Sample processing device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides sample processing devices (100, 100 ', 100' ') for transferring one or more patient samples or portions thereof from at least one sample tube (20) to at least one reaction vessel (22) within an automatic analyzer (50, 50'). A sample processing apparatus (100, 100 ', 100' ') includes a sample presentation unit (102) associated with an automatic analyzer (50) and configured to receive a plurality of holders (26) into the automatic analyzer (50). Each of the plurality of holders (26) is configured to receive and hold at least one sample tube (20). The sample processing device (100, 100 ', 100' ') further includes a linear slide (114) configured to be selectively mounted to a mount of the automatic analyzer (50) at a first position (P1) and a second position (P2) different from the first position (P2). The sample processing device (100, 100 ', 100' ') further includes a pipetting module (112) configured to travel along the linear slide (114) and to transfer the one or more patient samples or portions thereof to at least one reaction vessel (22) within the automatic analyzer (50, 50').

Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 356,026, filed on June 27, 2022, entitled “Sample Handling Arrangement,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to a sample processing device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a sample processing device for transferring one or more patient samples or portions thereof from at least one sample tube to at least one reaction vessel within an automated analyzer. Background Art

[0004] Many different clinical analyzers are known in the art. Such analyzers range from simple, heavily manually operated instruments to highly complex, almost fully automatic instruments. Each analyzer has its own performance characteristics, which are related to the number of different tests ("menus") that the analyzer can perform and the number of samples that the analyzer can process in a given time period ("throughput"). Automatic analyzers have been developed to improve the efficiency of the testing process by reducing turnaround time and reducing the volume required for performing various assays. Transferring samples or other fluids in an automatic analyzer is provided, particularly dispensing samples into reaction vessels. The configuration of an automatic analyzer in which a sample is transferred from one place to another in an automatic analyzer can be referred to as an independent configuration of an automatic analyzer.

[0005] However, in some cases, there is a need or requirement for fluid (i.e., blood, serum, plasma, urea sample, reagent or other biological fluid) to be transferred from an external track (e.g., a mobile conveyor in a laboratory but outside the automatic analyzer) to a reaction vessel in the automatic analyzer. Many categories of automatic analyzers may not include a built-in mechanism for transferring a sample (or other fluid) from an external track to a reaction vessel in the automatic analyzer. Some categories of automatic analyzers may achieve such a transfer of a sample by installing additional components (e.g., additional conveying lines, connectors, etc.) so that the automatic analyzer is mechanically connected to the external track. In some cases, additional pipetting mechanisms may be required to draw a sample from the external track and distribute it to a transfer module in the automatic analyzer, and subsequently distributed to a reaction vessel in the automatic analyzer. The configuration of the automatic analyzer in which the sample is transferred from the external track to the reaction vessel in the automatic analyzer can be referred to as the external configuration of the automatic analyzer.

[0006] Installing additional components on the automatic analyzer for transferring samples from the external track to the reaction container in the automatic analyzer may increase the overall cost of operating the automatic analyzer. In addition, the additional components for transferring samples from the external track to the automatic analyzer may reduce the processing speed of the automatic analyzer, thereby resulting in inefficient analysis of the sample.

[0007] Furthermore, once additional components are installed on the automatic analyzer to place the automatic analyzer in the external configuration, it may be difficult to quickly and efficiently switch the automatic analyzer back to the standalone configuration because this would require removing and / or uninstalling some of the additional components previously installed to place the automatic analyzer in the external configuration. Therefore, the operation of switching the automatic analyzer between the standalone configuration and the external configuration may be a time-consuming process, which may ultimately reduce the efficiency and processing speed of the automatic analyzer. Therefore, switching the automatic analyzer between the standalone configuration and the external configuration may not be feasible. Summary of the invention

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a sample processing device is provided for transferring at least a portion of one or more patient samples from at least one sample tube to at least one reaction container in an automatic analyzer. The sample processing device includes a sample presentation unit associated with the automatic analyzer and configured to receive a plurality of racks into the automatic analyzer. Each of the plurality of racks is configured to receive and hold at least one sample tube. The sample processing device also includes a linear slide configured to be selectively mounted to a mounting member of the automatic analyzer at a first position and a second position different from the first position. The sample processing device also includes a pipetting module configured to transfer at least a portion of one or more patient samples to at least one reaction container in the automatic analyzer. The pipetting module is configured to travel along the linear slide. The sample processing device also includes a rack transfer module operably connected to the sample presentation unit and configured to transfer at least one of the plurality of racks from the sample presentation unit to the pipetting module in the automatic analyzer. The sample processing device also includes a home sensor for sensing the presence or absence of the pipetting module at the origin location. The pipetting module is operable in a first mode, in which the pipetting module is configured to transfer at least a portion of one or more patient samples from at least one sample tube held by at least one rack within the automatic analyzer to at least one reaction container within the automatic analyzer. The pipetting module may also be operable in a second mode, in which the pipetting module is configured to transfer at least a portion of one or more patient samples from an external track disposed outside the automatic analyzer to at least one reaction container within the automatic analyzer. The sample processing device may be operated in a first configuration, in which the pipetting module is configured to travel within the automatic analyzer and thereby operate only in the first mode. The sample processing device may also be operated in a second configuration, in which the pipetting module is configured to travel within the automatic analyzer and to the external track and thereby operate in the second mode. In the second configuration of the sample processing device, the pipetting module is also configured to travel within the automatic analyzer and to at least one rack transferred by the rack transfer module within the automatic analyzer and thereby also operate in the first mode. When the sample processing device is operated in the first configuration, the linear slide is configured to be mounted to the mounting member of the automatic analyzer at a first position. When the sample processing device is operated in the second configuration, the linear slide is configured to be mounted to the mount of the automated analyzer at a second position.When the sample processing device is operated in each of the first configuration and the second configuration, the linear slide is configured to be stationary.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the first aspect, the physical position of the origin sensor is configured not to change when the sample processing device is operated in the first configuration and when the sample processing device is operated in the second configuration.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the first aspect, the rack transfer module further comprises a linear transport line configured to receive at least one rack from the sample presentation unit. The rack transfer module further comprises a rack rotor configured to transfer at least one rack from the linear transport line to a pipetting module in the automatic analyzer.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the first aspect, the pipetting module and the rack transfer module travel linearly and perpendicularly to each other.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the first aspect, the sample processing device further comprises an external track.The pipetting module and the external track are configured to run perpendicularly to each other adjacent to an intersection of the pipetting module and the external track.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the first aspect, the linear slide is configured to be removed at one of the first position and the second position and then installed at the other of the first position and the second position to switch the operation of the sample processing device between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the first aspect, the sample processing device further comprises a position selector configured to selectively position and install the linear slide in the first position or the second position.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the first aspect, the mounting member includes a track along which the linear slide is configured to be positioned in a first position or a second position. When the sample processing device is operated in each of the first configuration and the second configuration, the linear slide is configured to be fixed to the track.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the first aspect, the pipetting module also includes a slider configured to travel along the linear slide. The linear slide also includes a first portion and a second portion. When the sample processing device is operated in the second configuration, the slider is configured to travel on the first portion and the second portion of the linear slide. When the sample processing device is operated in the first configuration, the slider is not configured to travel on the second portion of the linear slide, so that the second portion defines an unused (i.e., deactivated) portion of the linear slide in the first configuration of the sample processing device.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the first aspect, when the sample processing device is operated in the second configuration, the origin sensor is configured to be positioned along the second portion of the linear slide.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the first aspect, when the sample processing device is operated in the first configuration, the first portion of the linear slide extends from the origin sensor toward the position of the outer track. In addition, when the sample processing device is operated in the first configuration, the second portion of the linear slide extends from adjacent to the origin sensor opposite to the first portion.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the first aspect, when the sample processing device is operated in the second configuration, each of the first portion and the second portion of the linear slide extends from the origin sensor to the position of the outer rail. In addition, when the sample processing device is operated in the second configuration, the first portion of the linear slide is close to the outer rail and the second portion of the linear slide is away from the outer rail.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the first aspect, in a first mode, the pipetting module is configured to aspirate at a first aspiration position disposed in the automatic analyzer. In a second mode, the pipetting module is configured to aspirate at least at a second aspiration position disposed outside the automatic analyzer.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the first aspect, the sample processing device further comprises a processor communicatively coupled to the pipetting module. The processor is configured to control the pipetting module to switch the operation of the sample processing device between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the first aspect, the processor is further configured to switch operation of the sample processing device between the first configuration and the second configuration outside of a manufacturing location of the automated analyzer.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the first aspect, the sample processing device further comprises a non-volatile memory storing a set of instructions executable by the processor. The processor is further configured to execute the set of instructions to operate the sample processing device in both the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the first aspect, the sample processing device further comprises an automatic analyzer.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the first aspect, the processing capacity of the automatic analyzer is the same when the sample processing device is operated in the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the first aspect, the external track is routed through a clinical laboratory.The automatic analyzer is configured to be serviced by the sample processing device such that the pipetting module is operable in the first mode and / or the second mode.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the first aspect, the automatic analyzer is located in a clinical laboratory. The automatic analyzer is configured to be served by the sample processing device so that the pipetting module can operate in the first mode.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a sample processing device for transferring at least one patient sample to at least one reaction container within an automated analyzer. The sample processing device includes a linear slide configured to be selectively mounted to a mounting member of an automatic analyzer; and a pipetting module configured to travel along the linear slide, wherein the linear slide is configured to be statically mounted to the mounting member of the automatic analyzer at a first position to define a first configuration of the sample processing device, in which the pipetting module is constrained to travel within the automatic analyzer, such that the pipetting module is configured to transfer at least one patient sample from a first aspiration position disposed within the automatic analyzer to at least one reaction container, and thereby operate in a first mode, wherein the linear slide is configured to be statically mounted to the mounting member of the automatic analyzer at a second position different from the first position to define a second configuration of the sample processing device, in which the pipetting module is configured to travel within the automatic analyzer and at least partially outside the automatic analyzer, such that the pipetting module is configured to transfer the at least one patient sample from the first aspiration position to the at least one reaction container, and thereby operate in the first mode, and such that the pipetting module is configured to transfer at least one patient sample from a second aspiration position disposed outside the automatic analyzer to the at least one reaction container, and thereby operate in the second mode.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the second aspect, the second aspiration position is defined by the outer track.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the second aspect, in the first mode, the pipetting module is configured to aspirate at least one patient sample from at least one sample tube at a first aspiration position.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the second aspect, in the second mode, the pipetting module is configured to aspirate at least one patient sample from at least one sample tube at the second aspiration position.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the second aspect, the sample processing device further comprises an origin sensor configured to determine whether the pipetting module is positioned at the origin.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the second aspect, the origin sensor is configured to be disposed at a fixed position relative to the mount of the automatic analyzer, so that the origin sensor is configured to remain at the fixed position when the linear slide is in each of the first position and the second position.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the second aspect, the sample processing device further comprises a processor communicatively coupled to the pipetting module.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the second aspect, the sample processing device also includes a non-volatile memory, which stores a set of instructions executable by the processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute the set of instructions to control the pipetting module when the sample processing device is in both the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the second aspect, the sample processing device further comprises an automatic analyzer.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the sample processing device of the second aspect, the processing energy of the automatic analyzer is the same when the sample processing device is operated in the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0038] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method of processing at least one patient sample using a sample processing device is provided. The method includes selectively mounting a linear slide to a mounting member of an automatic analyzer at a first position to define a first configuration of a sample processing device; while maintaining the linear slide at the first position, operating a pipetting module in a first mode so that the pipetting module moves along the linear slide within the automatic analyzer to transfer at least one patient sample from a first aspiration position disposed within the automatic analyzer to at least one reaction container disposed within the automatic analyzer; selectively mounting the linear slide to the mounting member of the automatic analyzer at a second position different from the first position to define a second configuration of the sample processing device; and while maintaining the linear slide at the second position, operating the pipetting module in at least one of the first mode or the second mode, operating the pipetting module in the first mode so that the pipetting module moves along the linear slide within the automatic analyzer to transfer at least one patient sample from the first aspiration position to at least one reaction container, and operating the pipetting module in the second mode so that the pipetting module moves along the linear slide within the automatic analyzer and at least partially outside the automatic analyzer to transfer at least one patient sample from a second aspiration position disposed outside the automatic analyzer to at least one reaction container.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the method of the third aspect, the method further comprises aspirating at least one patient sample from at least one sample tube via the pipetting module at the first aspiration position.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the method of the third aspect, operating the pipetting module in at least one of the first mode or the second mode includes operating the pipetting module in the second mode so that the pipetting module moves along a linear slide within the automatic analyzer and at least partially outside the automatic analyzer to transfer at least one patient sample from a second aspiration position to at least one reaction container.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the method of the third aspect, the method further comprises aspirating at least one patient sample from at least one sample tube via the pipetting module at the second aspiration position.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the method of the third aspect, the second suction position is defined by an outer rail.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the method of the third aspect, the method further comprises determining, via an origin sensor, whether the pipetting module is at an origin position.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the method of the third aspect, the origin sensor is arranged at a fixed position relative to the mounting member of the automatic analyzer, and the method also includes maintaining the origin sensor at the fixed position when the linear slide is selectively mounted to the mounting member at each of the first position and the second position.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the method of the third aspect, the method further comprises communicating with the pipetting module via the processor.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the method of the third aspect, the method further comprises executing, via the processor, a set of instructions stored by the non-volatile memory to control the pipetting module when the sample processing device is in both the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the method of the third aspect, the method further comprises operating the automated analyzer at the same processing capacity when the sample processing device is in the first configuration and when the sample processing device is in the second configuration.

[0048] The pipetting module of the sample processing device can selectively operate in a first mode and a second mode. Specifically, in the first mode, the pipetting module is configured to aspirate one or more patient samples or parts thereof from at least one sample tube held by at least one bracket in the automatic analyzer, and distribute one or more aspirated patient samples to at least one reaction container in the automatic analyzer. In the second mode, the pipetting module is configured to aspirate one or more patient samples or parts thereof from an external track, and distribute one or more patient samples or parts thereof to at least one reaction container in the automatic analyzer. In addition, the sample processing device can selectively operate in the first configuration and the second configuration. In the first configuration of the sample processing device, the pipetting module is configured to travel only in the automatic analyzer, and thus only operate in the first mode. In the second configuration of the sample processing device, the pipetting module is configured to travel in the automatic analyzer and travel to the external track, and thus operate in the second mode. In addition, in the second configuration of the sample processing device, the pipetting module is also configured to travel in the automatic analyzer, and thus also operate in the first mode.

[0049] Therefore, in one example, the sample processing device of the present disclosure enables one or more patient samples or parts thereof to be transferred to the automatic analyzer, and in another example, the sample processing device enables one or more patient samples or parts thereof to be transferred from an external track to at least one reaction vessel in the automatic analyzer. In some cases, the sample processing device can also enable other fluids such as reagents, buffers, etc. to be transferred from an external track to the container in the automatic analyzer. The effective switching between the two operating configurations (i.e., the first configuration and the second configuration) of the sample processing device can reduce the turnaround time of the automatic analyzer for testing one or more patient samples or parts thereof. This can also increase the total processing speed and efficiency of the automatic analyzer. In addition, the sample processing device can also be incorporated in the clinical analyzer outside the manufacturing location of the clinical analyzer. This can ultimately provide a customizable unit for transferring one or more samples from one place (inside or outside the clinical analyzer) to another place (inside the clinical analyzer) for the operator.

[0050] By selectively mounting a linear slide to the automatic analyzer at a first position and a second position, respectively, the operation of the sample processing device can be switched between a first configuration and a second configuration. Compared to conventional techniques for transferring one or more patient samples or portions thereof from an external conveyor to an automatic analyzer, the sample processing device uses selective mounting of a linear slide at two different and interchangeable positions to switch the operation of the sample processing device between a first configuration and a second configuration. In other words, the sample processing device may not require additional components, such as additional pipetting mechanisms, connectors, etc., which conventional techniques require to transfer one or more patient samples or portions thereof from an external track to an automatic analyzer. Therefore, the overall cost of the operation of the automatic analyzer may be only slightly or negligibly increased by incorporating the sample processing device into the automatic analyzer to be able to switch the operation of the sample processing device between a first configuration and a second configuration using a linear slide and a track, compared to conventional techniques.

[0051] In addition, the operation of the sample processing device can be switched between the first configuration and the second configuration by removing the linear slide at one of the first position and the second position and then installing the linear slide at the other of the first position and the second position. Therefore, the operation of the sample processing device can be selected in the first configuration or the second configuration based on different application requirements. In addition, the operation of the sample processing device of the present disclosure can be advantageously switched between the first configuration and the second configuration multiple times without setting or installing any additional components. In addition, in some embodiments, the operation of the sample processing device can be simply and quickly switched between the first configuration and the second configuration while performing real-time analysis of one or more patient samples or portions thereof in a laboratory.

[0052] Since the origin sensor is configured to sense the presence or absence of the pipetting module at the origin position, the origin sensor is used as a position reference for sensing the movement of the pipetting module. In this way, the positioning of the pipetting module can be determined by the origin sensor. In addition, since the origin sensor can be positioned along the second portion of the linear slide when the sample processing device is operated in the second configuration, the position of the pipetting module can be informed to the controller when the sample processing device is operated in the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0053] Various additional aspects will be described in the following description. These aspects may relate to individual features and combinations of features. It should be understood that both the foregoing summary and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and illustrative, rather than limiting the broad conception on which the embodiments disclosed herein are based. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be more fully understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the following drawings. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same numerals used in the drawings refer to the same components. However, it should be understood that the use of numbers to refer to components in a given figure is not intended to limit the components in another figure labeled with the same number.

[0055] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a sample processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] Figure 2A and Figure 2B According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the sample processing device is operable in a first configuration Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a sample processing device;

[0057] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D When the sample processing device is operable in a second configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a sample processing device;

[0058] 4A to 4D According to another embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a sample processing device; and

[0059] Figure 5 According to the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the sample handling device connecting the two instruments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals represent the same parts and components in several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the appended claims. In addition, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting, but merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments of the appended claims.

[0061] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a block diagram of a sample processing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 1 is used to remove one or more patient samples or portions thereof from at least one sample tube 20 (in Figures 2A to 51 and 1 . The block diagram of the sample processing device 100 for transferring at least one reaction container 22 in an automatic analyzer 50 (shown in FIG. 1 ) to an automatic analyzer 50. At least one sample tube 20 (e.g., a patient sample tube) can be disposed inside the automatic analyzer 50 and / or outside the automatic analyzer 50. The automatic analyzer 50 includes a holding area 24 (e.g., a turntable) to hold at least one reaction container 22. In some cases, the holding area 24 can also hold reagents, samples, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the sample processing device 100 can also transfer one or more fluids (e.g., blood, serum, plasma, blood components, joint fluid, urine, reagents, diluents, etc.) from one place to another. The automatic analyzer 50 can be, for example, an immunoassay analyzer or a clinical chemistry analyzer. In some embodiments, the automatic analyzer 50 is located in a clinical laboratory. In some embodiments, the automatic analyzer 50 is interchangeably referred to as a "first automatic analyzer 50" herein.

[0062] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is a sample processing device 100 (also in the embodiment of the present disclosure) when the sample processing device 100 is operable in the first configuration C1. Figure 1 Schematic diagram shown in and described later). Figure 2A and Figure 2B The sample processing device 100 includes a sample presentation unit 102, which is associated with the automatic analyzer 50 and is configured to receive a plurality of racks 26 and introduce the racks 26 into the automatic analyzer 50. Each rack of the plurality of racks 26 is configured to receive and hold at least one sample tube 20. The sample presentation unit 102 includes a rack loading unit 104 and a rack unloading unit 106. Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the illustrated embodiment, only a few components of the automatic analyzer 50 are shown. The automatic analyzer 50 may also include other components, such as a feed unit, a cleaning wheel, a reagent bottle, a reagent tray, etc. For illustrative purposes, these components are shown in FIG. Figure 2A and Figure 2B Not shown.

[0063] The sample processing device 100 also includes a rack transfer module 108 operably coupled to the sample presentation unit 102. At least one rack 26 from the plurality of racks 26 can be transported from the rack loading unit 104 to the rack transfer module 108 by a pusher, a robotic arm, a positioner unit, etc. (not shown). The rack transfer module 108 can include a track with a transfer device, a conveyor belt, etc. (not shown) so that the rack transfer module 108 moves the at least one rack 26 from one position to another. In some cases, the rack transfer module 108 can include a chain, a bracket, a lead screw, a linear motor, or a combination thereof so that the rack transfer module 108 moves the at least one rack 26 from one position to another. In some cases, the rack transfer module 108 can include a motor (a stepper motor or a servo motor) to move the at least one rack 26.

[0064] The sample processing device 100 may further include an external track 110 (eg, FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D The external track 110 may include a mobile conveyor to transport at least one rack 26 configured to receive and hold at least one sample tube 20 and / or receive and hold at least one puck (not shown) to receive and hold a sample tube 20. In some cases, the external track 110 may also hold and transport other tubes containing diluents, reagents, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the route of the external track 110 passes through a clinical laboratory. The external track 110 may be connected to a laboratory transport system that includes multiple instruments and control units for preparing one or more patient samples or portions thereof, reagents, wash buffers, etc.

[0065] The sample processing device 100 also includes a pipetting module 112 configured to transfer one or more patient samples or portions thereof to at least one reaction container 22 within the automated analyzer 50. The rack transfer module 108 is configured to transfer at least one rack 26 of the plurality of racks 26 from the sample presentation unit 102 to the pipetting module 112 within the automated analyzer 50.

[0066] The sample processing device 100 further includes a linear slide 114 configured to be selectively mounted to a mounting member 118 of the automatic analyzer 50 at a first position P1 and a second position P2 different from the first position P1. Specifically, the linear slide 114 is adjustably mounted to the automatic analyzer 50 for positioning at the first position P1 or the second position P2. In certain embodiments, the linear slide 114 can be removably mounted to the automatic analyzer 50 at the first position P1 or the second position P2. Figure 2A and Figure 2BIn the illustrated embodiment, the linear slide 114 is mounted to a mount 118 of the automated analyzer 50 at a first position P1. In the depicted embodiment, the mount 118 includes a track along which the linear slide 114 is configured to be positioned at the first position P1 or the second position P2, and the sample processing device 100 further includes a position selector 116 configured to selectively position and mount the linear slide 114 at the first position P1 or the second position P2. The position selector 116 may include an actuator, a toggle, a robotic device, a lifting arm, etc. The track of the mount 118 facilitates the selective positioning of the linear slide 114 between the first position P1 and the second position P2 and the mounting of the linear slide 114 at the positions P1 and P2. In certain embodiments, the mount 118 includes a base plate fixed to or as part of the frame of the automated analyzer 50, and a locating pin fixes the linear slide 114 to the base plate at the first position P1 or the second position P2.

[0067] The pipetting module 112 is configured to travel along a linear slide 114. The pipetting module 112 also includes a slider 120 configured to travel along the linear slide 114. A motor, such as a stepper motor, may move the slider 120 along the linear slide 114. The pipetting module 112 also includes a sampler 122 configured to aspirate at least a portion of one or more patient samples from at least one sample tube 20 and dispense the aspirated one or more patient samples or portions thereof into at least one reaction container 22 within the automatic analyzer 50. The slider 120 may be slidably mounted on the linear slide 114 so that the slider 120 can move relative to the linear slide 114. In some cases, the slider 120 and the linear slide 114 may include complementary protrusions and channels so that the slider 120 can move along the linear slide 114. In Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the illustrated embodiment, the pipetting module 112 and the rack transfer module 108 travel linearly and perpendicular to each other.

[0068] The sample processing device 100 also includes a processor 124 that is communicatively coupled to the pipetting module 112. In certain embodiments, the processor 124 is further communicatively coupled to the position selector 116 to switch the mounting position of the linear slide 114 between the first position P1 and the second position P2. The sample processing device 100 also includes a non-volatile memory 126 that stores a set of instructions 128 that can be executed by the processor 124. The processor 124 is also configured to execute the set of instructions 128 to perform various functions that will be described later.

[0069] Processor 124 may be a programmable analog and / or digital device that can store, retrieve and process data. In applications, processor 124 may be a controller, a control circuit, a computer, a workstation, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a central processing unit, a server or any suitable device or apparatus.

[0070] Continue to refer to Figure 1 2C, the pipetting module 112 may be in a first mode M1 (whose parameters may be stored in the non-volatile memory 126, such as Figure 1 In the first mode M1, the pipetting module 112 is configured to transfer one or more patient samples or portions thereof from at least one sample tube 20 held by at least one rack 26 in the automatic analyzer 50 to at least one reaction container 22 in the automatic analyzer 50. Specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 2A As shown, in the first mode M1, the pipetting module 112 is configured to aspirate one or more patient samples or portions thereof from at least one sample tube 20 at a first aspiration position A1 disposed within the automatic analyzer 50. Figure 2B As shown, in the first mode M1, the pipetting module 112 is configured to dispense one or more aspirated patient samples or portions thereof into at least one reaction container 22 within the automatic analyzer 50. Therefore, when the pipetting module 112 is operated in the first mode M1, the pipetting module cannot aspirate one or more patient samples or portions thereof from the external track 110 (in the Figure 3A and Figure 3B In some embodiments, the automatic analyzer 50 is serviced by the sample processing device 100 such that the pipetting module 112 operates in the first mode M1.

[0071] In addition, the sample processing device 100 may be in a first configuration C1 (whose parameters may also be stored in the non-volatile memory 126, such as Figure 1 In the first configuration C1, the pipetting module 112 is configured to travel within the automatic analyzer 50 and thereby operate only in the first mode M1. In other words, when the sample processing device 100 is operated in the first configuration C1, the pipetting module 112 can travel within the automatic analyzer 50 and thereby transfer one or more patient samples or portions thereof from at least one sample tube 20 held by at least one rack 26 within the automatic analyzer 50 to at least one reaction container 22 within the automatic analyzer 50. The processor 124 is also configured to execute a set of instructions 128 in order to operate the sample processing device 100 in the first configuration C1.

[0072] When the sample processing device 100 is operated in the first configuration C1, the linear slide 114 is mounted to the automatic analyzer 50 at the first position P1. Therefore, when the linear slide 114 is mounted to the automatic analyzer 50 at the first position P1 (i.e., operation of the sample processing device 100 in the first configuration C1), the pipetting module 112 is configured to operate in the first mode M1 and travel along the linear slide 114 to transfer one or more samples or portions thereof from at least one sample tube 20 held by at least one rack 26 within the automatic analyzer 50 to at least one reaction container 22 within the automatic analyzer 50. In addition, when the sample processing device 100 is operated in the first configuration C1, the linear slide 114 is fixed to a track, base plate, etc. of the mount 118. When the sample processing device 100 is operated in the first configuration C1, the linear slide 114 is stationary. This means that during operation of the sample processing device 100 in the first configuration C1, the linear slide 114 does not travel along a track, base plate, etc. of the mount 118. Furthermore, when the sample processing device 100 is operated in the first configuration C1, the linear slide 114 does not move toward the outer rail 110 (at Figure 3A 10 and thus the pipetting module 112 does not travel outside the automated analyzer 50 to aspirate one or more patient samples or portions thereof from the external track 110. In some cases, the linear slide 114 can be removably mounted and secured to a track, base plate, etc., of a mounting member 118 by one or more fasteners, electromagnetic couplings, etc.

[0073] The sample processing device 100 also includes an origin sensor 130 for sensing the presence or absence of the pipetting module 112 at the origin position H. In other words, the origin sensor 130 is used to return the pipetting module 112. When the sample processing device 100 is operated in the first configuration C1, the physical position of the origin sensor 130 may not change. In some embodiments, the origin sensor 130 may be a proximity sensor, a magnetic sensor, or a capacitive sensor. In other embodiments, the origin sensor 130 may be a slotted optical sensor or a limit switch.

[0074] The linear slide 114 also includes a first portion 114a and a second portion 114b along its length. When the sample processing device 100 is operated in the first configuration C1, the first portion 114a of the linear slide 114 extends from the origin sensor 130 toward the location of the outer rail 110 (eg, Figure 3A In addition, when the sample processing device 100 is operated in the first configuration C1, the second portion 114b of the linear slide 114 extends from the adjacent origin sensor 130 opposite to the first portion 114a. Figure 2A and Figure 2BIn the illustrated embodiment, the length of the first portion 114a is greater than the length of the second portion 114b. When the sample processing device 100 is operated in the first configuration C1, the slider 120 does not travel on the second portion 114b of the linear slide 114, so that the second portion 114b corresponds to an unused (i.e., deactivated) portion of the linear slide 114 in the first configuration C1 of the sample processing device 100. In other words, when the sample processing device 100 is operated in the first configuration C1, the pipetting module 112 does not travel on the second portion 114b of the linear slide 114. In other embodiments, the origin sensor 130 may be located at other locations. In certain embodiments, the origin sensor 130 detects the presence of an object located on the slider 120.

[0075] Additionally, the sample processing device 100 may be in a second configuration C2 (whose parameters may be stored in Figure 1 In the second configuration C2, the pipetting module 112 is configured to travel within the automatic analyzer 50 and to travel to the external track 110. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the sample processing device can be in a second configuration C2 (whose parameters can also be stored in Figure 1 126). The pipetting module 112 and the external track 110 can travel perpendicular to each other adjacent to the intersection of the pipetting module 112 and the external track 110. The processor 124 is also configured to execute a set of instructions 128 to operate the sample processing device 100 in the second configuration C2. Therefore, the processor 124 is configured to execute a set of instructions 128 to operate the sample processing device 100 in the first configuration C1 (corresponding to Figure 2A and Figure 2B ) and the second configuration C2 (corresponding to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D ) operate the sample processing device 100 in both.

[0076] Reference Figure 3B , the pipetting module 112 can be in the second mode M2 ​​(whose parameters can be stored in Figure 1 In the second mode M2, the pipetting module 112 is configured to transfer one or more patient samples or portions thereof from the external track 110 disposed outside the automatic analyzer 50 to at least one reaction container 22 within the automatic analyzer 50. Figure 3B As shown, the sample processing device 100 can be operated in the second configuration C2, in which the pipetting module 112 is configured to travel within the automatic analyzer 50 and travel to the external track 110, and thus operate in the second mode M2. Figure 3A, the sample processing device 100 can be operated in the second configuration C2, and the pipetting module 112 is configured to operate in the first mode M1, because the pipetting module 112 is configured to aspirate one or more patient samples or portions thereof at the first aspiration position A1 disposed within the automatic analyzer 50. Therefore, the sample processing device 100 can be operated in the second configuration C2, in which the pipetting module 112 is also configured to travel within the automatic analyzer 50 and travel to at least one rack 26 transferred by the rack transfer module 108 within the automatic analyzer 50, and thereby also operate in the first mode M1. Figure 3A and Figure 3B , it can be concluded that when the sample processing device 100 is operable in the second configuration C2, the pipetting module 112 is configured to operate in the first mode M1 and / or the second mode M2. In some embodiments, the automatic analyzer 50 is served by the sample processing device 100 so that the pipetting module 112 operates in the first mode M1 and / or the second mode M2. Figure 3D As shown, the sample processing device 100 is operable in a second configuration C2, in which the slider 120 of the pipetting module 112 is shown to be disposed at the origin position H.

[0077] like Figure 3A As shown, in the first mode M1, the pipetting module 112 is configured to aspirate one or more patient samples or portions thereof from at least one sample tube 20 at a first aspiration position A1 disposed within the automatic analyzer 50. Figure 3B As shown, in the second mode M2, the pipetting module 112 draws suction at a second suction position A2 disposed outside the automatic analyzer 50. Figure 3C As shown, the pipetting module 112 is configured to dispense one or more aspirated patient samples into at least one reaction container 22 within the automated analyzer 50. Thus, when the pipetting module 112 operates in the second mode M2, it can aspirate one or more patient samples or portions thereof from the external track 110.

[0078] Reference FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D , when the sample processing device 100 is operated in the second configuration C2, the linear slide 114 is mounted to the automatic analyzer 50 at the second position P2. Therefore, when the linear slide 114 is mounted to the automatic analyzer 50 at the second position P2 (i.e., the sample processing device 100 is operated in the second configuration C2), the pipetting module 112 is configured to operate in the first mode M1 and / or the second mode M2. In addition, when the sample processing device 100 is operated in the second configuration C2, the linear slide 114 is fixed to the track, base plate, etc. of the mounting member 118. Therefore, when the sample processing device 100 is in the first configuration C1 (corresponding to Figure 2A and Figure 2B) and in each of the second configurations C2, the linear slide 114 is fixed to a track, a base plate, etc., of the mounting member 118. When the sample processing device 100 is operated in the second configuration C2, the linear slide 114 is stationary. Figure 2A and Figure 2B ) and the second configuration C2, the linear slide 114 is stationary. This means that during the operation of the sample processing device 100 in each of the first configuration C1 and the second configuration C2, the linear slide 114 does not travel along the track, base plate, etc. of the mounting member 118. When the sample processing device 100 is operated in the second configuration C2, the linear slide 114 extends outside the automated analyzer 50 toward the external track 110, and thus the pipetting module 112 may also travel outside the automated analyzer 50 to aspirate one or more patient samples or portions thereof from the external track 110.

[0079] In addition, when the sample processing device 100 is operated in the second configuration C2, the physical position of the origin sensor 130 does not change. Figure 2A and Figure 2B ) and when the sample processing device 100 is operated in the second configuration C2, the physical position of the origin sensor 130 does not change. When the sample processing device 100 is operated in the second configuration C2, the origin sensor 130 may be positioned along the second portion 114b of the linear slide 114. When the sample processing device 100 is operated in the second configuration C2, each of the first portion 114a and the second portion 114b of the linear slide 114 may extend from the position of the origin sensor 130 toward the outer rail 110. In addition, when the sample processing device 100 is operated in the second configuration C2, the first portion 114a of the linear slide 114 may be close to the outer rail 110, and the second portion 114b of the linear slide 114 may be away from the outer rail 110.

[0080] When the sample processing device 100 is operated in the second configuration C2, the slider 120 travels on the first portion 114a and the second portion 114b of the linear slide 114. Figure 2A and Figure 2B ), when the sample processing device 100 is operated in the second configuration C2, the slider 120 also travels on the second portion 114b of the linear slide 114.

[0081] Now refer to Figures 1 to 3D, the processor 124 may be configured to control the pipetting module 112 and / or the position selector 116 so as to switch the operation of the sample processing device 100 between the first configuration C1 and the second configuration C2. In other words, in order to switch the operation of the sample processing device 100 from the first configuration C1 to the second configuration C2, the processor 124 may control the position selector 116 to install the linear slide 114 at the second position P2, and then control the pipetting module 112 so that the pipetting module 112 travels within the automatic analyzer 50 and travels to the external rail 110. In addition, in order to switch the operation of the sample processing device 100 from the second configuration C2 to the first configuration C1, the processor 124 may control the position selector 116 to install the linear slide 114 at the first position P1, and then control the pipetting module 112 so that the pipetting module 112 travels only within the automatic analyzer 50. Thus, the linear slide 114 may be removed at one of the first position P1 and the second position P2, and then installed at the other of the first position P1 and the second position P2, so as to switch the operation of the sample processing device 100 between the first configuration C1 and the second configuration C2. For example, the linear slide 114 is removed at the first position P1 and then reinstalled at the second position P2, so as to switch the operation of the sample processing device 100 from the first configuration C1 to the second configuration C2. When the linear slide 114 is selectively mounted to a track, a base plate, etc. of the mounting member 118 at the first and second positions P1, P2, the pipetting module 112 may also move with the linear slide 114. In some embodiments, the position selector 116 may not be present, and the linear slide 114 may be manually removed at one of the first position P1 and the second position P2, and then manually reinstalled at the other of the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0082] In some embodiments, the processor 124 is further configured to switch the operation of the sample processing device 100 between the first configuration C1 and the second configuration C2 outside the manufacturing location of the automatic analyzer 50. Therefore, the sample processing device 100 can be used with any automatic analyzer regardless of the manufacturing location of the automatic analyzer. In some embodiments, when the sample processing device 100 is operated in the first configuration C1 or the second configuration C2, the processing capacity of the automatic analyzer 50 is the same.

[0083] Continue to refer to Figures 1 to 3D, the pipetting module 112 selectively operates in the first mode M1 and the second mode M2. That is, in the first mode M1, the pipetting module 112 is configured to aspirate one or more patient samples or portions thereof from at least one sample tube 20 held by at least one rack 26 within the automatic analyzer 50, and dispense the one or more aspirated patient samples into at least one reaction container 22 within the automatic analyzer 50. In the second mode M2, the pipetting module 112 is configured to aspirate one or more patient samples or portions thereof from the external track 110, and dispense the one or more aspirated patient samples into at least one reaction container 22 within the automatic analyzer 50. In addition, the sample processing device 100 selectively operates in the first configuration C1 and the second configuration C2.

[0084] Thus, on the one hand, the sample processing device 100 enables one or more patient samples or portions thereof to be transferred into the automatic analyzer 50, and on the other hand, the sample processing device 100 enables one or more patient samples or portions thereof to be transferred from the external track 110 to at least one reaction container 22 in the automatic analyzer 50. In some cases, the sample processing device 100 may also enable other fluids such as reagents, buffers, etc. to be transferred from the external track 110 to containers in the automatic analyzer 50. The two operating configurations of the sample processing device 100 (i.e., the first configuration C1 and the second configuration C2) may reduce the turnaround time of the automatic analyzer 50 for testing one or more patient samples or portions thereof. This may also increase the processing speed and efficiency of the automatic analyzer 50. In addition, the sample processing device 100 may also be incorporated into a clinical analyzer outside the manufacturing location of the clinical analyzer. This may ultimately provide an operator with a customizable unit for transferring one or more samples from one place (inside or outside the clinical analyzer) to another place (inside the clinical analyzer).

[0085] By selectively mounting the linear slide 114 to the automatic analyzer 50 at the first position P1 and the second position P2, respectively, the operation of the sample processing device 100 can be switched between the first configuration C1 and the second configuration C2. Compared with the conventional technology for transferring one or more patient samples or parts thereof from an external conveyor to the automatic analyzer, the sample processing device 100 can be used to switch the operation of the sample processing device 100 between the first configuration C1 and the second configuration C2 using only the selective mounting of the linear slide 114 at two different and interchangeable positions. In other words, the sample processing device 100 does not require additional components, such as additional pipetting mechanisms, connectors, etc., which may be required by the conventional technology to transfer one or more patient samples or parts thereof from the external track 110 to the automatic analyzer 50. Therefore, compared with the conventional technology, the total cost of the operation of the automatic analyzer 50 can be slightly increased for incorporating the sample processing device 100 in the automatic analyzer to be able to switch the operation of the sample processing device 100 between the first configuration C1 and the second configuration C2 using the linear slide 114 and the track of the mounting member 118, the base plate, etc. In certain embodiments, additional housing (ie, cabinet) panels, adapters, etc. may be required to enclose the sample processing device 100. In certain embodiments, at least some housing components may be reconfigured and thereby used in both the first configuration C1 and the second configuration C2.

[0086] Furthermore, as described above, by removing the linear slide 114 at one of the first position P1 and the second position P2 and then reinstalling the linear slide 114 at the other of the first position P1 and the second position P2, the operation of the sample processing device 100 can be switched between the first configuration C1 and the second configuration C2. Therefore, the operation of the sample processing device 100 can be selected in the first configuration C1 or the second configuration C2 based on different application requirements. Furthermore, the operation of the sample processing device 100 of the present disclosure can be advantageously switched between the first configuration C1 and the second configuration C2 multiple times without assembling or installing any additional components of the sample processing device 100 or at least any additional components. Furthermore, the operation of the sample processing device 100 can be easily and quickly switched between the first configuration C1 and the second configuration C2 while performing real-time analysis of one or more patient samples or portions thereof in a laboratory.

[0087] Since the origin sensor 130 is configured to sense the presence or absence of the pipetting module 112 (e.g., the slider 120) at the origin position H, the origin sensor 130 is used as a position reference for sensing the movement of the pipetting module 112. In this way, the position of the pipetting module 112 can be determined by the origin sensor 130. In addition, since the origin sensor 130 can be positioned along the second portion 114b of the linear slide 114 when the sample processing device 100 is operated in the second configuration C2, the operator can be informed whether the sample processing device 100 is operating in the first configuration C1 or the second configuration C2. With this information, the operator and / or the controller (e.g., the processor 124) can plan the upcoming analysis steps in a better way according to the application requirements.

[0088] 4A to 4D is a schematic diagram of a sample processing device 100' according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The sample processing device 100' is substantially similar to Figures 2A to 3C The sample processing device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is similar to the sample processing device 100, wherein common components are indicated by the same reference numerals. However, the sample processing device 100′ includes a rack transfer module 108′, which is functionally equivalent to the rack transfer module 108 (in FIG. 1 ) of the sample processing device 100. Figure 2A ). The rack transfer module 108' includes a linear transmission line 134 configured to receive at least one rack 26 from the sample presentation unit 102. The rack transfer module 108' also includes a rack rotor 132 configured to transfer at least one rack 26 from the linear transmission line 134 to a pipetting module 112 within the automatic analyzer 50. The rack rotor 132 is operably connected to the linear transmission line 134 and the pipetting module 112 configured to travel along the linear slide 114.

[0089] like Figure 4A As shown, the sample processing device 100' can be operated in a first configuration C1, in which the pipetting module 112 is configured to travel within the automatic analyzer 50 and thus operate only in the first mode M1. Figure 4B and Figure 4C As shown, the sample processing device 100' can be operated in a second configuration C2, in which the pipetting module 112 is configured to travel within the automatic analyzer 50 and travel to the external track 110, and thus operate in the second mode M2. Figure 4B As shown, the sample processing device 100' can be operated in the second configuration C2, in which the pipetting module 112 is also configured to travel within the automatic analyzer 50 and travel to at least one rack 26 transferred by the rack transfer module 108' within the automatic analyzer 50, and thus also operate in the first mode M1. Figures 2A to 3C The functional advantages of the sample processing device 100 shown are substantially the same. Figure 4D As shown, the sample processing device 100 ′ is operable in a second configuration C2 , in which the slider 120 of the pipetting module 112 is shown to be disposed at an origin position H.

[0090] Figure 5 A sample processing device 100 (similar to Figure 2A The combined analyzer 200 of the sample processing device 100 shown in the figure. The combined analyzer 200 also includes a first automatic analyzer 50 and a second automatic analyzer 50'. In some embodiments, the first automatic analyzer 50 is an immunoassay analyzer. The second automatic analyzer 50' can be a mass spectrometer analyzer and / or include a mass spectrometer (not shown). The second automatic analyzer 50' can be a clinical chemistry analyzer and / or include a clinical chemistry analyzer (not shown). In the combined analyzer 200, at least a portion of the external track 110 is disposed in the second automatic analyzer 50'. In some embodiments, the external track 110 can be a stent transfer module or a transport channel disposed in the second automatic analyzer 50'.

[0091] like Figure 5 As shown, the sample processing device 100" can be operated in a second configuration C2, in which the pipetting module 112 is configured to travel within the automatic analyzer 50 and travel to the external track 110, and thereby operate in a second mode M2. In some embodiments, in addition to one or more patient samples or portions thereof from the external track 110, the pipetting module 112 can also aspirate other fluids. For example, when the sample processing device 100" is operated in the second configuration C2, the pipetting module 112 can be configured to access various one or more aspiration positions within the second automatic analyzer 50'. Therefore, the sample processing device 100" can facilitate the aspiration of sample liquid from the second automatic analyzer 50' and the distribution of the aspirated sample liquid into at least one reaction container 22 within the automatic analyzer 50, and vice versa. In addition, in the combined analyzer 200, it is obvious that the sample processing device 100" can also be operated in the first configuration C1, and in the first configuration C1, the pipetting module 112 is configured to travel within the automatic analyzer 50 and thereby operate only in the first mode M1.

[0092] For purposes of the present disclosure, "may" and "may be" are intended to include "configured to" and "configured to be," respectively. For example, the above description that the pipetting module 112 and the external rail 110 may travel perpendicularly to each other adjacent to the intersection of the pipetting module 112 and the external rail 110 includes a case where the pipetting module 112 and the external rail 110 are configured to travel perpendicularly to each other adjacent to the intersection of the pipetting module 112 and the external rail 110. As another example, the above description that the linear slide 114 may be removably mounted to the automatic analyzer 50 at the first position P1 or the second position P2 includes a case where the linear slide 114 is configured to be removably mounted to the automatic analyzer 50 at the first position P1 or the second position P2.

[0093] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims should be understood as modified by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and the appended claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

[0094] Although specific embodiments have been shown and described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various alternative and / or equivalent implementations may be used to replace the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any modifications or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to be limited only by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A sample processing device (100, 100', 100") for transferring at least a portion of one or more patient samples from at least one sample tube (20) to at least one reaction container (22) in an automatic analyzer (50), the sample processing device (100, 100', 100") include: (a) a sample presentation unit (102) associated with the automatic analyzer (50) and configured to receive a plurality of racks (26) into the automatic analyzer (50), each of the plurality of racks (26) being configured to receive and hold the at least one sample tube (20); (b) a linear slide (114) configured to be selectively mounted to a mounting member (118) of the automatic analyzer (50) at a first position (P1) and a second position (P2) different from the first position (P1); (c) a pipetting module (112) configured to transfer at least a portion of the one or more patient samples to at least one reaction container (22) within the automated analyzer (50), wherein the pipetting module (112) is configured to travel along the linear slide (114); (d) a rack transfer module (108, 108') operably coupled to the sample presentation unit (102) and configured to transfer at least one rack (26) of the plurality of racks (26) from the sample presentation unit (102) to a pipetting module (112) within the automated analyzer (50); and (e) an origin sensor (130), the origin sensor being used to sense the presence or absence of the pipetting module (112) at an origin position (H); Wherein, the pipetting module (112) can operate in the following modes: (i) a first mode (M1) in which the pipetting module (112) is configured to transfer at least a portion of the one or more patient samples from the at least one sample tube (20) held by at least one rack (26) within the automatic analyzer (50) to at least one reaction container (22) within the automatic analyzer (50); and (ii) a second mode (M2), in which the pipetting module (112) is configured to transfer at least a portion of the one or more patient samples from an external track (110) disposed outside the automatic analyzer (50) to at least one reaction container (22) within the automatic analyzer (50); Wherein, the sample processing device (100, 100', 100") is capable of operating in the following configurations: (i) a first configuration (C1) in which the pipetting module (112) is configured to travel within the automatic analyzer (50) and thereby operate only in the first mode (M1); and (ii) a second configuration (C2), in which: (A) the pipetting module (112) is configured to travel within the automated analyzer (50) and to the external track (110), and thereby operate in the second mode (M2); and (B) the pipetting module (112) is also configured to travel within the automatic analyzer (50) and to travel to the at least one rack (26) transferred by a rack transfer module (108, 108') within the automatic analyzer (50), and thereby also operate in the first mode (M1); wherein, when the sample processing device (100, 100', 100") is operated in the first configuration (C1), the linear slide (114) is configured to be mounted to the mounting member (118) of the automatic analyzer (50) at the first position (P1), wherein, when the sample processing device (100, 100', 100") is operated in the second configuration (C2), the linear slide (114) is configured to be mounted to the mounting member (118) of the automatic analyzer (50) at the second position (P2), and wherein, when the sample processing device (100, 100', 100") is operated in each of the first configuration (C1) and the second configuration (C2), the linear slide (114) is configured to be stationary.

2. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") according to claim 1, in, The physical position of the origin sensor (130) is configured not to change when the sample processing device (100, 100', 100") is operated in the first configuration (C1) and when the sample processing device (100, 100', 100") is operated in the second configuration (C2).

3. The sample processing device (100') according to any one of claims 1 to 2, in, The stent transfer module (108') further includes: (i) a linear transport line (134) configured to receive the at least one rack (26) from the sample presentation unit (102); and (ii) a rack rotor (132) configured to transfer the at least one rack (26) from the linear transport line (134) to a pipetting module (112) within the automated analyzer (50).

4. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The pipetting module (112) and the rack transfer module (108) travel linearly and perpendicularly to each other.

5. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the outer track (110), in, The pipetting module (112) and the external track (110) are configured to run perpendicular to each other adjacent to an intersection of the pipetting module (112) and the external track (110).

6. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in, The linear slide (114) is configured to be removed at one of the first position (P1) and the second position (P2) and then installed at the other of the first position (P1) and the second position (P2) to switch the operation of the sample processing device (100, 100', 100") between the first configuration (C1) and the second configuration (C2).

7. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a position selector (116), which is configured to selectively position and install the linear slide (114) at the first position (P1) or the second position (P2).

8. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in, The mounting member (118) includes a track, and the linear slide (114) is configured to be positioned at the first position (P1) or the second position (P2) along the track, wherein the linear slide (114) is configured to be fixed to the track (118) when the sample processing device (100, 100', 100") is operated in each of the first configuration (C1) and the second configuration (C2).

9. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in: The pipetting module (112) further includes a slider (120) configured to travel along the linear slide (114); The linear slide (114) further comprises a first portion (114a) and a second portion (114b); When the sample processing device (100, 100', 100") is operated in the second configuration (C2), the slider (120) is configured to travel on the first portion (114a) and the second portion (114b) of the linear slide (114); as well as When the sample processing device (100, 100', 100") is operated in the first configuration (C1), the slider (120) is not configured to travel on the second portion (114b) of the linear slide (114), so that the second portion (114b) defines an unused portion of the linear slide (114) in the first configuration (C1) of the sample processing device (100, 100', 100").

10. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") according to claim 9, in, When the sample processing device (100, 100') is operated in the second configuration (C2), the origin sensor (130) is configured to be positioned along the second portion (114b) of the linear slide (114).

11. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 9 to 10, in, When the sample processing device (100, 100', 100") is operated in the first configuration (C1): The first portion (114a) of the linear slide (114) extends from the origin sensor (130) toward the position of the outer rail (110); and The second portion (114b) of the linear slide (114) extends from adjacent to the origin sensor (130) opposite to the first portion (114a).

12. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 9 to 11, in, When the sample processing device (100, 100', 100") is operated in the second configuration (C2): Each of the first portion (114a) and the second portion (114b) of the linear slide (114) extends from the origin sensor (130) toward a position of the outer rail (110); and A first portion (114a) of the linear slide (114) is close to the outer rail (110) and a second portion (114b) of the linear slide (114) is far from the outer rail (110).

13. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 1 to 12, in, In the first mode (M1), the pipetting module (112) is configured to aspirate at a first aspiration position (A1) disposed inside the automatic analyzer (50), and wherein, in the second mode (M2), the pipetting module (112) is configured to aspirate at a second aspiration position (A2) disposed outside the automatic analyzer (50).

14. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a processor (124) communicatively coupled to the pipetting module (112), in, The processor (124) is configured to control the pipetting module (112) to switch the operation of the sample processing device (100, 100', 100") between the first configuration (C1) and the second configuration (C2).

15. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") according to claim 14, in, The processor (124) is also configured to switch operation of the sample processing device (100, 100', 100") between the first configuration (C1) and the second configuration (C2) outside of a manufacturing position of the automated analyzer (50).

16. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 14 to 15, further comprising a non-volatile memory (126) storing a set of instructions (128) executable by the processor (124), in, The processor (124) is also configured to execute the set of instructions (128) to operate the sample processing device (100, 100', 100") in both the first configuration (C1) and the second configuration (C2).

17. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising the automatic analyzer (50).

18. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") according to claim 17, in, When the sample processing device (100, 100', 100") is operated in the first configuration (C1) and the second configuration (C2), the processing capacity of the automatic analyzer (50) is the same.

19. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 17 to 18, in: The outer track (110) is routed through a clinical laboratory; and The automatic analyzer (50) is configured to be serviced by the sample processing device (100, 100', 100") so that the pipetting module (112) can operate in the first mode (M1) and / or in the second mode (M2).

20. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 17 to 19, in: The automatic analyzer (50) is located in a clinical laboratory; and The automatic analyzer (50) is configured to be serviced by the sample processing device (100, 100', 100") such that the pipetting module (112) is operable in the first mode (M1).

21. A sample processing device (100, 100', 100") for transferring at least one patient sample to at least one reaction container (22) in an automatic analyzer (50), the sample processing device (100, 100', 100") include: (a) a linear slide (114) configured to be selectively mounted to a mounting member (118) of the automated analyzer (50); and (b) a pipetting module (112) configured to travel along the linear slide (114), wherein the linear slide (114) is configured to be statically mounted to a mounting member (118) of the automatic analyzer (50) at a first position (P1) to define a first configuration (C1) of the sample processing device (100, 100', 100"), in which the pipetting module (112) is constrained to travel within the automatic analyzer (50) such that the pipetting module (112) is configured to transfer the at least one patient sample from a first aspiration position (A1) disposed within the automatic analyzer (50) to the at least one reaction container (22), and thereby operate in a first mode (M1), wherein the linear slide (114) is configured to be statically mounted to a mounting member (118) of the automatic analyzer (50) at a second position (P2) different from the first position (P1) to define a second configuration (C2) of the sample processing device (100, 100', 100"), in which the pipetting module (112) is configured to move within the automatic analyzer (50) and at least partially outside the automatic analyzer, so that the pipetting module (112) is configured to transfer the at least one patient sample from the first aspiration position (A1) to the at least one reaction container (22), and thereby operate in the first mode (M1), and so that the pipetting module (112) is configured to transfer the at least one patient sample from a second aspiration position (A2) disposed outside the automatic analyzer (50) to the at least one reaction container (22), and thereby operate in the second mode (M2).

22. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") according to claim 21, in, The second suction position (A2) is defined by an outer rail (110).

23. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 21 to 22, in, In the first mode (M1), the pipetting module (112) is configured to aspirate the at least one patient sample from at least one sample tube (20) at the first aspiration position (A1).

24. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 21 to 23, in, In the second mode (M2), the pipetting module (112) is configured to aspirate the at least one patient sample from at least one sample tube (20) at the second aspiration position (A2).

25. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 21 to 24, further comprising an origin sensor (130) configured to determine whether the pipetting module (112) is at an origin position (H).

26. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") according to claim 25, in, The origin sensor (130) is configured to be disposed at a fixed position relative to a mounting member (118) of the automatic analyzer (50), such that the origin sensor (130) is configured to remain at the fixed position when the linear slide (114) is in each of the first position and the second position (P1, P2).

27. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 21 to 26, further comprising a processor (124) communicatively coupled to the pipetting module (112).

28. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") of claim 27, further comprising a non-volatile memory (126) storing a set of instructions (128) executable by the processor (124), in, The processor (124) is configured to execute the set of instructions (128) to control the pipetting module (112) when the sample processing device (100, 100', 100") is in both the first configuration (C1) and the second configuration (C2).

29. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 21 to 28, further comprising the automatic analyzer (50).

30. The sample processing device (100, 100', 100") according to claim 29, in, When the sample processing device (100, 100', 100") is operated in the first configuration (C1) and the second configuration (C2), the processing capacity of the automatic analyzer (50) is the same.

31. A method of processing at least one patient sample using a sample processing device (100, 100', 100"), the method include: (a) selectively mounting a linear slide (114) to a mounting member (118) of an automated analyzer (50) at a first position (P1) to define a first configuration (C1) of the sample processing device (100, 100', 100"); (b) while maintaining the linear slide (114) at the first position (P1), operating the pipetting module (112) in a first mode (M1) such that the pipetting module (112) moves along the linear slide (114) in the automatic analyzer (50) to transfer the at least one patient sample from a first aspiration position (A1) disposed in the automatic analyzer (50) to at least one reaction container (22) disposed in the automatic analyzer (50); (c) selectively mounting the linear slide (114) to a mounting member (118) of the automated analyzer (50) at a second position (P2) different from the first position (P2) to define a second configuration (C2) of the sample processing device (100, 100', 100"); as well as (d) while maintaining the linear slide (114) at the second position (P2), operating the pipetting module (112) in at least one of the first mode (M1) or the second mode (M2), wherein the pipetting module (112) is operated in the first mode so that the pipetting module (112) moves along the linear slide (114) within the automatic analyzer (50) to transfer the at least one patient sample from the first aspiration position (A1) to the at least one reaction container (22), and wherein the pipetting module (112) is operated in the second mode so that the pipetting module (112) moves along the linear slide (114) within the automatic analyzer (50) and at least partially outside the automatic analyzer (50) to transfer the at least one patient sample from a second aspiration position (A2) disposed outside the automatic analyzer (50) to the at least one reaction container (22).

32. The method according to claim 31, further comprising aspirating the at least one patient sample from at least one sample tube (20) via the pipetting module (112) at the first aspiration position (A1).

33. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 32, in, Operating the pipetting module (112) in at least one of the first mode (M1) or the second mode (M2) includes operating the pipetting module (112) in the second mode (M2) so that the pipetting module (112) moves along the linear slide (114) within the automatic analyzer (50) and at least partially outside the automatic analyzer (50) to transfer the at least one patient sample from the second aspiration position (A2) to the at least one reaction container (22).

34. The method according to claim 33, further comprising aspirating the at least one patient sample from at least one sample tube (20) via the pipetting module (112) at the second aspiration position (A2).

35. The method according to any one of claims 33 to 34, in, The second suction position (A2) is defined by an outer rail (110).

36. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 35, further comprising determining via an origin sensor (130) whether the pipetting module (112) is at an origin position (H).

37. The method according to claim 36, in, The origin sensor (130) is disposed at a fixed position relative to a mounting member (118) of the automatic analyzer (50), and the method further includes maintaining the origin sensor (130) at the fixed position when the linear slide (114) is selectively mounted to the mounting member (118) at each of the first position and the second position (P1, P2).

38. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 37, further comprising communicating with the pipetting module (112) via a processor (124).

39. The method of claim 38, further comprising executing, via the processor (124), a set of instructions (128) stored by a non-volatile memory (126) to control the pipetting module (112) when the sample processing device (100, 100', 100") is in both the first configuration (C1) and the second configuration (C2).

40. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 39 further comprises operating the automatic analyzer (50) with the same processing capacity when the sample processing device (100, 100', 100") is in the first configuration (C1) and when the sample processing device (100, 100', 100") is in the second configuration (C2).

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