Masking of laboratory devices and routing of test sample containers in a laboratory system

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for transporting test samples 165 along a route in a laboratory system 100 during a laboratory interruption. The method includes: determining that a laboratory device is unavailable; masking a target laboratory device such that test samples 165 cannot be sent to or retrieved from the target laboratory device; transporting the test samples from the target laboratory device to a buffer 170 along a new route; calculating a new laboratory workflow after the laboratory device becomes available; demasking the target laboratory device after calculating the new laboratory workflow; and retrieving the test samples 165 from the buffer 170 and sending the test samples 165 to the target laboratory device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to maintaining traffic flow for test sample container carriers in a laboratory system during periods of interruption and / or high usage. Background Technology

[0002] In typical laboratories, there is currently no efficient way to fully maintain the transport systems of large laboratories that continuously process test samples without requiring a complete shutdown.

[0003] US Patent 9,470,702 discloses a method for maintaining an analyzer, the method comprising: determining a maintenance operation to be performed; automatically selecting a maintenance carrier to perform the maintenance operation in response to an error detection or at a predetermined time; and automatically deploying the maintenance carrier onto a track under the control of a processor, provided that the affected workstation is ready and not in use when the maintenance carrier arrives.

[0004] US Publication No. 2015 / 0273691 discloses a system in which certain maintenance procedures (such as routine track cleaning) can be scheduled, for example, at the end of each operator's shift. The operator can request maintenance when it occurs. The system can determine when maintenance is appropriate based on the current condition of the analyzer and allows maintenance to be performed without interfering with normal sample analysis and analyzer operation.

[0005] U.S. Patent 10,094,843 discloses a laboratory sample distribution system that includes a transfer plane and a cleaning device for cleaning the transfer plane. The cleaning device is adapted to automatically clean the transfer plane in a manner similar to the movement of a sample container carrier on the transfer plane.

[0006] Therefore, while providing maintenance for laboratory analyzers and / or transport systems, it is necessary to technically prevent complete laboratory system downtime while maintaining peak performance. Furthermore, it is also necessary to ensure appropriate priority for test sample container carriers during periods of high laboratory workload without sacrificing the flexibility offered by the laboratory middleware test sample workflow engine. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One object of this disclosure is to provide a method for transporting test sample container carriers along a route in a laboratory system during laboratory interruptions, the method of which prevents the sample container from leaving the laboratory analyzer and / or other target device by shielding certain laboratory analyzers and / or other target devices, thereby creating a necessary time window for carrying out critical laboratory maintenance tasks.

[0008] Several different reasons explain why it might be necessary to prevent sample test containers from leaving retrievable devices, such as, for example, laboratory analyzers, buffers, and / or archiving devices.

[0009] One reason is to stop the laboratory system from conveying sample test containers to allow for maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the conveyor surfaces of the system. Additional maintenance tasks may include replacing conveyor tiles or plates when using a magnetic conveyor system, or replacing belts when using a conveyor belt system. Furthermore, when a conveyor plate is broken or damaged, it is important to ensure that no sample test containers are moving on or on that broken or damaged conveyor plate.

[0010] Another reason to stop the laboratory system from transferring test sample container carriers is when the laboratory system is about to complete its last shift of the day. In this case, test sample container carriers that are not yet at their target archiving location should still be handled by the laboratory system, but no additional test sample container carriers should be loaded into the laboratory system for processing.

[0011] Another reason to prevent test sample container carriers from leaving the retrievable device is to reduce the workload on the transfer system. For example, when a large batch of test sample container carriers with high processing priority (e.g., STAT status) arrives at the laboratory system, the analytical laboratory equipment of the laboratory system needs to be available to process those high-priority test sample container carriers first.

[0012] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a method is proposed for transporting a test sample container carrier along a route in a laboratory system during a laboratory interruption. The laboratory includes multiple laboratory units, a transport system, at least one buffer, and laboratory intermediate equipment. The method includes: determining whether a laboratory unit is unavailable; masking a target laboratory unit such that the test sample container carrier is not sent to the masked target laboratory unit and cannot be retrieved from the masked target laboratory unit; transporting the test sample container carrier, initially routed to the masked target laboratory unit, along a new route to the buffer; calculating a new laboratory workflow after the laboratory unit becomes available; demasking the target laboratory unit after calculating the new laboratory workflow; and retrieving the test sample container carrier from the buffer and sending the test sample container carrier to the target laboratory unit.

[0013] According to the method of the first aspect, the laboratory equipment is unavailable due to maintenance issues.

[0014] According to the method of the first aspect, it further includes warning the laboratory operator that the laboratory equipment is unavailable.

[0015] According to the method of the first aspect, the warning to the laboratory operator may be a visual indicator on an unavailable laboratory device, or the warning may be a software notification on a device of the laboratory system.

[0016] According to the method of the first aspect, it further includes having the test sample container carrier in the target laboratory device manually retrieved by a laboratory operator when the target laboratory device is concealed.

[0017] According to the method of the first aspect, the target laboratory device is an archiving device (such as, for example, a refrigerator).

[0018] According to the method of the first aspect, the masking and demasking of the target laboratory device are automatically triggered by the laboratory middleware of the laboratory system.

[0019] According to the method of the first aspect, it further includes, while the target laboratory device is being shielded, transporting the test sample container carrier from the target device to other laboratory devices in the laboratory system via a new route.

[0020] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a method is proposed for transporting test samples along a route in a laboratory at the end of a shift. The laboratory includes multiple laboratory units, a transport system, at least one buffer, and laboratory middleware. The method includes stopping the loading of test sample container carriers into the laboratory system, masking a target laboratory unit such that the test sample container carrier cannot be retrieved from the target laboratory unit, processing all test sample container carriers by a laboratory analyzer in the laboratory system until the test sample container carrier reaches the target laboratory unit, calculating a new laboratory system workflow by the laboratory middleware at the start of the next laboratory shift, demasking the target laboratory unit after calculating the new laboratory workflow, and retrieving the test sample container carrier from the target laboratory unit and sending it to the laboratory analyzer after demasking the test sample in the test sample container carrier with the open test request in the target laboratory unit.

[0021] According to the method of the second aspect, it further includes shortening the buffering duration of at least one buffer to more quickly retrieve the test sample container carrier and transport it along the route to the archiving device.

[0022] According to the method of the second aspect, it further includes, after the test sample container carrier has been processed, shielding at least one buffer and conveying the test sample container carrier directly to the archiving device along the route.

[0023] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a method for routed delivery of test samples during peak workloads in a laboratory system is proposed. The laboratory includes multiple laboratory units, a delivery system, at least one buffer, and laboratory middleware. The method includes: detecting the addition of a test sample container carrier entering the laboratory system; masking a target laboratory unit such that the test sample container carrier is not sent to the target laboratory unit and cannot be retrieved from the target laboratory unit; calculating a new laboratory system workflow via the laboratory middleware after no further additions of test sample container carriers have been made; demasking the target laboratory unit after calculating the new laboratory workflow; and retrieving the test sample container carrier from the target laboratory unit and sending the test sample container carrier from the target laboratory unit to a laboratory analyzer after the target laboratory unit has demasked the test sample container carrier (which has an open test request for the test sample in the test sample container carrier).

[0024] According to the method of the third aspect, it further includes masking at least one buffer such that the test sample container carrier cannot be retrieved from at least one buffer, demasking at least one buffer after no more test sample container carriers are added into the laboratory system, and retrieving the test sample container carrier from at least one buffer and sending the test sample container carrier from at least one buffer to the laboratory analyzer after at least one buffer has been demasked for the test sample (in the test sample container carrier with an open test request).

[0025] According to the method of the third aspect, the masking and demasking of the target laboratory device and / or at least one buffer are automatically triggered by determining the test sample workload of the laboratory system.

[0026] According to the fourth aspect, a laboratory system is proposed. The system includes multiple laboratory devices. These multiple laboratory devices include a target storage device, a laboratory analyzer, and a target buffer. The system also includes: a transport system connected to the multiple laboratory devices and configured to transport test sample container carriers between the multiple laboratory devices; and a laboratory intermediary configured to mask and demask the multiple laboratory devices for the retrieval and / or distribution of the test sample container carriers based on predetermined laboratory system conditions.

[0027] According to the fifth aspect, a computer system can be constructed to perform the steps of the above-described method.

[0028] According to the sixth aspect, a computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a computer system, instruct the computer system to perform the steps of the above-described method.

[0029] The advantages of this disclosure include improved overall laboratory efficiency and better management of test sample flow during high workloads on laboratory transport systems and laboratory systems. In the event of a maintenance event (or any other event requiring the re-masking of the laboratory installation), the workflow may be recalculated by the laboratory middleware to efficiently restart processing of test samples remaining in the laboratory installation during the masking.

[0030] According to this disclosure, a laboratory setup can be masked via a laboratory system so that test sample container carriers cannot be retrieved from the setup, i.e., the test sample container carriers cannot leave the setup. When the laboratory setup is masked, the laboratory system assumes that any test sample container carriers within the setup cannot be retrieved. When the laboratory setup is demasked, the laboratory system recalculates the test sample workflow via laboratory middleware. This means that the laboratory system will determine which test samples in the previously masked test sample container carriers within the laboratory setup require further processing and will request the retrieval of those test sample container carriers for further processing.

[0031] The laboratory system can mask and demask specific laboratory units among multiple laboratory units connected to or integrated with the transport system. This allows for the continued retrieval and processing of test sample container carriers on unaffected sections of the transport system.

[0032] The retraction shielding of certain laboratory setups may be limited to a specific subset of the test sample container carriers. For example,

[0033] a) It may not be possible to retrieve test sample container carriers with normal priority from the shielded laboratory setup, but test sample container carriers with STAT priority may be retrieved if required by the laboratory workflow.

[0034] b) If the intended target of a test sample container carrier residing in the temporary buffer is an archiving device, the carrier may not be able to be retrieved. However, test sample container carriers in the temporary buffer that are intended for laboratory analyzers (with open test requests for the test samples in the test sample container carriers) may be retrieved from the temporary buffer for further processing.

[0035] c) The anticipated objective is that test sample container carriers of laboratory analyzers with a large number of STAT test samples expected in the near future will not be inspected, while test sample container carriers of laboratory analyzers with idle capacity are likely to be inspected for further processing.

[0036] Furthermore, retraction shielding can also be applied to specific test sample container carriers located in specific laboratory installations. For example, test sample container carriers that have recently been accessed by a laboratory analyzer or require a cooling period after receiving specific test results may not be retracted from the archived laboratory installation.

[0037] The retraction shielding of laboratory equipment can be automatically enabled / disabled via laboratory configuration rules in the laboratory middleware, which can be triggered by internal or external events. Internal triggers could include: daily maintenance schedules; the approaching / ending of daily peak workload; the end of daily normal working hours or the approaching start of daily normal working hours; abnormally high / low numbers of newly registered test sample container carriers, etc. External triggers could include: laboratory instrument or module status messages from the laboratory middleware reporting the availability / unavailability of certain laboratory instruments or modules.

[0038] Alternatively, the retraction shield of the laboratory device can be manually enabled / disabled through the laboratory operator interface and the laboratory middleware of the laboratory system.

[0039] In addition, the activation / deactivation of the laboratory device’s retraction shield can be triggered immediately, or a pre-set delay (such as at the end of the day or shift) can be applied. Attached Figure Description

[0040] The following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present disclosure can be best understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same structures are denoted by the same reference numerals, and in the drawings:

[0041] Figure 1 illustrates a typical laboratory system setup according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a method for transporting a test sample container carrier along a route in a laboratory system as it passes through a shielded laboratory apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a method for transporting test samples along a route in a laboratory system during a blockage at a transport connection point, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a method for transporting test samples along a route at the end of a shift / day in a laboratory system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a method for transporting test samples along a route in a laboratory system during maintenance of a transport system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a method for transporting test samples along a route during peak sample / STAT sample loading in a laboratory system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 7 shows a flowchart of a method for transporting test samples along a route in a laboratory system during emergency laboratory analyzer maintenance, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0048] In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description, and specific embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced are shown in an illustrative rather than limiting manner. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and logical, mechanical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0049] As used below, the terms “have,” “include,” or “contain,” or any grammatical variation thereof, are used in a non-exclusive manner. Thus, these terms can refer either to a situation where no other features exist in the entity described in this context besides those introduced by these terms, or to a situation where one or more other features exist. For example, the statements “A has B,” “A contains B,” and “A includes B” can all refer to a situation where no other elements exist in A besides B (i.e., A is solely and uniquely composed of B), and to a situation where entity A contains one or more other elements besides B, such as element C, elements C and D, or even other elements.

[0050] Furthermore, it should be noted that the terms "at least one," "one or more," or similar expressions indicating that a feature or element may exist once or more are generally used only once when the corresponding feature or element is introduced. In the following text, in most cases, when referring to the corresponding feature or element, the expressions "at least one" or "one or more" will not be used repeatedly, even though the corresponding feature or element may exist only once or more.

[0051] The elements and components of the embodiments described herein may be described using the terms "an" or "a kind." This is done merely for convenience and to provide a general understanding of the concept of the invention. This interpretation should be understood to include one or at least one, and the singular includes the plural unless it clearly has a different meaning.

[0052] As used herein, the term "test sample" can be a broad term and can be given a common and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and is not limited to a specific or customary meaning. Specifically, the term can refer to, but is not limited to, aliquots of substances such as chemical or biological compounds. Specifically, a test sample can be or may include at least one biological sample, such as one or more of the following: blood; serum; plasma; urine; saliva. Additionally or alternatively, a test sample can be or may include chemical substances or compounds and / or reagents. The sample can specifically be a liquid test sample, such as aliquots of fluid substances, such as chemical or biological compounds. For example, a liquid test sample can be or may include at least one pure liquid, such as a liquid substance and / or a solution containing one or more liquid substances, which contains at least one chemical and / or biological substance. As another example, a liquid test sample can be or may include liquid mixtures, such as suspensions, emulsions, and / or dispersions of one or more chemical and / or biological substances. However, other samples may also be included, particularly non-liquid test samples. For example, the container can be a reagent container. Other test sample types can be, for example, tissues, homogenized materials, and container-like devices for calibration or monitoring can be processing bodies.

[0053] As used herein, the term "test sample container" can be a broad term and can be given a common and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and is not limited to a specific or customary meaning. Specifically, the term can refer to, but is not limited to, a container constructed for performing one or more of the following: containing, storing, and / or transferring samples, particularly liquid test samples. Further, the test sample container can be constructed for handling in a test sample processing system. Specifically, the test sample container can be used in medical and / or chemical laboratory fields. For example, the test sample container can be selected from the group including: containers; vials; syringes; cartridges; ampoules, or containers. For example, the test sample container can include a test sample container body for containing a test sample, and a test sample container closure, such as a cap for sealing the test sample container. Hereinafter, without limiting further possibilities, the selection of a test sample tube will be described as an example, wherein the test sample tube can be positioned in a test sample holder with its open end facing upwards.

[0054] As used herein, the term "test sample container carrier" can refer to any kind of holder constructed to receive one or more test sample containers and constructed to transport test sample containers. Test sample container carriers can be of two main types: single holders and sample racks.

[0055] A "single retainer" can be a type of test sample container carrier constructed to receive and transfer a single test sample container. Typically, a single retainer can be provided as a disk, i.e., a flat cylindrical object with an opening for receiving and retaining a single test sample container.

[0056] A "sample holder" can be a type of test sample container carrier typically made of plastic and / or metal, suitable for receiving, holding, and transferring multiple test sample containers, such as five or more, for example, placed in one or more rows. Holes, windows, or slits may be present to allow visual or optical inspection or reading of the test sample containers or the test samples or labels within them, such as barcodes present on the test sample containers held in the sample holder.

[0057] As used herein, the terms “laboratory instrument” or “laboratory equipment” can include any operable instrument or instrument component that performs and / or causes one or more processing steps / workflow steps on one or more biological samples and / or one or more reagents. Therefore, the term “processing step” can refer to physically performed processing steps such as centrifugation, aliquoting, sample analysis, etc. The term “instrument” can encompass pre-analytical instruments, post-analytical instruments, analytical instruments, and laboratory intermediates.

[0058] As used in this specification, the term "laboratory middleware" can refer to any physical or virtual processing device configurable to control laboratory instruments / devices or systems comprising one or more laboratory instruments / devices, in such a way that workflows and workflow steps can be performed by the laboratory instrument / device system. The laboratory middleware can, for example, issue instructions to the laboratory instruments / system to perform pre-analytical, post-analytical, and analytical workflow / workflow steps. The laboratory middleware can receive information from a data management unit regarding which steps need to be performed on a particular test sample. In some embodiments, the laboratory middleware may be integrated with the data management unit, may consist of a server computer, and / or be part of a laboratory instrument, or even distributed across multiple instruments in a laboratory system. The laboratory middleware may, for example, be implemented as a programmable logic controller running a computer-readable program configured with instructions to perform operations.

[0059] A "data storage unit" or "database" can be a computing unit used to store and manage data, such as a memory, hard drive, or cloud storage. This may involve data about biological / medical test samples processed by an automated system. The data management unit may be connected to a LIS (Laboratory Information System) and / or a HIS (Hospital Information System). The data management unit may be a unit within a laboratory instrument or a unit co-located with a laboratory instrument. It may be part of laboratory middleware. Alternatively, the database may be a remotely located unit. For example, it may be embodied in a computer connected via a communication network.

[0060] As used herein, the term 'communication network' can include any type of wireless network (such as WiFi™, GSM™, UMTS, or other wireless digital networks) or cable-based network (such as Ethernet™). Specifically, a communication network may implement the Internet Protocol (IP). For example, a communication network may include a combination of wired and wireless networks.

[0061] As used herein, the terms "remote system" or "server" can include any physical machine or virtual machine having a physical or virtual processor capable of receiving, processing, and sending data. A server can run on any computer, including dedicated computers, which may also be referred to individually as "servers" or as shared resources such as virtual servers. In many cases, a computer may provide several services and have several servers running. Therefore, the term "server" can encompass any computerized device that shares resources with one or more client processes. Furthermore, the terms "remote system" or "server" can include data transmission and processing systems distributed across data networks, such as cloud environments.

[0062] As used herein, the term "transfer system" can be a broad term and can be given a common and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and is not limited to a specific or customary meaning. Specifically, the term can refer to, but is not limited to, any system configured to move and / or transfer and / or transport objects from one location to another. Specifically, a transfer system can be configured to move multiple test sample container carriers through a test sample transfer system, such as from a laboratory loading device to another laboratory device within the test sample transfer system. Other laboratory devices may be analytical workstations. As an example, a transfer system may include at least one transfer element selected from the group consisting of: conveyors, such as belt conveyors or chain conveyors; or carrier systems, such as electronic carrier systems. A test sample transfer system may be or may include a multi-channel transfer system with multiple transfer elements. A test sample transfer system may be or may include multiple parallel transfer elements. Transfer devices may be arranged in a common plane and / or in different planes (e.g., positioned above each other).

[0063] As used herein, the term "moving" multiple test sample container carriers can be a broad term and is given a common and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and is not limited to a specific or customary meaning. Specifically, the term can refer to, but is not limited to, the action of transferring and / or moving and / or carrying test sample container carriers using a test sample transport system. Specifically, the test sample transport system can be configured to move test sample container carriers individually. For example, each test sample container carrier can move in at least one separate direction, specifically independently of each other. For example, the movement of a test sample container carrier can be a one-dimensional movement along the test sample transport system in one direction. As another example, the movement of a test sample container carrier can be a two-dimensional movement along the test sample transport system in two directions. Additionally or alternatively, a test sample container carrier can be moved by the test sample transport system along a third direction by means of a height difference across the test sample handling system. Further, the test sample transport system can be configured to move multiple test sample container carriers in a bidirectional manner.

[0064] Referring first to Figure 1, Figure 1 illustrates a typical laboratory system setup 100. In a typical laboratory system 100, multiple different laboratory devices, such as, for example, pre-analytical laboratory device 130, analytical laboratory device 140, and post-analytical laboratory device 120, can be connected together via a transport system 110. The pre-analytical laboratory device 130 is typically used for the preliminary processing of test samples 165 or test sample container carriers 160. The analytical laboratory device 140 may, for example, be designed to use a test sample or a portion of a test sample along with test reagents to generate a measurable signal based on which the presence of an analyte can be determined, and, if necessary, its concentration. The post-analytical laboratory device 120 can be used for post-processing of the test sample or test sample container, such as archiving the test sample or test sample container carrier.

[0065] The transport system 110 can be used to transport a test sample container carrier 160, including test samples, between multiple different laboratory devices (e.g., pre-analytical laboratory device 130, analytical laboratory device 140, and post-analytical laboratory device 120). Control of the movement of the test sample container carrier 160 between the multiple laboratory devices can be managed by a laboratory middleware 150. The laboratory middleware 150 can communicate with the multiple laboratory devices and the transport system 110.

[0066] In one embodiment, during operation of the laboratory system 100, a temporary buffer 170, i.e., an additional buffer 170, can be formed on the conveying system 110. The temporary buffer 170 can receive and accommodate several test sample container carriers 160 during periods when the analytical laboratory apparatus 140 may be at full capacity and therefore unable to accept more test samples. The temporary buffer 170 can serve as a location to accommodate the test sample container carriers 160, preventing congestion and bottleneck traffic flow problems on the conveying system 110.

[0067] Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart of a method for transporting a test sample container carrier 160 along a route while a laboratory apparatus is shielded in laboratory system 100. In step 200, the test sample container carrier 160 can typically be in a retrievable laboratory apparatus, such as, for example, a post-analytical laboratory apparatus 120, or, for example, a refrigerator. However, the retrievable laboratory apparatus (e.g., post-analytical laboratory apparatus 120) can be shielded by a laboratory intermediate 150 of laboratory system 100 so that the test sample container carrier 160 cannot leave the laboratory apparatus. The laboratory apparatus (e.g., post-analytical laboratory apparatus 120) can be shielded for several reasons, which will be described in more detail below.

[0068] In step 210, the laboratory middleware 150 of the laboratory system 100 may request the retrieval of one of the test sample container carriers 160 from a masked laboratory device (e.g., post-analytical laboratory device 120). In one embodiment, the test sample container carrier 160 cannot be retrieved because the laboratory device (e.g., post-analytical laboratory device 120) is masked. In another embodiment, the laboratory middleware 150 of the laboratory system 100 may determine whether the target laboratory device (e.g., analytical laboratory device 140) requiring the test sample 165 in the test sample container carrier 160 is also masked. If the target laboratory device is not masked, the test sample container carrier 160 can be retrieved and sent to the unmasked target laboratory device.

[0069] In step 220, the laboratory middleware 150 of the laboratory system 100 can then determine whether the laboratory operator requests manual retrieval of the test sample container carrier 160 from the masked laboratory apparatus (e.g., post-analytical laboratory apparatus 120). If manual retrieval is requested, the test sample container carrier 160 can be retrieved in step 230 independently of the masking status of the laboratory apparatus (e.g., post-analytical laboratory apparatus 120). If manual retrieval is not requested, the test sample container carrier 160 is not retrieved in step 240.

[0070] In step 250, the laboratory apparatus (e.g., post-analytical laboratory apparatus 120) is demasked. After demasking, the workflow of the test sample container carrier 160 in the previously masked laboratory apparatus (e.g., post-analytical laboratory apparatus 120) can be recalculated by the laboratory middleware 150. If it is determined that one of the test sample container carriers 160 needs to be retrieved because, for example, the test sample container carrier 160 has incomplete open test results for test sample 165, the time of the test sample container carrier 160 at the laboratory apparatus (e.g., post-analytical laboratory apparatus 120) has expired, forced retrieval fails, etc., then the test sample container carrier 160 is retrieved in step 260.

[0071] Example

[0072] Example 1: Transmission connection with the target device is obstructed.

[0073] In this example, the connection point 115 (e.g., a bidirectional reformer) between the transport system 110 and the target laboratory device (e.g., an archiving laboratory device (e.g., post-analysis laboratory device 120), such as a refrigerator) becomes unavailable. Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a method for transporting test samples along a route during a blockage at a transport connection point in the laboratory system.

[0074] In step 310, the laboratory middleware 150 receives a status message from the laboratory device (e.g., analytical laboratory device 140) indicating that the transmission connection point 115 is unavailable. This message then triggers a masking of the target device in step 315 for sorting, i.e., no attempt is made to transport the test sample container carrier 160 from the transport system 110 along the route to the target laboratory device via the unavailable connection point (e.g., connection point 115), and for retrieval, i.e., no attempt is made to retrieve the test sample container carrier 160 from the target laboratory device via the unavailable connection point (e.g., connection point 115).

[0075] While the target laboratory device is being masked, in step 320, the laboratory operator may receive a warning regarding the unavailability of a connection point (e.g., connection point 115). The laboratory operator may be warned in several ways. For example, depending on the reason for the connection point's unavailability, visual indications on the connection point itself, such as a flashing red error light or yellow warning light, may appear; a notification message may appear on the graphical user interface (GUI) of the control unit of the target laboratory device; and / or a notification message may appear in the notification section of the laboratory middleware 150 GUI.

[0076] The test sample container carriers 160, initially routed to the target laboratory apparatus, will now be routed to or retained in a temporary buffer or additional buffer (AOB) section of the transport system 110 in step 325. The laboratory intermediate 150 can control the routed transport of the test sample container carriers 160 by requesting the use of a temporary buffer 170 in place of the target laboratory apparatus or by not sending sample return requests to those test sample container carriers 160 already in the temporary buffer 170.

[0077] Without this functionality, the lab middleware 150 would typically request the routed delivery of the test sample container carrier 160 to the target lab facility. Since the connection point is unavailable, the lab middleware 150 would have to send the test sample container carrier 160 to an alternative destination, as the requested target lab is unavailable. In the worst-case scenario, this could lead to the loss of test sample container carrier tracking information if the lab middleware 150 cannot resolve the misalignment between the expected and actual routed delivery of the test sample container carrier 160. Furthermore, since the test sample container carrier 160 might be unintentionally routed to an unexpected destination, the lab middleware 150 may include functionality to manage workload balancing among multiple target lab facilities (e.g., post-analytical lab facility 120 and / or analytical lab facility 140) on the delivery system 110.

[0078] Furthermore, if additional testing has already been requested for those test sample container carriers 160, the test sample container carriers 160 already located in the target laboratory apparatus (e.g., post-analytical laboratory apparatus 120) will remain in that target laboratory apparatus. The laboratory middleware 150 will simply not send a sample retrieval request for the test sample container carriers 160 currently in the masked target laboratory apparatus.

[0079] In one embodiment, if it is determined in step 335 that the handling of the test sample container carrier 160 is urgent, i.e., the test sample container carrier 160 contains STAT test samples, then in step 340, the laboratory operator can request manual retrieval of the test sample container carrier 160 from the target laboratory device through the user control interface of the laboratory middleware 150, and will be able to retrieve and manually handle the test sample 165 in the test sample container carrier 160.

[0080] Without this feature, the laboratory middleware 150 would request the retrieval of the test sample container carrier 160 from the target laboratory device (e.g., post-analytical laboratory device 120). Without this feature, the target laboratory device would not be aware of unavailable connection points (e.g., connection point 115). In the event of an unavailable connection point, the test sample container carrier 160 would be retrieved from the target laboratory device, but further processing would be impossible. This would result in the test sample container 160 remaining in the area between the connection point and the transport system 110, an area uncontrolled by temperature or humidity, until the connection point becomes functional. In this location, it would also be more difficult for the laboratory operator to manually retrieve the critical test sample container carrier 160 for further processing. If the test sample container carrier 160 were in the area of ​​the connection point, the laboratory operator would have to search for the test sample container carrier 160 within a group of retrieved and locked test sample container carriers. Conversely, if the test sample container carrier 160 is still the target laboratory device, the laboratory operator can easily request the manual retrieval of the test sample container carrier 160 from the target laboratory device through the user control interface of the laboratory middleware 150.

[0081] The lab operator can identify and fix problems with the connection point (e.g., connection point 115), and the connection point becomes available again in step 345. The lab middleware 150 then receives a status message indicating that the connection point is now operational. This message then triggers the lab middleware in step 350 to demask the target lab device (e.g., post-analysis lab device 120) for sorting and retrieval. After demasking, the workflow of the test sample container carrier 160 in the previously masked lab device can be recalculated by the lab middleware 150.

[0082] In step 355, the test sample container carrier 160, which was routed to the temporary buffer 170 when the target laboratory device (e.g., post-analysis laboratory device 120) was shielded, can now be retrieved from the temporary buffer 170 and sent to the target laboratory device. This process is controlled by the laboratory middleware 150 by sending a test sample retrieval request message to the transport system 110.

[0083] Furthermore, in step 360, the test sample 165, which had an incomplete test request in the test sample container carrier 160 when the target laboratory device was shielded, can now be retrieved from the target laboratory device (e.g., post-analysis laboratory device 120) for further processing.

[0084] Example 2: End of shift / End of day

[0085] In this example, normal laboratory routine operations are about to end, and the laboratory operator wants to reduce and eventually stop test sample handling on laboratory system 100 and its connected analytical laboratory unit 140. Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a method for routed transport of test sample container carriers in laboratory system 100 at the end of a shift / day.

[0086] In step 415, at the end of the day / shift, the laboratory operator may stop loading test sample container carriers into the input module of the pre-analytical laboratory unit 130 of the transfer system 110 of the laboratory system 100. Instead, all incoming test sample container carriers 160 may be manually stored in the post-analytical laboratory unit 120, such as, for example, an archiving device, such as, for example, a refrigerator for processing on the next day / shift.

[0087] In step 420, the laboratory operator obtains a regular client of the laboratory middleware 150 to mask the archived target device (e.g., post-analytical laboratory device 120) for retrieval; that is, no test sample container carrier 160 will be able to leave the target archived device. In another embodiment, the masking of the target archived device can occur automatically based on the configuration of the rule engine of the laboratory middleware 150, such as, for example, masking retrieval can occur based on the time of day.

[0088] In one embodiment, the shielding for the retrieval of the target archiving device may be applied only to the test sample container carrier 160 containing test samples 165 with regular priority. This allows the STAT test samples 165 to still be processed in the same manner during normal operating hours.

[0089] In one embodiment, in step 425, the target temporary buffer 170 can reduce the buffering duration of the test sample container carrier 160, i.e., the test sample container carrier 160 can be retained in the temporary buffer 170 allocated to the test sample container carrier 160 so that the test sample container carrier 160 can be retrieved from the temporary buffer 170 and transported to the target archiving device more quickly. This time reduction can be configured to occur automatically based on the time of day via the laboratory intermediary 150.

[0090] In one embodiment, in step 430, the lab operator may acquire a regular client of the lab middleware 150 to mask the target temporary buffer 170 used for distribution, such that once all open test requests for those test sample container carriers 160 are processed, the test sample container carriers 160 are directly routed to the target archiving device. In another embodiment, the masking of the target temporary buffer 170 may occur automatically based on the configuration of the rule engine of the lab middleware 150, such as, for example, based on the time of day.

[0091] In step 440, all test sample container carriers 160 still located in the laboratory transport system 110 or the connected analytical laboratory apparatus 140 will continue to be processed normally. However, once the test sample container carriers 160 reach the target archiving device, they will not be retrieved for any additional processing.

[0092] Then, in step 450, when routine operations resume for the next day / shift, the lab operator retrieves the lab middleware 150 regular client and demasks the target archive device for retrieval. In another embodiment, the masking of the target archive device can occur automatically based on the configuration of the lab middleware 150's rules engine, such as, for example, based on the time of day. After demasking, the workflow for the test sample container carrier 160 in the previously masked archive lab device can be recalculated by the lab middleware 150.

[0093] In step 460, the test sample container carrier 160, currently in the target archiving device and containing the test sample 165 with an open test request, is retrieved by the laboratory system 100 to the transfer system 110. This occurs by the laboratory middleware 150 sending a retrieval request to the target archiving device.

[0094] Without this feature, the reduction in workload within the laboratory system 100 can only be achieved by shutting down the analytical laboratory unit 140 and collecting the test sample container carrier 160 that has been retrieved from the target archiving unit. This would result in the test sample 165 being in an environment without temperature and humidity control. Furthermore, without this feature, the automated handling of the STAT test sample 165 would not be permitted to differ from the routine handling of the test sample container carrier 160.

[0095] Example 3: Maintaining a finite portion of a conveyor system

[0096] This example illustrates that maintenance of a portion of the conveyor system 110 is necessary while the rest of the conveyor system 110 remains functional. Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a method for transporting test sample container carriers 160 along a route during maintenance of the conveyor system 110 in laboratory system 100.

[0097] In step 510, it is determined that maintenance of a portion of the transport system 110 is necessary because the transport system 110 is crucial for routing the returned test sample container carrier 160 from the target archiving device (e.g., post-analytical laboratory device 120) or the test sample temporary buffer 170 to the analytical laboratory device 140, or for transporting the test sample container carrier 160 around the portion of the transport system 110 that requires maintenance, which could cause traffic congestion and lock-up.

[0098] In step 520, depending on the effect on the delivery system 110, the target laboratory device (e.g., post-analysis laboratory device 120) is masked for retrieval or for both retrieval and distribution.

[0099] In step 525, depending on the effect on the transmission system 110, the temporary buffer 170 is also masked for either recovery or for both recovery and distribution.

[0100] In step 530, the test sample container carrier 160 is already at the target laboratory unit (e.g., post-analytical laboratory unit 120) or in the temporary buffer 170, but any additional test commands received for the test sample 165 in the test sample container carrier 160 will remain at the target laboratory unit or the temporary buffer 170. This allows for a reduction in the workload of the laboratory system 100 during maintenance of the transfer system 110.

[0101] In one embodiment, in step 540, if the target laboratory device is shielded to distribute the test sample container carrier 160, the test sample container carrier 160, which would normally be routed to the target laboratory device, will now be routed to an alternative target. This will cause the test sample container carrier 160 to be redirected away from the affected area of ​​the conveyor system 110.

[0102] Depending on the nature of the laboratory system 100, the nature of the root cause of the maintenance problem, and the exact location of the maintenance problem on the transmission system 110, masking can be automatically triggered by the availability message of the processing module of the laboratory middleware 150, or it can be manually triggered by the laboratory operator through the regular client of the laboratory middleware 150.

[0103] Once maintenance is complete, in step 550, the affected target laboratory device and temporary buffer 170 can be demasked, either manually by the laboratory operator or automatically through the processing of module availability messages in the laboratory middleware 150. After demasking, the workflow of the test sample container carrier 160 in the previously masked laboratory device can be recalculated by the laboratory middleware 150.

[0104] In step 560, the test sample 165 with an open test request, which was previously held in the target laboratory device (e.g., post-analysis laboratory device 120) and / or temporary buffer 170, can now be retrieved. This process is controlled by the laboratory middleware 150 by sending a sample retrieval request message to the previously shielded target laboratory device and / or temporary buffer 170.

[0105] In step 570, the test sample container carrier 160, which has been held in the temporary test sample buffer 170, can now be retrieved even though its storage period has elapsed, while the temporary test sample buffer 170 is masked for retrieval, and the carrier is routed to its final destination storage device (e.g., post-analytical laboratory device 120). This process is controlled by the laboratory middleware 150 by sending a sample retrieval request message to the previously masked temporary buffer 170.

[0106] In step 580, the test sample container carrier 160, which has been transported to the alternative target along a new route while its original target laboratory device (e.g., post-analysis laboratory device 120) is masked for distribution, can follow different scenarios.

[0107] a) If the test sample container carrier 160 is transported along a route to an alternative target laboratory facility that is the final target archive laboratory facility (e.g., post-analytical laboratory facility 120), the test sample container carrier 160 will remain in that target archive laboratory facility (e.g., post-analytical laboratory facility 120) until an additional test request for the test sample 165 in the test sample container carrier 160 is received, or the test sample 165 is completely disposed of.

[0108] b) If the test sample container carrier 165 is initially routed to an alternative target laboratory device (e.g., post-analytical laboratory device 120) (which is masked for distribution) and routed to the test sample temporary buffer 170, the test sample container carrier 160 will be retrieved from the test sample temporary buffer 170 and routed to the target laboratory device.

[0109] c) If the test sample container carrier 160 is initially routed to the alternative test sample temporary buffer 170 (which is masked for distribution), and is routed to the alternative test sample temporary buffer, the test sample container carrier 160 will remain in the alternative test sample temporary buffer until an additional test request for the test sample 165 in the test sample container carrier 160 is received, and the test sample container carrier 160 is retrieved for transfer to the appropriate analytical laboratory device 140 or after the storage duration of the test sample in the test sample temporary buffer 170, and the test sample container carrier 160 is retrieved for transfer to the final target archiving device (e.g., post-analytical laboratory device 120).

[0110] Please note that cases a through c are merely examples of reasonable configurations of the laboratory middleware 150. Different behaviors can also be constructed, such as prioritizing the initial target device even if the test sample container 160 has been routed to a target device with similar functionality.

[0111] Without this function, the entire laboratory system 100 would have to be shut down for maintenance, even if the hardware itself did not require it, or it would be impossible to prevent overloading of the transmission system 110 or a portion thereof. Depending on the nature of the transmission system 110, an overload of even a small portion of the transmission system 110 could stop the entire transmission system 110 from functioning properly.

[0112] Example 4: Peak time for newly arrived test samples

[0113] In this example, a method is described to prevent the laboratory system 100 from being overloaded by the peak time of the newly arrived test sample 165. Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a method for route-fed the test sample container carrier 160 during peak sample / STAT sample loading in the laboratory system 100.

[0114] In step 610, the laboratory intermediate 150 of the laboratory system 100 detects a large number of incoming test sample container carriers 160 or a batch of incoming test sample container carriers 160 from the emergency room (i.e., STAT test samples 165). The detection of the test sample container carriers 160 can occur in the following manner:

[0115] a) Through a large number of incoming order messages. However, this may not always be related to the increase in the number of incoming test sample container carriers 160.

[0116] b) Identification of a large number of samples on the input workstation of the pre-analysis laboratory device 130 of the laboratory system 100.

[0117] c) By reducing the availability of queues or racks throughout the transport system 110, as reported by the corresponding messages sent from the laboratory system 100 to the laboratory middleware 150.

[0118] d) By increasing the turnaround time of test samples in analytical laboratory device 140 or increasing the number of timeouts for test samples 165 in the queue.

[0119] In step 620, taking into account the large number of test sample containers 165 or STAT test sample container carriers, the target archiving device (e.g., post-analytical laboratory device 120) and / or target temporary buffer 170 are masked for automatic retraction. This masking can help reduce workload or help determine the priority of STAT test samples on the laboratory system.

[0120] In step 630, when a reduction in the test sample container carrier 160 is detected or the STAT test sample container carrier has been processed, the masked archived target laboratory (e.g., post-analytical laboratory device 120) and target temporary buffer 170 are demasked for retrieval. After demasking, the workflow of the test sample container carrier 160 in the previously masked laboratory device (e.g., post-analytical laboratory device 120) can be recalculated by the laboratory middleware 150.

[0121] In step 640, the test sample 165 with an open test request can now be retrieved from the test sample container carrier 160 in the previously shielded archive laboratory facility and temporary buffer 170. This process is controlled by the laboratory middleware 150 by sending a sample retrieval request message to the previously shielded target archive laboratory and / or temporary buffer 170.

[0122] In step 650, the test sample container carrier 160, which has been held in the temporary test sample buffer 170, can now be retrieved even though its storage period has elapsed, while the temporary test sample buffer 170 is masked for retrieval, and the carrier is routed to its final archiving target device (e.g., post-analytical laboratory device 120). This process is controlled by the laboratory middleware 150 by sending a sample retrieval request message to the previously masked temporary buffer 170.

[0123] Without this feature, preventing general overload of the laboratory system 100 would be more difficult during normal times, or the laboratory middleware 150 would require more complex configuration during the setup of the laboratory system 100.

[0124] Example 5: Emergency Maintenance of Critical Laboratory Analyzers

[0125] This example illustrates a scenario where an alternative analytical target laboratory is overloaded due to emergency maintenance of a critical analytical laboratory facility. Figure 7 shows a flowchart of a method for transporting test sample container carrier 160 along a route during emergency laboratory analyzer maintenance in a laboratory system.

[0126] In step 710, the analytical laboratory unit 140, which typically handles most of the test sample workload, must be disconnected from the laboratory system's transport system 110 for emergency maintenance.

[0127] During maintenance, in step 720, the analysis lab device 140 will be masked to be distributed within the lab middleware 150. The analysis lab device 140 can be masked manually by the lab operator or by the lab middleware 150 sending status messages.

[0128] In addition, in step 730, the laboratory operator can anticipate a general overload of the laboratory system 100 and can shield some or all of the test sample temporary buffer 170 and / or some or all of the target archive laboratory devices (e.g., post-analysis laboratory device 120) for retrieval in order to reduce the test sample workload of the transfer system 110.

[0129] In step 740, maintenance activities on the analytical laboratory unit 140 are completed and the analytical laboratory unit 140 is demasked. After the analytical laboratory unit 140 is demasked, the workflow of the test sample container carrier 160 in the previously masked analytical laboratory unit 140 can be recalculated through the laboratory middleware 150.

[0130] In step 750, once a reasonable reduction in the workload of laboratory system 100 is determined, the temporary test sample buffer 170 and the target archive laboratory device are demasked for retrieval. After demasking the temporary test sample buffer 170 and the target archive laboratory device, the workflow of the test sample container carrier 160 in the previously masked laboratory device can be recalculated via laboratory middleware 150.

[0131] In step 760, the test sample 165, which already has an open test request, is retrieved from the test sample container carrier 160 in a masked archive laboratory facility (e.g., post-analytical laboratory facility 120) and / or a masked temporary buffer 170. This process is controlled by the laboratory middleware 150 by sending a sample retrieval request message to the previously masked target laboratory (e.g., post-analytical laboratory facility 120) and / or temporary buffer 170.

[0132] In step 770, the test sample container carrier 160, which has been held in the temporary test sample buffer 170, can now be retrieved even though its storage period has elapsed, while the temporary test sample buffer 170 is masked for retrieval, and the carrier is routed to its final archiving target device (e.g., post-analytical laboratory device 120). This process is controlled by the laboratory middleware 150 by sending a sample retrieval request message to the previously masked temporary buffer 170.

[0133] In one embodiment, the retraction shielding process may be applied selectively depending on the type of the conveyor system 110, i.e., if the conveyor system 110 allows it; for example, if the conveyor system 110 includes a belt conveyor, the process may be applied at the section level.

[0134] Further disclosed is a computer program product including computer-executable instructions for performing the disclosed methods in one or more of the embodiments appended herein when the program is executed on a computer or computer network. Specifically, the computer program may be stored on a computer-readable data carrier or a server computer. Thus, specifically, one, more than one, or even all of the method steps indicated above can be performed by using a computer or computer network, preferably by using a computer program.

[0135] As used herein, a computer program product refers to a program that is a tradable product. This product can typically exist in any format (such as paper format), or on a local computer-readable data carrier or at a remote location. Specifically, computer program products can be distributed across data networks (such as cloud environments). Furthermore, not only computer program products, but also the hardware executing them can be located locally or in a cloud environment.

[0136] Further disclosed and proposed is a computer-readable medium containing instructions that, when executed by a computer system, enable a laboratory system to perform the method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0137] Further disclosed and proposed is a modulated data signal containing instructions that, when executed by a computer system, enable a laboratory system to perform the method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0138] Referring to the computer implementation aspects of the methods disclosed herein, one or more method steps, or even all method steps, of the methods according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein can be performed using a computer or computer network. Therefore, in general, any method steps, including providing and / or processing data, can be performed using a computer or computer network. Generally, these method steps may include any method steps other than those typically requiring manual operation (such as providing samples and / or performing certain aspects of actual measurements).

[0139] It should be noted that terms such as “preferredly,” “generally,” and “usually” are not used herein to limit the scope of the claimed embodiments or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the claimed embodiments. Rather, these terms are intended only to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be used in specific embodiments of this disclosure.

[0140] This disclosure has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments thereof, and it will be apparent that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of this disclosure have been identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that this disclosure is not necessarily limited to these preferred aspects.

Claims

1. A method for transporting a test sample container carrier (160) along a route in a laboratory system (100) during a laboratory interruption, wherein the laboratory system (100) includes a plurality of laboratory devices, at least one buffer (170), a conveying system (110), and a laboratory intermediate (150), the method comprising: Determine whether a connection point (115) in the laboratory system (100) is unavailable, wherein the connection point (115) is located between the transport system (110) and the target laboratory device (120); The target laboratory device (120) connected to the unavailable connection point (115) is masked so that the test sample container carrier (160) is not sent to the target laboratory device (120) and cannot be retrieved from the target laboratory device (120). The test sample container carrier (160), which was initially transported to the target laboratory device (120) along the route before the connection point (115) became unavailable, will be transported along a new route to the buffer (170) located in the laboratory system (110). After an unavailable connection point (115) becomes available, a new laboratory system workflow is calculated via the laboratory middleware (150); De-mask the target laboratory device (120); In response to demasking the target laboratory device (120), a test sample container carrier (160) with an incomplete test request that was located in the target laboratory device when the target laboratory device was masked is retrieved from the target laboratory device for further processing; and The test sample container carriers (160) are retrieved from the buffer (170) and those test sample container carriers (160) are sent to the target laboratory device (120).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the connection point (115) is unavailable due to maintenance issues.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the method further comprises: Warning to laboratory operators: Connection point (115) is unavailable.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the warning is a visual indicator on an unavailable connection point (115).

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the warning is a software notification.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the method further comprises: When the target laboratory device (120) is shielded, the test sample container carrier (160) in the shielded target laboratory device (120) is manually retrieved by the laboratory operator.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the target laboratory device (120) is an archiving device.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the masking and demasking of the target laboratory device (120) are automatically triggered by the laboratory middleware (150) of the laboratory system (100).

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the method further comprises: When the target laboratory device (120) is shielded, the test sample container carrier (160) is transported from the shielded target laboratory device (120) along a new route to other laboratory devices in the plurality of laboratory devices in the laboratory system (100).

10. A method for transporting a test sample container carrier (160) along a route at the end of a laboratory shift in a laboratory system (100), wherein the laboratory system (100) includes a plurality of laboratory devices, at least one buffer (170), a conveying system (110), and a laboratory intermediate (150), the method comprising: Stop loading the test sample container carrier (160) into the laboratory system (100); The target laboratory device (120) of the plurality of laboratory devices is masked so that the test sample container carrier (160) cannot be retrieved from the target laboratory device (120). All test sample container carriers (160) are processed by the analytical laboratory device (140) of the plurality of laboratory devices in the laboratory system (100) until the test sample container carriers (160) reach the target laboratory device (120). At the start of the next laboratory shift, a new laboratory system workflow is calculated via the laboratory middleware (150); After calculating the new laboratory workflow, the target laboratory device (120) is masked. and After demasking the target laboratory device (120), for the test sample (165) in the test sample container carrier (160) with an open test request, the test sample container carrier (160) is retrieved from the target laboratory device (120) and sent to the laboratory analysis device (140) in the plurality of laboratory devices in the laboratory system (100).

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: The buffering duration of at least one buffer (170) in the laboratory system (100) is shortened to more quickly retrieve the test sample container carrier (160) and transport it along the route to the archiving device.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the method further comprises: Mask the at least one buffer (170) so that it is not used; and After the test sample (165) in the test sample container carrier (160) has been processed, the test sample container carrier (160) is directly transported along the route to the archiving device in the plurality of laboratory devices.

13. A method for transporting test sample container carriers (160) along a route in a laboratory system (100) during peak workload, wherein the laboratory system (100) includes a plurality of laboratory units, at least one buffer (170), a conveying system (110), and a laboratory intermediate (150), wherein the plurality of laboratory units includes one or more analytical laboratory units (140) and one or more post-analytical laboratory units, the method comprising: The detection increases the number of test sample container carriers (160) entering the laboratory system (100); In response to the addition of the test sample container carrier (160), the post-analytical laboratory device and / or the at least one buffer (170) are masked so that the test sample container carrier (160) is not sent to the post-analytical laboratory device and / or the at least one buffer (170) and cannot be retrieved from the post-analytical laboratory device and / or the at least one buffer (170). In response to the fact that no more test sample container carriers are added, a new laboratory system workflow is calculated through the laboratory middleware (150); Demask the post-analysis laboratory apparatus and / or the at least one buffer (170). and After demasking the post-analytical laboratory apparatus and / or the at least one buffer (170), the test sample container carrier (160) is retrieved from the post-analytical laboratory apparatus and / or the at least one buffer (170) for test samples (165) with open test requests to be processed, and these test sample container carriers (160) are sent from the post-analytical laboratory apparatus and / or the at least one buffer (170) to the analytical laboratory apparatus (140).

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: In response to the cessation of the addition of the test sample container carrier (160) to the laboratory system (100), the at least one buffer (170) is demasked; and After demasking the at least one buffer (170), the test sample container carrier (160) is retrieved from the at least one buffer (170) for the test sample (165) in the test sample container carrier (160) with an open test request to be processed, and those test sample container carriers (160) are sent from the at least one buffer (170) to the analytical laboratory apparatus (140) in the laboratory system (100).

15. A laboratory system (100), comprising: Multiple laboratory devices, wherein the multiple laboratory devices include an input device, a target archiving device, an analysis laboratory device (140), and a target buffer (170). A conveying system (110) is connected to the plurality of laboratory devices and configured to convey test sample container carriers (160) between the plurality of laboratory devices; and A laboratory middleware (150) configured to mask and demask the plurality of laboratory devices for the retrieval and / or distribution of the test sample container carrier (160) based on predetermined laboratory system conditions. The laboratory system (100) is characterized in that it is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1-14.

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