquid profile lines (28, 29), detected carrier profile lines (30), and detected air profile lines (32). For simplicity, Figure 4A shows a laboratory carrier (10) that includes only a test liquid container (36). Alternatively, the laboratory carrier (10) may include a test liquid container (36) and a container holder (37), as shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 4A, the test liquid container (36) includes a separator (42) configured to form a physical barrier between serum or plasma (38) and red blood cells (41) of the test liquid (14) during centrifugation. The shown test liquid container (36) is centrifuged. Figure 4B shows a generated image (26) that includes different absorption intensity ranges (27, 31, 33) of the irradiated test liquid container (36) containing the test liquid (14) (as shown in Figure 4A). The first absorption intensity range (27) relates to the test liquid (14), the second absorption intensity range (31) relates to the test liquid container (36) and the separator (42), and the third absorption intensity range (33) relates to air. The first absorption intensity range (27) includes two different absorption intensity sub-ranges, as indicated by the black and grid regions within the first absorption intensity range (27). The first, second, and third absorption intensity ranges are different, as indicated by the black / grid region, the shaded region, and the white region. Figure 4C shows an image (26) having: detected liquid profile lines (28, 29) of the test liquid (14), as indicated by the dotted lines; detected carrier profile lines (30) of the test liquid container (36) and the separator (42), including the separator profile line (44), as indicated by the dashed lines; and detected air profile lines (32), as indicated by the solid lines. When two liquid profile lines (28, 29) are detected and the two detected liquid profile lines (28, 29) are separated by the separator profile line (44), the centrifugation state of the test liquid container (36) is determined. If only one liquid profile line is detected and the separator profile line (44) is located below or above the detected liquid profile line, the non-centrifuged state of the test liquid container (36) is determined (not shown).

[0032] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method (48) for processing a laboratory carrier (10) based on the characteristics of a test liquid (14) in the laboratory carrier (10). In step a) (50) of the method (48), the laboratory carrier (10) is placed between a terahertz wave source (16) and a terahertz detector (18) of a laboratory system (12). As shown in FIG. 1, the laboratory carrier (10) can be placed by a transport system (21). Then, in step b) (52) of the method (48), the terahertz wave source (16) irradiates the laboratory carrier (10) containing the test liquid (14) with terahertz waves (24). In step c) (54) of the method (48), the terahertz detector (18) measures the intensity of the terahertz radiation reaching the terahertz detector (18). In step d) (56) of the method (48), based on the measured intensity of the terahertz radiation reaching the terahertz detector (18), a control unit (22) generates an image (26) that includes different absorption intensities of the irradiated laboratory carrier (10) containing the test liquid (14). A first absorption intensity range (27) relates to the test liquid (14), a second absorption intensity range (31) relates to the laboratory carrier (10), and a third absorption intensity range (33) relates to air. Since the laboratory carrier (10), the test liquid (14), and air have different absorption characteristics and absorb the intensity of terahertz waves in different ways, the first absorption intensity range, the second absorption intensity range, and the third absorption intensity range are different. Subsequently, in step e) (58) of the method (48), the control unit (22) detects a liquid contour line (28) of the test liquid (14), a carrier contour line (30) of the laboratory carrier (10), and an air contour line (32) based on the first absorption intensity range, the second absorption intensity range, and the third absorption intensity range (27, 31, 33). In step f) (60) of the method (48), based on the detected liquid contour line (28), the detected carrier contour line (30), and the detected air contour line (32), the control unit (22) determines the characteristics of the test liquid (14) in the laboratory carrier (10). Finally, in step g) (62) of the method (48), the control unit (22) controls laboratory carrier processing devices (20, 21) based on the determined characteristics of the test liquid (14) in the laboratory carrier (10) to process the laboratory carrier (10) in the laboratory system (12).

[0033] In the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings, numerous specific details have been set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the teachings herein can be practiced without the use of these specific details. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present disclosure.

[0034] Specifically, according to the above description, modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments are of course possible. Accordingly, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced in a manner different from that specifically designed in the above examples.

[0035] In the foregoing description, references to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "an example", or "an example" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in an embodiment", "an example", or "an example" throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example.

[0036] Furthermore, specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combination and / or sub-combination in one or more embodiments or examples. Detailed Description

[0037] The present disclosure relates to a method for processing a laboratory carrier in a laboratory system based on the characteristics of a test liquid in the laboratory carrier. The laboratory system includes: a laboratory carrier containing a test liquid; a terahertz wave source; a terahertz detector; a laboratory carrier processing device; and a control unit. The control unit is communicatively connected to the terahertz wave source, the terahertz detector, and the laboratory carrier processing device. The method includes the following steps:

[0038] a) Placing the laboratory carrier between the terahertz wave source and the terahertz detector

[0039] b) Irradiating the laboratory carrier containing the test liquid with terahertz waves by the terahertz wave source

[0040] c) Measuring, by the terahertz detector, the intensity of the terahertz radiation reaching the terahertz detector

[0041] d) Generating, by the control unit, an image based on the measured intensity of the terahertz radiation reaching the terahertz detector, the image including different absorption intensities of the irradiated laboratory carrier containing the test liquid, wherein a first absorption intensity range relates to the test liquid, a second absorption intensity range relates to the laboratory carrier, and a third absorption intensity range relates to air, and wherein the first absorption intensity range, the second absorption intensity range, and the third absorption intensity range are different

[0042] e) The control unit detects the liquid profile of the test liquid, the carrier profile of the laboratory carrier, and the air profile based on the first absorption intensity range, the second absorption intensity range, and the third absorption intensity range.

[0043] f) The control unit determines the characteristics of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier based on the detected liquid profile, the detected carrier profile, and the detected air profile.

[0044] g) The control unit controls the laboratory carrier processing device based on the determined characteristics of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier to process the laboratory carrier in the laboratory system.

[0045] As used herein, the term "laboratory system" refers to a system designed to process laboratory carriers or laboratory carriers containing test liquids using a laboratory carrier processing device. The laboratory system can be a pre-analytical system, an analytical system, a post-analytical system, or a laboratory carrier distribution system. The laboratory system can include one or more laboratory carrier processing devices. The laboratory carrier processing device can be a pipetting device, a transport system, or a device selected from the group consisting of: a sorting device for sorting laboratory carriers; a cap removal device for removing caps or closures from laboratory carriers; a cap assembly device for assembling caps or closures on laboratory carriers; a cap removal / assembly device for removing / assembling caps or closures on laboratory carriers; a centrifugation device for centrifuging laboratory carriers; an analysis device for analyzing test liquids in laboratory carriers; a heating device for heating test liquids in laboratory carriers; a cooling device for cooling test liquids in laboratory carriers; a mixing device for mixing test liquids in laboratory carriers; a separation device for isolating analytes of test liquids in laboratory carriers; a storage device for storing laboratory carriers; an archiving device for archiving laboratory carriers; a laboratory carrier type determination device for determining the type of laboratory carrier; a test liquid quality determination device for determining the quality of test liquids in laboratory carriers; a laboratory carrier identification device for identifying laboratory carriers.

[0046] As used herein, the term "laboratory carrier" refers to a device configured to receive, hold, transport, and / or release a test liquid. In one embodiment, the laboratory carrier is completely opaque or partially opaque such that when imaging a laboratory carrier containing a test liquid with electromagnetic waves having a wavelength between 400 nm and 1550 nm, the characteristics of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier are not visible. In one embodiment, the laboratory carrier includes a test liquid container configured to receive, hold, transport, and / or release a test liquid. As a non-limiting example, the test liquid container can be a test liquid vessel or a test liquid tube. In one embodiment, the laboratory carrier includes: a test liquid container configured to receive, hold, transport, and / or release a test liquid; and a container holder configured to receive, hold, transport, and / or release the test liquid container. The test liquid container, the container holder, or both can be completely opaque or partially opaque. As a non-limiting example, the container holder can be a test liquid vessel rack or a test liquid container transport device. In a particular embodiment, the container holder is a transport device that includes at least one magnetically active device that interacts with a magnetic field to apply a magnetic force to the container holder. A container holder that includes at least one magnetically active device that interacts with a magnetic field is well known in the art and can be designed as described in EP2988134A1 or as described in EP3070479A1. In another particular embodiment, the container holder is a transport device that includes a motor-driven wheel. A container holder that includes a motor-driven wheel is well known in the art and can be designed as described in US9182419B2. In another particular embodiment, the container holder is a transport device configured to be transported on a transport system that includes a transport surface that includes one or more conveyor belts to move and stop the transport device on the transport surface.

[0047] In one embodiment, the test liquid container, the container holder, or both are made of an opaque material or a transparent material covered with an opaque material. In a more particular embodiment, the opaque material is paper, plastic, or metal. For example, one or more paper labels are attached to the test liquid container, or the test liquid container can be made of an opaque plastic or a colored plastic such that the test liquid is completely or partially covered. And / or, the container holder that holds the test liquid container can be made of an opaque or colored plastic or metal such that the test liquid is completely or partially covered.

[0048] In one embodiment, the test liquid is a biological liquid, a test reagent, or a mixture of a biological liquid and a test reagent. As used herein, the term "biological liquid" refers to a specimen of a patient (e.g., serum, plasma, whole blood, urine, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, bone marrow, etc.), and a test reagent can be used according to the specimen to determine the presence and, if desired, the concentration of an analyte or an analyte-related parameter. Generally, the test reagent includes a substance or solution that reacts with an analyte or an analyte-related substance in the biological liquid to generate a measurable signal indicating the presence and / or concentration of the analyte in the biological liquid.

[0049] As used herein, the term "terahertz wave source" refers to a device designed to generate terahertz waves within a certain wavelength range. Such terahertz wave sources are well known in the art. Due to the non-ionizing nature of terahertz waves, using terahertz radiation to characterize a test liquid in a laboratory carrier is harmless to the test liquid. In one embodiment, the wavelength range of the terahertz waves is between 30 µm (10 THz) and 3 mm (0.1 THz). In a more specific embodiment, the wavelength range of the terahertz waves is between 176 µm (1.7 THz) and 1.5 mm (0.2 THz). In another more specific embodiment, the wavelength range of the terahertz waves is between 200 µm (1.5 THz) and 300 µm (1 THz). In one embodiment, the output power of the terahertz wave source is at least 100 mW. In another embodiment, the output power of the terahertz wave source is at least 250 mW.

[0050] As used herein, the term "terahertz detector" refers to a device designed to measure the intensity of terahertz radiation. Such terahertz detectors are well known in the art. In one embodiment, the terahertz detector includes a detection region, where the terahertz detector is configured to measure the intensity of terahertz radiation within the detection region. Subsequently, the measured intensity is transmitted to a control unit for converting the measured intensity into an absorption intensity. And, the generated image corresponds to the detection region of the terahertz detector and includes regions with different absorption intensities of the irradiated laboratory carrier containing the test liquid.

[0051] As used herein, the term "placed between" means positioning the laboratory carrier relative to the terahertz wave source and the terahertz detector such that the laboratory carrier can be irradiated with terahertz waves and the terahertz waves that have not been absorbed by the laboratory carrier can reach the terahertz wave detector. Thus, the laboratory carrier is positioned in the optical path of the terahertz waves, between the terahertz wave source and the terahertz detector, where the optical path of the terahertz waves can be linear or can have any geometry.

[0052] In one embodiment, the laboratory system includes a transport system which, in step a) of the method, is configured to place the laboratory carrier between the terahertz wave source and the terahertz detector.

[0053] In one embodiment, the terahertz detector includes a detection line and the terahertz detector is configured to measure the intensity of terahertz radiation on the detection line. The laboratory carrier can be static between the terahertz wave source and the terahertz detector, and the generated image corresponds to the detection line and includes lines containing different absorption intensities of the irradiated laboratory carrier containing the test liquid. Alternatively, during steps b) and c) of the method, the laboratory carrier can be moved by the transport system in a predefined direction. The generated image corresponds to a group or set of detection lines and includes a group or set of lines forming regions of different absorption intensities of the irradiated laboratory carrier containing the test liquid.

[0054] In one embodiment, the terahertz detector includes detection points and the terahertz detector is configured to measure the intensity of terahertz radiation at the detection points. In one embodiment, during steps b) and c) of the method, the laboratory carrier can be moved by the transport system in a predefined direction. Also, the generated image corresponds to a group or set of detection points and includes a group or set of points forming lines of different absorption intensities of the irradiated laboratory carrier containing the test liquid. In another embodiment, during steps b) and c) of the method, the laboratory carrier can be moved by the transport system in a first predefined direction and a second predefined direction, where the second predefined direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Also, the generated image corresponds to a group or set of detection points and includes a group or set of points forming regions of different absorption intensities of the irradiated laboratory carrier containing the test liquid.

[0055] As used herein, the term "control unit" encompasses any physical or virtual processing device that includes a processor configured to control a laboratory system in a manner that processes a laboratory carrier based on characteristics of a test liquid in a determined laboratory carrier. For example, the control unit may receive a measured intensity from a terahertz detector and generate an image based on the measured intensity of terahertz radiation arriving at the terahertz detector, the image including different absorption intensities of the irradiated laboratory carrier containing the test liquid. In one embodiment, generating the image may include enhancing the image contrast to better distinguish different absorption intensities. The control unit may determine different absorption intensity ranges based on predefined thresholds. For example, a first upper and lower threshold may define a first absorption intensity range related to the test liquid, a second upper and lower threshold may define a second absorption intensity range related to the laboratory carrier, and a third upper and lower threshold may define a third absorption intensity related to air. The control unit detects a liquid contour line of the test liquid, a carrier contour line of the laboratory carrier, and an air contour line based on different absorption intensity ranges related to different absorption characteristics of the test liquid, the laboratory carrier, and air. As used herein, the term "contour line" refers to the outer boundary or border of an image region that includes a certain absorption intensity range within the generated image. Since the laboratory carrier, the test liquid, and air have different absorption characteristics and absorb the intensity of terahertz waves in different ways, the resulting image regions having different absorption intensity ranges in the image can be defined by the contour lines and "outlined" by the control unit in the image regions that include different absorption intensity ranges. The control unit determines characteristics of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier based on the detected contour lines and controls the laboratory carrier processing device based on the determined characteristics to process the laboratory carrier in the laboratory system, as further described below. The control unit may receive information about the laboratory carrier and / or the test liquid that needs to be processed in the laboratory system from a management unit. The processor of the control unit may be implemented, for example, as a programmable logic controller configured to execute a computer-readable program stored on a computer-readable storage medium, the computer-readable program being set with instructions to cause the laboratory system as described herein to perform method steps a) through g) of processing a laboratory carrier in the laboratory system based on characteristics of a test liquid in the laboratory carrier. The control unit may further include a user interface for displaying and / or inputting information about the laboratory carrier that must be processed and / or the corresponding test liquid.

[0056] As used herein, the term "characteristics" refers to the physical properties, conditions, or states of a test liquid in a laboratory carrier.

[0057] In one embodiment, the characteristics of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier relate to the test liquid level. And, in step f), the test liquid level is determined based on the common interface of the liquid profile and the air profile. The test liquid level indicates the liquid level in the laboratory carrier. The common interface of the liquid profile and the air profile is horizontal with respect to gravity.

[0058] In another embodiment, the carrier profile includes a bottom and two opposing sidewalls. And, step f) further includes:

[0059] - The control unit determines the position of the test liquid level based on the distance between the determined test liquid level and the bottom of the carrier profile.

[0060] In another embodiment, the carrier profile includes a bottom and two opposing sidewalls, and each of the two opposing sidewalls includes a top end. And, step f) further includes:

[0061] - The control unit determines the position of the test liquid level based on the distances between the determined test liquid level and the two top ends of the carrier profile.

[0062] In one embodiment, the control unit controls the processing device to process the laboratory carrier based on the determined liquid level, as further described below.

[0063] In one embodiment, the laboratory carrier includes a test liquid container that is configured to receive, hold, transport, and / or release the test liquid. The test liquid level relates to the test liquid level in a specific test liquid container type. And, step f) further includes:

[0064] - The control unit determines the specific test liquid container type based on the dimensions and / or geometry of the carrier profile, where the dimensions and / or geometry are specific to the specific test liquid container type.

[0065] In one embodiment, the test liquid level relates to the test liquid level in a specific test liquid container type. And, step f) further includes:

[0066] - The control unit determines the specific test liquid container type based on a second absorption intensity range, where the second absorption intensity range is specific to the specific test liquid container type.

[0067] In another embodiment, the second absorption intensity range includes two or more sub-ranges that form an absorption intensity pattern. And, step f) further includes:

[0068] - The control unit determines the specific test liquid container type based on the absorption intensity pattern, where the absorption intensity pattern is specific to the specific test liquid container type.

[0069] In one embodiment, the control unit includes a memory device. Specific dimensions of the carrier profile, the geometry of the carrier profile, the second absorption intensity range, and / or the absorption intensity pattern for a specific test liquid container type are stored in the memory device. The control unit compares the stored specific dimensions of the carrier profile, the geometry of the carrier profile, the second absorption intensity range, and / or the absorption intensity pattern with the dimensions of the carrier profile, the geometry of the carrier profile, the second absorption intensity, and / or the absorption intensity pattern of the test liquid container to determine the specific test liquid container type.

[0070] In an alternative embodiment, the control unit sends information regarding the dimensions of the carrier profile, the geometry of the carrier profile, the second absorption intensity range, and / or the absorption intensity pattern of the test liquid container to a laboratory management unit communicatively connected to the control unit of the laboratory system. The laboratory management unit includes a memory device. Specific dimensions of the carrier profile, the geometry of the carrier profile, the second absorption intensity range, and / or the absorption intensity pattern for a specific test liquid container type are stored in the memory device. The laboratory management unit compares the stored specific dimensions of the carrier profile, the geometry of the carrier profile, the second absorption intensity range, and / or the absorption intensity pattern with the received dimensions of the carrier profile, the geometry of the carrier profile, the second absorption intensity, and / or the absorption intensity pattern to determine the specific test liquid container type. Further, the laboratory management unit sends information regarding the specific test liquid container type to the control unit of the laboratory system.

[0071] In one embodiment, the control unit controls a processing device to process a laboratory carrier based on the determined liquid level and the determined specific test liquid container type, as further described below.

[0072] In one embodiment, the control unit sends information regarding the determined test liquid level and the specific test liquid container type to a laboratory management unit communicatively connected to the control unit of the laboratory system and to another control unit of another laboratory system. Information regarding the determined test liquid level and the specific test liquid container type can be obtained from the laboratory management unit by another control unit of another laboratory system. Further, another control unit of another laboratory system controls a processing device of another laboratory system to process a laboratory carrier based on the obtained information.

[0073] In another embodiment, the laboratory carrier includes a test liquid container configured to receive, hold, transport, and / or release a test liquid. Moreover, the characteristics of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier relate to the test liquid volume. The test liquid container includes a horizontal cross-section, and the horizontal cross-section of the test liquid container is circular or square. The detected liquid contour line defines a liquid area, and in step f), the liquid volume in the laboratory carrier is determined based on the defined liquid area and the horizontal cross-section.

[0074] In an alternative embodiment, the laboratory carrier includes a test liquid container configured to receive, hold, transport, and / or release a test liquid. Moreover, the characteristics of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier relate to the test liquid volume. The test liquid container includes a horizontal cross-section, and the horizontal cross-section of the test liquid container is circular or square. The detected liquid contour line includes a test liquid level. In step f), the test liquid level is determined based on the common interface of the liquid contour line and the air contour line. The test liquid level and the detected carrier contour line define a liquid area. In step f), the liquid volume in the laboratory carrier is determined based on the defined liquid area and the horizontal cross-section.

[0075] In one embodiment, the control unit controls the processing device to process the laboratory carrier based on the determined test liquid volume, as further described below.

[0076] In a particular embodiment, the defined liquid area includes an absorption intensity characteristic spectrum along an axis perpendicular to the vertical axis of the test liquid container. The vertical axis of the test liquid container is parallel to gravity. And the method further includes:

[0077] - The control unit determines whether the horizontal cross-section of the test liquid container is circular or square based on the absorption intensity distribution. If the absorption intensity characteristic spectrum includes an increase and a decrease in absorption intensity, the cross-section is circular. Or, if the absorption intensity characteristic spectrum is linear, the cross-section is square.

[0078] In an alternative particular embodiment, the carrier contour line includes the dimensions and / or geometry of the test liquid container. And the method further includes:

[0079] - The control unit determines the type of the test liquid container based on the dimensions and / or geometry of the test liquid container. The dimensions and / or geometry are specific to a particular type of test liquid container

[0080] - The control unit determines whether the horizontal cross-section of the test liquid container is circular or square based on the determined type of the test liquid container.

[0081] Alternatively, the type of test liquid container can be determined by the second absorption intensity range and / or absorption intensity pattern as described above to determine whether the horizontal cross-section of the test liquid container is circular or square.

[0082] In one embodiment, the test liquid container includes a lid. The detected carrier contour includes the size and / or geometry of the lid. And the method further includes:

[0083] - determining by the control unit that the test liquid container is capped based on the detected carrier contour.

[0084] In one embodiment, the control unit controls the processing device to process the laboratory carrier based on whether the test liquid container is capped, as further described below.

[0085] In another embodiment, the test liquid container includes a lid. The detected carrier contour includes the size and / or geometry of the lid. And the method further includes:

[0086] - determining the type of test liquid container by the control unit based on the size and / or geometry of the lid.

[0087] Alternatively or in addition, the second absorption intensity can include two or more sub-ranges forming the absorption intensity pattern of the lid, and the type of test liquid container can be determined by the absorption intensity pattern of the lid.

[0088] After determining the type of test liquid container based on the size of the lid, the geometry of the lid, and / or the absorption intensity pattern of the lid, the control unit can further determine the test liquid level in the specific test liquid container type based on the determined type of test liquid container. Alternatively, the control unit can further determine whether the horizontal cross-section of the test liquid container is circular or square based on the determined type of test liquid container.

[0089] In one embodiment, the control unit controls the processing device to process the laboratory carrier based on the determined type of test liquid container, as further described below.

[0090] In one embodiment, the characteristics of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier relate to test liquid leakage. In step f), test liquid leakage is determined by locating one or more detected liquid contours outside the detected carrier contour.

[0091] In a specific embodiment, the method further includes:

[0092] - if a test leak is determined, the control unit displays a notification on the user interface of the control unit, the notification including information about the potential contamination risk, potential test liquid handling error, or potential damage to the test liquid container.

[0093] Therefore, the operator of the laboratory system is notified to initiate appropriate measures such as visual inspection or removal of the laboratory carrier to prevent contamination of the laboratory system or cross - contamination of the test liquid being processed on the laboratory system.

[0094] In one embodiment, the control unit controls the processing device to process the laboratory carrier based on the determined test liquid leakage, as further described below.

[0095] In one embodiment, the characteristics of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier relate to the centrifugal state of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier. In step e), one or more liquid profile lines are detected. The maximum liquid profile line among the one or more liquid profile lines contains the test liquid level. In step f), the test liquid level is determined by the common interface of the maximum liquid profile line and the air profile line. And, in step f), the centrifugal state is determined based on the number of detected liquid profile lines and their positions relative to the test liquid level.

[0096] In one embodiment, the centrifugal state includes one of the following two states:

[0097] - If only one liquid profile line containing the test liquid level is detected within the detected carrier profile line, the test liquid is centrifuged; or

[0098] - If one liquid profile line containing the test liquid level and at least one additional liquid profile line located at the inner carrier profile line and above the test liquid level are detected, the test liquid is not centrifuged.

[0099] For example, during transportation of the laboratory carrier, the test liquid may be shaken, such that droplets of the test liquid spill onto the side wall of the laboratory carrier. Therefore, it is necessary to centrifuge the laboratory carrier containing the test liquid before further processing.

[0100] In an alternative embodiment, the characteristics of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier relate to the centrifugal state of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier. The test liquid is a biological liquid. The biological liquid contains a plasma portion outlined by the liquid profile line and plasma and red blood cells of a blood clot outlined by the liquid profile line during centrifugation. In step e), one or more liquid profile lines are detected. And, in step f), the centrifugal state is determined based on the number of detected liquid profile lines and the sub - range of absorption intensity within the detected liquid profile lines.

[0101] In one embodiment, the centrifugal state includes one of the following two states:

[0102] - If a liquid contour line is detected in the detected carrier contour line or two liquid contour lines with two different absorption intensity sub - ranges within the first absorption intensity range are detected in the detected carrier contour line, where the difference between the two absorption intensity sub - ranges is below a threshold, then the biological liquid has not been centrifuged; or

[0103] - If two liquid contour lines with two different absorption intensity sub - ranges within the first absorption intensity range are detected in the detected carrier contour line, where the difference between the two absorption intensity sub - ranges is below a threshold, then the biological liquid has been centrifuged.

[0104] Since the plasma and blood clot of the biological liquid have different absorption characteristics and absorb the intensity of terahertz waves in different ways, the obtained first absorption intensity range of the biological liquid includes two different absorption intensity sub - ranges. The first liquid contour line of the plasma part is detected based on the first absorption intensity sub - range, and the second liquid contour line of the blood clot is detected based on the second absorption intensity sub - range. The second absorption intensity sub - range decreases as the density of red blood cells forming the blood clot increases. Therefore, if the second absorption intensity sub - range within the second liquid contour line outlining the blood clot is below the threshold, or if the difference between the two absorption intensity sub - ranges within the two detected liquid contour lines is above the threshold, then the test liquid has been centrifuged. If the laboratory carrier containing the test liquid is stored for a certain period of time, then based on the precipitation of red blood cells, a blood clot begins to form slowly. However, compared with the density of red blood cells in the fully formed blood clot after centrifugation, during storage, the density of red blood cells in the slowly formed blood clot of the test liquid is lower. Therefore, if the second absorption intensity sub - range within the second liquid contour line outlining the not - fully - formed blood clot is above the threshold, or if the difference between the two absorption intensity sub - ranges within the two detected liquid contour lines is below the threshold, then the test liquid has not been centrifuged.

[0105] In one embodiment, the characteristics of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier relate to the centrifugation state of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier. The test liquid is a biological liquid. The laboratory carrier further includes a separator configured to form a physical barrier between the serum or plasma outlined by the liquid contour line and the red blood cells outlined by the liquid contour line during centrifugation. The detected carrier contour line includes the separator contour line. In step e), one or more liquid contour lines and the separator contour line are detected based on the first absorption intensity range and the second absorption intensity range. And, in step f), the centrifugation state is determined based on the number of detected liquid contour lines and based on the positioning of the detected separator contour line relative to one or more liquid contour lines.

[0106] In one embodiment, the centrifugation state includes one of the following two states:

[0107] - If a liquid contour line is detected and the separator contour line is located below or above the detected liquid contour line, the biological liquid has not been centrifuged.

[0108] - If two liquid contour lines are detected and the two detected liquid contour lines are separated by the separator contour line, the biological liquid has been centrifuged.

[0109] In a particular embodiment, the separator is made of gel, glass or plastic.

[0110] In a particular embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0111] - After determining the centrifugation state, the control unit displays a notification indicating the centrifugation state of the test liquid on the user interface of the control unit.

[0112] Thus, the user is notified to initiate appropriate measures such as visual inspection or removal of the laboratory carrier to prevent the uncentrifuged test liquid from being processed, which may lead to incorrect test results.

[0113] In one embodiment, the control unit controls the processing device to process the laboratory carrier based on the determined centrifugation state, as further described below.

[0114] In one embodiment, the laboratory carrier processing device is a pipetting device, and the processing of the laboratory carrier includes aspirating and / or dispensing the test liquid out of and / or into the laboratory carrier. 。

[0115] In a particular embodiment, the determined characteristics of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier relate to the test liquid level as described above or the test liquid level in a particular laboratory carrier type. The control unit controls the movement of the pipetting device based on the determined test liquid level so as to position the pipetting device for aspirating the test liquid out of and / or dispensing the test liquid into the laboratory carrier. Thus, a predefined volume of the test liquid can be removed from the laboratory carrier and / or the test liquid can be mixed in the laboratory carrier. Thus, aspiration and / or dispensing of air that may cause incorrect test results can be prevented. In addition, the control unit can control the movement of the pipetting device based on the determined carrier contour line or the determined test liquid container type so as to prevent physical contact between the pipette tip of the pipetting device and the laboratory carrier.

[0116] In another specific embodiment, the characteristics of the test liquid in the determined laboratory carrier relate to the volume of the test liquid as described above. The control unit controls the pipetting device to aspirate a predefined volume of the test liquid volume from the laboratory carrier based on the determined test liquid volume. For example, the determined test liquid volume can be equally divided into a predefined number of aliquots of a predefined volume. Alternatively, the control unit controls the pipetting device not to aspirate a predefined volume of the test liquid volume from the laboratory carrier based on the determined test liquid volume. For example, if there is no predefined volume required for a certain test in the laboratory carrier, the control unit will not position the pipetting device for aspirating the test liquid. Therefore, only the laboratory carriers containing a sufficient volume of the test liquid are processed, which can improve the throughput of the laboratory system.

[0117] In another embodiment, the pipetting device includes a pipette tip, and step g) of the method further includes:

[0118] - Controlling the movement of the pipetting device by the control unit such that during aspiration and / or dispensing and / or introduction of the test liquid into and out of the laboratory carrier, the pipette tip is positioned between the terahertz wave source and the terahertz detector

[0119] - Irradiating the laboratory carrier containing the test liquid and the pipette tip with terahertz waves by the terahertz wave source

[0120] - Measuring the intensity of the terahertz radiation reaching the terahertz detector by the terahertz detector

[0121] - Generating, by the control unit, an image based on the measured intensity of the terahertz radiation reaching the terahertz detector, the image including different absorption intensities of the irradiated laboratory carrier containing the test liquid and the pipette tip, wherein a first absorption intensity range relates to the test liquid, a second absorption intensity range relates to the laboratory carrier, a third absorption intensity range relates to air, and a fourth absorption intensity range relates to the pipette tip, and wherein the first absorption intensity range, the second absorption intensity range, the third absorption intensity range, and the fourth absorption intensity range are different

[0122] - Detecting, by the control unit, the liquid contour of the test liquid, the carrier contour of the laboratory carrier, the air contour, and the pipette tip contour based on the first absorption intensity range, the second absorption intensity range, the third absorption intensity range, and the fourth absorption intensity range

[0123] - Determining, by the control unit, the positions of the pipette tip contour, the liquid contour, the carrier contour, and / or the air contour

[0124] - The control unit monitors the position of the pipette tip profile relative to the liquid profile, the carrier profile, and / or the air profile during aspiration and / or dispensing and / or introduction of the test liquid into the laboratory carrier by repeating the above steps.

[0125] Thus, the movement of the liquid handling device can be monitored to ensure reliable operation of the liquid handling device. For example, if the position of the pipette tip relative to the test liquid or the laboratory carrier is outside the required specification range, appropriate measures (e.g., calibrating the liquid handling device) can be initiated to adjust the movement of the liquid handling device before incorrectly aspirating / dispensing the test liquid or before the test liquid contacts the laboratory carrier.

[0126] In one embodiment, the characteristics of the test liquid in the determined laboratory carrier relate to the test liquid leakage as described above. The control unit controls the liquid handling device not to aspirate and / or dispense and / or introduce a predefined volume of the test liquid into the laboratory carrier based on the determined test liquid leakage. For example, the test liquid leakage may indicate damage to the laboratory carrier or cross - contamination of the test liquid. Thus, only undamaged laboratory carriers containing the test liquid are processed, which can increase the throughput of the laboratory system.

[0127] In one embodiment, the characteristics of the test liquid in the determined laboratory carrier relate to the centrifugation state as described above. The control unit controls the liquid handling device to aspirate or not aspirate a predefined volume of the test liquid from the laboratory carrier based on the determined centrifugation state. According to the ordered tests, the centrifugation state is crucial for generating reliable test results. If centrifugation of the test liquid is required, the control unit controls the liquid handling device to aspirate a predefined volume of the test liquid from the laboratory carrier only when the laboratory carrier containing the test liquid is centrifuged. Alternatively, if the laboratory carrier containing the test liquid is not centrifuged, the control unit controls the liquid handling device not to aspirate a predefined volume of the test liquid from the laboratory carrier.

[0128] In one embodiment, the laboratory carrier handling device is a transport system configured to transport laboratory carriers. The handling of laboratory carriers includes transporting the laboratory carriers to dedicated locations in the laboratory system. As a non-limiting example, the transport system can be: a robotic arm; a conveyor system that includes a transport surface having one or more conveyor belts to move and stop the laboratory carriers on the transport surface; a system including a stabilized transport surface on which a self-propelled laboratory carrier can move; or a laboratory transport system that includes a plurality of electromagnetic actuators fixedly arranged below the transport surface and configured to generate a magnetic field to move the laboratory carriers on the transport surface, as disclosed in EP2566787B1. As a non-limiting example, the dedicated location can be an error handling area or another laboratory carrier handling device, such as a centrifuge or a de-capper of the laboratory system. The error handling area can be designed to remove the laboratory carrier from the laboratory system or can be designed for visual inspection of the laboratory carrier by an operator.

[0129] In a particular embodiment, the characteristics of the test liquid in the determined laboratory carrier relate to the test liquid level as described above. And if the test liquid level is below a predefined threshold, the control unit controls the transport system to transport the laboratory carrier to the error handling area of the laboratory system. Alternatively, only when the test liquid level is above the predefined threshold does the control unit control the transport system to transport the laboratory carrier to the pipetting device or the analysis device.

[0130] In another particular embodiment, the characteristics of the test liquid in the determined laboratory carrier relate to the test liquid volume as described above. And if the test liquid volume is below a predefined threshold, the control unit controls the transport system to transport the laboratory carrier to the error handling area of the laboratory system. Alternatively, only when the test liquid volume is above the predefined threshold does the control unit control the transport system to transport the laboratory carrier to the pipetting device or the analysis device.

[0131] In another particular embodiment, the characteristics of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier relate to the test liquid leakage as described above. And if it is determined that there is test liquid leakage, the control unit controls the transport system to transport the laboratory carrier to the error handling area of the laboratory system. Thus, potential contamination of the laboratory system can be prevented.

[0132] In another particular embodiment, the characteristics of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier relate to the centrifugation state as described above. And if the centrifugation state indicates that the test liquid has not been centrifuged, the control unit controls the transport system to transport the laboratory carrier to the centrifuge of the laboratory system.

[0133] In another specific embodiment, the test liquid container is capped as described above. And, the control unit controls the transportation system to transport the laboratory carrier to the uncapper of the laboratory system.

[0134] The present disclosure also relates to a laboratory system. The laboratory system includes: a laboratory carrier containing a test liquid; a terahertz wave source; a terahertz detector; laboratory carrier processing equipment; and a control unit. The control unit is communicatively connected to the terahertz wave source, the terahertz detector, and the laboratory carrier processing equipment. And, the laboratory system is configured to perform steps a) to g) of the method of processing a laboratory carrier in the laboratory system based on the characteristics of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier as described herein.

[0135] The present disclosure further relates to a computer program product that includes instructions for causing the laboratory system as described herein to perform the method steps of processing a laboratory carrier in the laboratory system based on the characteristics of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier as described herein.

[0136] The present disclosure further relates to a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program product is stored, the computer program product including instructions for causing the laboratory system as described herein to perform the method steps of processing a laboratory carrier in the laboratory system based on the characteristics of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier as described herein.

[0137] List of Reference Numerals

[0138] 10 Laboratory carrier

[0139] 12 Laboratory system

[0140] 14 Test liquid

[0141] 16 Terahertz wave source

[0142] 18 Terahertz detector

[0143] 20 Pipetting device

[0144] 21 Transportation system

[0145] 22 Control unit

[0146] 23 User interface

[0147] 24 Terahertz wave

[0148] 26 Image

[0149] 27 First absorption intensity range

[0150] 28 Liquid contour line

[0151] 29 Liquid contour line

[0152] 30 Carrier contour line

[0153] 31 Second absorption intensity range

[0154] 32 Air contour line

[0155] 33 Third absorption intensity range

[0156] 34 Test liquid level

[0157] 35 Label

[0158] 36 Test liquid container

[0159] 37 Container holder

[0160] 38 Plasma fraction

[0161] 40 Blood clot

[0162] 41 Red blood cell

[0163] 42 Separator

[0164] 44 Separator contour line

[0165] 48 Method

[0166] 50 Step a) of the method

[0167] 52 Step b) of the method

[0168] 54 Step c) of the method

[0169] 56 Step d) of the method

[0170] 58 Step e) of the method

[0171] 60 Step f) of the method

[0172] 62 Step g) of the method

Claims

1. A method (48) for processing a laboratory carrier (10) in a laboratory system (12) based on the characteristics of a test liquid (14) in the laboratory carrier (10), wherein the laboratory system (12) comprises: A laboratory carrier (10) containing a test liquid (14); a terahertz wave source (16); a terahertz detector (18); a laboratory carrier handling device (20, 21); and a control unit (22), the control unit being communicatively connected to the terahertz wave source (16), the terahertz detector (18) and the laboratory carrier handling device (20, 21), wherein the method comprises the following steps (50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62): a) Placing the laboratory carrier (10) between the terahertz wave source (16) and the terahertz detector (18), b) Irradiating the laboratory carrier (10) containing the test liquid (14) with terahertz waves (24) by the terahertz wave source (16), c) Measuring, by the terahertz detector (18), the intensity of the terahertz radiation reaching the terahertz detector (18), d) Generating, by the control unit (22), an image (26) based on the measured intensity of the terahertz radiation reaching the terahertz detector (18), the image including different absorption intensities of the irradiated laboratory carrier (10) containing the test liquid (14), wherein a first absorption intensity range (27) relates to the test liquid (14), a second absorption intensity range (31) relates to the laboratory carrier (10), and a third absorption intensity range (33) relates to air, wherein the first absorption intensity range, the second absorption intensity range and the third absorption intensity range are different, e) Detecting, by the control unit (22), a liquid contour line (28, 29) of the test liquid (14), a carrier contour line (30) of the laboratory carrier (10) and an air contour line (32) based on the first absorption intensity range, the second absorption intensity range and the third absorption intensity range, f) Determining, by the control unit (22), characteristics of the test liquid (14) in the laboratory carrier (10) based on the detected liquid contour line (28, 29), the detected carrier contour line (30) and the detected air contour line (32), g) Controlling, by the control unit (22), the laboratory carrier handling device (20, 21) based on the determined characteristics of the test liquid (14) in the laboratory carrier (10) to process the laboratory carrier (10) in the laboratory system (12).

2. The method (48) according to claim 1, wherein, The characteristics of the test liquid (14) in the laboratory carrier (10) relate to a test liquid level (34), wherein in step f) (60), the test liquid level (34) is determined based on a common interface between the liquid contour line (28) and the air contour line (32).

3. The method (48) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The laboratory carrier (10) includes a test liquid container (36), the test liquid container being configured to receive, hold, transport and / or release the test liquid (14), wherein the test liquid level (34) relates to the test liquid level (34) in a specific test liquid container type, wherein step f) (60) further comprises: The specific test liquid container type is determined by the control unit (22) based on the dimensions and / or geometry of the carrier contour line (30), wherein the dimensions and / or the geometry are specific to the specific test liquid container type.

4. The method (48) according to claim 1, characterized in that The laboratory carrier (10) includes a test liquid container (36) configured to receive, hold, transport, and / or release the test liquid (14), wherein the characteristics of the test liquid in the laboratory carrier (10) relate to the test liquid volume, wherein the test liquid container (36) includes a horizontal cross-section, wherein the horizontal cross-section of the test liquid container (36) is circular or square, wherein the detected liquid contour line (28) defines a liquid area, and wherein in step f) (60), the liquid volume in the laboratory carrier is determined based on the defined liquid area and the horizontal cross-section.

5. The method (48) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The laboratory carrier (10) includes a test liquid container (36) configured to receive, hold, transport, and / or release the test liquid (14), wherein the characteristics of the test liquid (14) in the laboratory carrier (10) relate to the test liquid volume, wherein the test liquid container (36) includes a horizontal cross-section, wherein the horizontal cross-section of the test liquid container (36) is circular or square, wherein the detected liquid contour line (28) includes a test liquid level (34), and wherein in step f) (60), the test liquid level (34) is determined based on the common interface of the liquid contour line (28) and the air contour line (32), wherein the test liquid level (34) and the detected carrier contour line (30) define a liquid area, and wherein in step f) (60), the liquid volume in the laboratory carrier (10) is determined based on the defined liquid area and the horizontal cross-section.

6. The method (48) according to claim 1, characterized in that The characteristics of the test liquid (14) in the laboratory carrier (10) relate to test liquid leakage, and wherein in step f) (60), the test liquid leakage is determined by locating one or more detected liquid contour lines (28, 29) outside the detected carrier contour line (30).

7. The method (48) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The characteristics of the test liquid (14) in the laboratory carrier (10) relate to the centrifugal state of the test liquid (14) in the laboratory carrier (10), wherein in step e) (58), one or more liquid contour lines (28, 29) are detected, wherein the maximum liquid contour line (28) among the one or more liquid contour lines (28, 29) includes a test liquid level (34), and wherein in step f) (60), the test liquid level (34) is determined by the common interface of the maximum liquid contour line (28) and the air contour line (32), and wherein in step f) (60), the centrifugal state is determined based on the number of the detected liquid contour lines (28, 29) and their positions relative to the test liquid level (34).

8. The method (48) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The characteristics of the test liquid (14) in the laboratory carrier (10) relate to the centrifuged state of the test liquid (14) in the laboratory carrier (10), wherein the test liquid (14) is a biological liquid, wherein the biological liquid contains plasma and red blood cells, and the plasma and red blood cells form a plasma portion (38) outlined by a liquid contour line (28) and a blood clot (40) outlined by a liquid contour line (29) during centrifugation, wherein in step e) (58), one or more liquid contour lines (28, 29) are detected, and wherein in step f) (60), the centrifuged state is determined based on the number of detected liquid contour lines (28, 29) and the absorption intensity sub-ranges within the detected liquid contour lines (28, 29).

9. The method (48) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The characteristics of the test liquid (14) in the laboratory carrier (10) relate to the centrifuged state of the test liquid (14) in the laboratory carrier (10), wherein the test liquid is a biological liquid, and wherein the laboratory carrier (10) further includes a separator (42) configured to form a physical barrier between the serum or plasma (38) outlined by the liquid contour line (28) and the red blood cells (41) outlined by the liquid contour line (29) during centrifugation, wherein the detected carrier contour line (30) includes a separator contour line (44), and wherein in step e) (58), one or more liquid contour lines (28, 29) and the separator contour line (44) are detected based on the first absorption intensity range and the second absorption intensity range, and wherein in step f) (60), the centrifuged state is determined based on the number of detected liquid contour lines (28, 29) and based on the position of the detected separator contour line (44) relative to the one or more liquid contour lines (28, 29).

10. The method (48) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The laboratory carrier processing device is a pipetting device (20), wherein the processing of the laboratory carrier (10) includes aspirating and / or dispensing and / or introducing the test liquid (14) into and out of the laboratory carrier (10).

11. The method (48) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The laboratory carrier processing device is a transport system (21) configured to transport the laboratory carrier (10), wherein processing the laboratory carrier includes transporting the laboratory carrier (10) to a dedicated location in the laboratory system (12).

12. The method (48) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The test liquid (14) is a biological liquid, a test reagent, or a mixture of a biological liquid and a test reagent.

13. A laboratory system (12), wherein the laboratory system comprises: A laboratory carrier (10) containing a test liquid (14); a terahertz wave source (16); a terahertz detector (18); a laboratory carrier processing device (20, 21); and a control unit (22), the control unit being communicatively connected to the terahertz wave source (16), the terahertz detector (18), and the laboratory carrier processing device (20, 21), wherein the laboratory system (12) is configured to perform steps a) to g) (50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62) of the method (48) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A computer program product comprising instructions which cause a laboratory system (12) according to claim 13 to perform steps a) to g) (50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62) of the method (48) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. A computer-readable storage medium (46) having stored thereon the computer program product according to claim 14.

Images