Automated processing of samples carried in sample containers and grouping of sample containers according to assays to be performed on samples contained therein

Abstract

To provide a system for processing a plurality of sample containers.SOLUTION: A system for processing a plurality of sample vessels, each containing a sample with at least one valid assay associated therewith, includes two or more analyzers each configured to perform at least one functional assay in a receptacle apparatus including a process number of two or more receptacle vessels, a carrier for transporting vessels to the analyzers, a buffer queue associated with each analyzer for holding vessels to be processed by the associated analyzer, and a scanning device associated with each analyzer. Each scanner scans machine-readable identification information associated with each container transported by the carrier past the scanner, and valid assays for that container are identified based on the scanned information.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 014,624, filed April 23, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 015,129, filed April 24, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 143,705, filed January 29, 2021, the individual disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to automated systems and methods for processing samples contained in discrete sample vessels and grouping the sample vessels according to the assays to be performed on the samples contained therein so that multiple samples can be processed simultaneously by an analyzer. [Background technology]

[0003] Various types of analytical tests and assays are performed in laboratories for patient diagnosis and therapy. Such assays can be performed by analyzing a liquid sample taken from a patient's body fluids or abscess, and are typically performed using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer loaded with a liquid container, such as a tube or vial, containing the patient sample specimen. The analyzer extracts a quantity of the liquid sample from the container, combines the extracted sample with various reagents in a specialized reaction vessel (e.g., a tube), exposes the resulting reaction mixture to reaction conditions, and detects a measurable output, such as light output, from which an assay result can be determined.

[0004] In some laboratories, an automated or modular approach may be adopted. Laboratory automation systems transport samples between a sample processing module or modules and an analyzer or analyzers, for example, via a track. Different analyzers can be configured to perform certain types of assays. Samples are typically provided to an analyzer by an operator placing a container, typically transported in a rack holding multiple containers, into an input module. The container is then automatically transferred from the input module, such as using a robotic mechanism, to a track, which then transports the container to an analyzer configured to perform the assay required for each sample. After a sample is extracted from each container to perform the required assay, the sample can be transferred from the track to an output module, for example, to a rack in the output module configured to hold multiple containers, and the container can then be removed from the output module by an operator. This automation system allows different types of assays to be performed on multiple samples in different interconnected analyzers and / or allows two analyzers configured to perform the same assay to be linked to increase sample processing capacity.

[0005] Conventional laboratory automation systems lack significant intelligence or autonomy to allow samples to be moved independently between analyzers or to allow intelligent grouping of sample containers requiring a common assay, to allow more efficient processing of such samples. Another challenge associated with such automation systems relates to the issue of handling STAT samples, which are samples that an operator or ordering physician desires to be moved to the front of the line so that results on the sample can be returned quickly. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects described herein. This summary is not an extensive overview of the claimed subject matter. It is not intended to identify key or key elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure include a system for processing multiple distinct samples, each sample contained in a discrete sample container. The system may include two or more analyzers, each configured to perform one or more functional assays on a sample extracted from a sample container. The one or more functional assays performed by each analyzer may be the same or different from the one or more functional assays performed by each of the other analyzers. Each analyzer may be configured to perform each of the one or more functional assays in a receptacle apparatus including a process number of two or more operatively associated process containers, and each analyzer may be configured to perform the same one or more functional assays on the different samples contained in each process container of the receptacle apparatus. That is, each analyzer performs the same assay on the samples contained in each process container of the receptacle apparatus. The system may include a sample transfer device associated with each analyzer and configured to transfer a portion of the sample from the sample container to one of the process containers of the receptacle apparatus; a transporter configured to transport sample containers between two or more analyzers; a buffer queue associated with each analyzer and configured to hold multiple sample containers diverted from the transporter to the buffer queue; a scanning device associated with each analyzer and configured to detect machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container transported on the transporter; and one or more controllers.The one or more controllers may be configured to identify one or more valid assays for each sample container based on the identification information detected by the scanning device, determine whether the sample container is a STAT sample container based on the identification information detected by the scanning device, divert the sample container from the transporter to one of the buffer queues if the valid assay for the sample container corresponds to a functional assay of the analyzer associated with the buffer queue, monitor a buffered container count for each buffer queue, which may include, for each buffer queue, the number of sample containers with the same valid assay held in that buffer queue, monitor a buffered container retention time for each buffer queue, which may include the elapsed time since the first sample container of each buffered container count was diverted to the buffer queue, and perform at least one specified task using a sample transport device of the associated analyzer. The defined tasks include: a) transferring a portion of the sample from each of the process number of sample containers in the associated buffer queue with the same valid assay into a different one of the process containers of the receptacle apparatus if the buffered container count in the associated buffer queue for that assay is at least equal to the process number; b) transferring a portion of the sample from each of the number of sample containers in the associated buffer queue with the same valid assay into a different one of the process containers of the receptacle apparatus if the buffered container hold time for the associated buffer queue for that valid assay reaches the maximum hold time and the buffered container count in the associated buffer queue for that assay is below the process number; or c) transferring a portion of the sample from a STAT sample container diverted to the associated buffer queue into one of the process containers of the receptacle apparatus.

[0008] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, when a STAT sample container is diverted to an associated buffer queue, the one or more controllers may be configured to (i) transfer a portion of the sample from each of any blocked sample containers diverted to the associated buffer queue before the STAT sample container into a different one of the process containers of the one or more receptacle devices, (ii) move any blocked sample container into which sample was transferred in step (i) out of the buffer queue, and (iii) then transfer a portion of the sample from the STAT sample container diverted to the associated buffer queue into one of the process containers of the receptacle device.

[0009] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, if the valid assay of the blocked sample container is the same as the valid assay of the STAT sample container, the sample is transferred from each of the blocked sample container and the STAT sample container to different process containers of the same receptacle device in steps (i) and (iii) of the foregoing aspect of the present disclosure.

[0010] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, if the valid assay of the blocked sample container is different from the valid assay of the STAT sample container, the sample is transferred from the blocked sample container and the STAT sample container to different receptacle devices in steps (i) and (iii) of the foregoing aspect of the present disclosure.

[0011] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, when a STAT sample container is diverted to an associated buffer queue, the one or more controllers are configured to (i) move any blocked sample container diverted to the associated buffer queue in front of the STAT sample container out of the buffer queue without transferring any sample from the blocked sample container into one of the process containers of the receptacle device, and then (ii) transfer a portion of the sample from the STAT sample container diverted to the associated buffer queue into one of the process containers of the receptacle device.

[0012] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, each analyzer may be configured to simultaneously perform the same of its one or more functional assays on different samples contained within each process vessel of the receptacle device.

[0013] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the sample transfer device may include a robotic pipettor.

[0014] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the transporter may include a first track, and the system may further include a container holder associated with each sample vessel for holding the associated sample vessel, and the first track may be configured to transport the container holder on the first track.

[0015] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, each buffer queue may include a second track configured to hold and transport the container holder, and the system may further include a diverter configured to selectively divert the container holder and the sample container held thereby from the first track to the second track.

[0016] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the scanning device may include a barcode scanning device.

[0017] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the one or more controllers may be programmed to identify one or more valid assays for each sample container by accessing a database in which the identification information of each sample container is correlated with one or more valid assays.

[0018] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the transporter may include a recirculation loop configured and controlled to translate each sample container between two or more analyzers until either (1) sample is extracted from the sample container to perform all valid assays for that sample container, or (2) the sample container traverses the recirculation loop a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time, whichever occurs first.

[0019] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the transporter may be configured to transfer the sample container to a container storage module after sample has been extracted from the sample container to perform all valid assays for that sample container, or after the sample container has traversed the recirculation loop a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time.

[0020] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a pick-and-place robot configured to transfer sample containers between the transporter and the container storage module.

[0021] According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the system may further include one or more pre-analytical modules, each configured to process the sample vessel before making it available to the two or more analyzers, and the transporter may be configured to translate the sample vessel to the pre-analytical module before transporting the sample vessel between the two or more analyzers.

[0022] According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the pre-analysis module may include one or more of a vessel decapper configured to remove a cap from a sample vessel, a liquid level detection module configured to detect a liquid level within at least a portion of the sample vessel, and a sample transfer module configured to transfer a sample from a first type of sample vessel to a second type of sample vessel, which will be made available to two or more analyzers.

[0023] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include an input module coupled to the transporter and configured to hold a sample vessel.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a pick-and-place robot configured to transfer sample containers between the input module and the transporter.

[0025] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the input module may be configured to determine at least one of a height and width of the container, a shape of a bottom of the container, and whether the container is capped.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the transporter may include a recirculation compartment configured to translate each sample container to two or more analyzers, a pre-analysis compartment, and an input module coupled to the pre-analysis compartment and configured to hold the sample container.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the recirculation compartment may include a continuous recirculation loop configured to translate each sample container between two or more analyzers until either (1) sample is extracted from the sample container to perform all valid assays for that sample container, or (2) the sample container traverses the recirculation loop a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time, whichever occurs first.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a pick-and-place robot configured to transfer sample containers between the input module and the pre-analysis compartment, and the pre-analysis compartment may be configured to translate the sample containers from the input module to the recirculation compartment.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the pick-and-place robot may be controlled such that whether or not sample containers are transferred from the input module to the pre-analysis section, or the order in which sample containers are transferred from the input module to the pre-analysis section, is independent of any identification information associated with each sample container and / or any valid assay for the sample container.

[0030] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the input module contains an area dedicated to STAT sample vessels, which are transferred from the input module to the pre-analysis section before any other sample vessels are transferred from the input module to the pre-analysis section.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a pre-analysis scanning device configured to detect machine-readable identification information associated with each sample vessel transported on the pre-analysis compartment, and the controller may be configured to identify one or more valid assays for each sample vessel based on the identification information detected by the pre-analysis scanning device, and to transfer the sample vessel from the pre-analysis compartment to the recirculation compartment if one or more functional assays of the two or more analyzers correspond to at least one of the one or more valid assays for the sample vessel.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a container storage module coupled to the pre-analysis compartment and configured to receive a sample container from the pre-analysis compartment into the container storage module, and the controller may be configured to transfer the sample container on the transporter to the container storage module if none of the two or more analyzers has a functional assay that matches any of the one or more valid assays of the sample container.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the pre-analytical compartment may include a continuous pre-analytical loop, and the controller may be configured to transport the sample vessel around the pre-analytical loop if none of the two or more analyzers has a functional assay that matches any of the one or more valid assays of the sample vessel.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the two or more analyzers may include a molecular testing instrument.

[0035] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a molecular testing instrument may include a module for performing a nucleic acid-based amplification reaction.

[0036] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, each process vessel of each receptacle device may include a test tube, and the receptacle device may include a number of interconnected test tubes arranged in a matched array.

[0037] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a shuttle module associated with each analyzer, the shuttle module being configured to translate sample containers between an associated buffer queue and the associated analyzer.

[0038] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a pick-and-place robot associated with each analyzer, the pick-and-place robot may be configured to transfer sample containers from an associated buffer queue to a sample container hand-off location on a shuttle module, and the shuttle module may be configured to translate the sample containers between the sample container hand-off location and a pipetting location within the analyzer associated with the sample container hand-off location.

[0039] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, each of the two or more analyzers may be configured to move a receptacle apparatus to a position to receive a sample from a sample transfer device associated with the analyzer at the start of a cyclically cycling process cycle. The one or more controllers may be configured to: transfer a portion of the sample from each of a process number of sample containers in an associated buffer queue with the same valid assay into a different one of the process containers of the receptacle apparatus at the start of a first process cycle after the process number of sample containers with the same valid assay are diverted to the associated buffer queue; transfer a portion of the sample from each of a number of sample containers in an associated buffer queue with the same valid assay into a different one of the process containers of the receptacle apparatus at the start of a first process cycle after the buffered container hold time for the associated buffer queue for that assay reaches a maximum hold time and the buffered container count in the associated buffer queue for that assay is below a process number; or transfer a portion of the sample from a STAT sample container diverted to the associated buffer queue into one of the process containers of the receptacle apparatus at the start of a first process cycle after the STAT sample is diverted.

[0040] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, each of the two or more analyzers may be configured to move a receptacle apparatus to a position to receive sample from a sample transfer device associated with the analyzer at the start of a cyclically cycling process cycle, and the maximum hold time may include at least the remaining time of the process cycle that is in progress when the first sample container of each buffered container count is diverted to the buffer queue.

[0041] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the maximum hold time may include the remaining time of the process cycle that is in progress when the first sample vessel of each buffered vessel count is diverted to the buffer queue plus the duration of one additional process cycle.

[0042] Aspects of the present disclosure include methods for automatically processing multiple distinct samples, each contained in a discrete sample vessel, the samples being processed in one or more of two or more analyzers. Each analyzer may be configured to perform one or more functional assays, and the two or more analyzers may be configured to perform the same or different functional assays. Each analyzer may be configured to perform each of the one or more functional assays in a receptacle apparatus including a process number of two or more operatively associated process vessels, and each analyzer may be configured to perform the same one of the one or more functional assays on different samples contained in each process vessel of the receptacle apparatus. That is, each analyzer performs the same assay on samples contained in each process vessel of the receptacle apparatus. The method includes the steps of: a) automatically transporting sample containers between two or more analyzers; b) identifying one or more valid assays for each sample container during step a); c) diverting the sample container to a buffer queue associated with one of the two or more analyzers if at least one valid assay identified in step b) for the sample container corresponds to a functional assay configured to be performed by the associated analyzer; and d) monitoring buffered container counts for each buffer queue and for each functional assay of the associated analyzer, , the buffered vessel count may include the number of sample vessels held in each buffer queue for each functional assay of the associated analyzer; e) monitoring the buffered vessel hold time for each buffer queue, the buffered vessel hold time may include the elapsed time since the first sample vessel of each buffered vessel count was diverted to the buffer queue; f) detecting, for each buffer queue, an earliest occurring of a first process state, a second process state, and a third process state, the first process state being when the buffered vessel count for the first assay is equal to the process number;a first process state means that the buffered vessel count for the first assay is below the process number and the buffered vessel hold time for the first assay has reached the maximum hold time; a second process state means that the buffered vessel count for the first assay is below the process number and the buffered vessel hold time for the first assay has reached the maximum hold time; and a third process state means that the diverted sample vessels in the buffer queue are designated STAT; and g) if the first process state is detected for the buffer queue, a quantity of sample is transferred from each of the process number of sample vessels requiring the first assay held in the buffer queue to that of the receptacle device. h) if a second process state is detected with respect to the buffer queue, transferring a quantity of sample from each of a number of sample containers requesting the first assay held in the buffer queue into one of a number of process containers of the receptacle apparatus, wherein the number of sample containers is less than the number of processes; and i) if a third process state is detected with respect to the buffer queue, transferring a quantity of sample from a STAT sample container held in the buffer queue into a process container of the receptacle apparatus.

[0043] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the process vessels operatively associated with a receptacle device are physically interconnected.

[0044] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, if a third process is detected, step i) may include the steps of (1) transferring a portion of the sample from each of any blocked sample containers having the same valid assay that were diverted to the buffer queue in front of the STAT sample container into a different one of the process containers of the receptacle apparatus; (2) moving out of the buffer queue the blocked sample container into which the sample was transferred in step i)(1); (3) moving out of the buffer queue any blocked sample container that was not moved out of the buffer queue in step i)(2); and (4) then transferring a portion of the sample from the STAT sample container diverted to the buffer queue into one of the process containers of the receptacle apparatus.

[0045] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, if a third process is detected, step i) may include: (1) moving any blocked sample container diverted to the buffer queue in front of the STAT sample container out of the buffer queue without transferring any sample from the blocked sample container; and after step i)(1), (2) transferring a portion of the sample from the STAT sample container diverted to the buffer queue into one of the process containers of the receptacle device.

[0046] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, each analyzer may be configured to simultaneously perform the same of its one or more functional assays on different samples contained within each process vessel of the receptacle device.

[0047] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, transferring the volume of sample may include transferring the sample from a sample vessel to a process vessel using a robotic pipettor.

[0048] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, step a) may include securing each sample container in a container holder and transporting the container holder on the first track.

[0049] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, each buffer queue may include a second track configured to hold and translate the container holder, and the step of diverting each one of the sample containers to the buffer queue may include engaging at least one of the sample container and the container holder with a diverter configured to selectively divert the container holder and the sample container held thereby from the first track to the second track.

[0050] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, step a) may include transporting each sample vessel on a first trajectory.

[0051] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, each buffer queue may include a second track configured to hold and translate the sample vessels, and diverting each one of the sample vessels to the buffer queue may include engaging the sample vessel with a diverter configured to selectively divert the sample vessel from the first track to the second track.

[0052] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, step b) may include detecting machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container transported between two or more analyzers and accessing a database in which the identification information of each sample container is correlated with one or more validated assays.

[0053] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, step a) may include transporting each sample container between two or more analyzers until either (1) sample has been extracted from the sample container to perform all valid assays for that sample container, or (2) the sample container has first traversed a transporter loop connecting the two or more analyzers a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time.

[0054] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further include processing the sample container using one or more pre-analysis modules before making the sample container available to the two or more analyzers, and step a) may further include transporting the sample container to the pre-analysis modules before transporting the sample container between the two or more analyzers.

[0055] According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the pre-analysis module may include one or more of a vessel decapper configured to remove a cap from a sample vessel; a liquid level detection module configured to detect a liquid level within at least a portion of a sample vessel; a sample transfer module configured to transfer a sample from a first type of sample vessel to a second type of sample vessel that will be made available to two or more analyzers; and a sample purification module configured to isolate and purify a target substance within the sample.

[0056] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further include, prior to step a), receiving the sample vessel at the input module and transferring the received sample vessel from the input module to the pre-analysis compartment.

[0057] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the step of transferring the received sample vessels from the input module to the pre-analysis section may include using a pick-and-place robot to move each received sample vessel from the input module to the pre-analysis section.

[0058] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, step b) may include detecting machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container transported on the pre-analytical section and identifying one or more valid assays for each sample container based on the identification information detected on the pre-analytical section.

[0059] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further include transferring the sample container from the pre-analysis compartment to the recirculation compartment if at least one functional assay of the two or more analyzers corresponds to at least one of the one or more valid assays of the sample container.

[0060] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the recirculation compartment may include a continuous recirculation loop, and step a) may include transporting each sample container between two or more analyzers on the recirculation loop until either (1) sample has been extracted from the sample container to perform all valid assays for that sample container, or (2) the sample container has traversed the recirculation loop a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time, which is the first time.

[0061] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further include, when one or more valid assays for the sample container are identified, if none of the two or more analyzers has a functional assay corresponding to any of the one or more valid assays for the sample container, transferring the sample container to a container storage module coupled to the pre-analysis compartment or to an output module coupled to the pre-analysis compartment.

[0062] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, whether or not sample vessels are transferred from the input module to the pre-analytical section, or the order in which the sample vessels are transferred from the input module to the pre-analytical section, is independent of any identification information associated with each sample vessel and / or any valid assay for the sample vessel.

[0063] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the input module contains an area dedicated to STAT sample vessels, which are transferred from the input module to the pre-analysis section before any other sample vessels are transferred from the input module to the pre-analysis section.

[0064] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the pre-analytical section may include a continuous pre-analytical loop, and the method may further include, when one or more valid assays for the sample container are identified, if none of the two or more analyzers has a functional assay corresponding to any of the one or more valid assays for the sample container, transferring the sample container from the pre-analytical section to a recirculation section comprising a continuous recirculation loop, and transporting the sample container on the recirculation loop until an analyzer having a functional assay corresponding to one of the one or more valid assays for the sample container becomes available, or transporting the sample container on the pre-analytical loop until an analyzer having a functional assay corresponding to one of the one or more valid assays for the sample container becomes available.

[0065] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, each of the two or more analyzers may be configured to move a receptacle device to a position to receive a sample transferred from a sample container at the start of a cyclically cycling process cycle, and the maximum hold time may include at least the remaining time of the process cycle that is in progress when the first sample container of each buffered container count is diverted to the buffer queue.

[0066] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the maximum hold time may include the remaining time of the process cycle that is in progress when the first sample vessel of each buffered vessel count is diverted to the buffer queue plus the duration of one additional process cycle.

[0067] According to further aspects of the present disclosure, step g) is initiated at the beginning of the first process cycle after a certain number of sample vessels requiring the same assay have been diverted to the associated buffer queue; step h) is initiated at the beginning of the first process cycle after the buffered vessel hold time for the associated buffer queue for that assay has reached a maximum hold time; or step i) is initiated at the beginning of the first process cycle after a STAT sample vessel has been diverted to the buffer queue.

[0068] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, steps b) and c) are performed in a first of two or more analyzers, and the method may further include, if (1) any valid assay identified in step b) does not correspond to a functional assay of the first analyzer, or (2) the first analyzer lacks sufficient material to perform a functional assay that matches the valid assay of the sample container, transporting the sample container to a second of the two or more analyzers and then performing steps b) and c) in the second analyzer.

[0069] Aspects of the present disclosure include a system for processing multiple distinct samples, each sample contained in a discrete sample container. The system may include two or more analyzers, each configured to perform one or more functional assays on a sample extracted from a sample container. The one or more functional assays performed by each analyzer may be the same or different from the one or more functional assays performed by each of the other analyzers. Each analyzer may be configured to perform each of the one or more functional assays in a receptacle apparatus including a process number of two or more operatively associated process containers, and each analyzer may be configured to perform the same one or more functional assays on the different samples contained in each process container of the receptacle apparatus. That is, each analyzer performs the same assay on the samples contained in each process container of the receptacle apparatus. The system may include a sample transfer device associated with each analyzer and configured to transfer a portion of the sample from the sample container to one of the process containers of the receptacle apparatus, a transporter configured to transport sample containers between the two or more analyzers, a buffer queue associated with each analyzer and configured to hold a plurality of sample containers received from the transporter, and a scanning device associated with each analyzer and configured to detect machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container transported on the transporter.The system may include one or more controllers programmed to: 1) identify one or more valid assays to be performed on the sample contained in each sample container based on the identification information detected by the scanning device; 2) divert the sample container from the transporter to one of the buffer queues if the sample container meets one or more sample selection criteria, the sample selection criteria including whether the assay to be performed on the sample in that sample container corresponds to a functional assay of the analyzer associated with the buffer queue; 3) monitor a buffered container count for each buffer queue, the buffered container count including, for each buffer queue, the number of sample containers held in that buffer queue with the same valid assay, the buffered container count not exceeding the process number; and 4) if the buffered container count in the associated buffer queue for that valid assay is equal to a certain process number, cause the sample transport device of the associated analyzer to transfer a portion of the sample from each of the process number of sample containers in the associated buffer queue requiring the same valid assay into different ones of the process containers of the receptacle device.

[0070] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the process vessels operatively associated with a receptacle device are physically interconnected.

[0071] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the sample selection criteria further include whether the valid assay of the sample container matches the valid assay of a sample container currently held in the buffer queue.

[0072] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more controllers may be further configured to determine whether the sample vessel is a STAT sample vessel based on the identification information of the sample vessel detected by the scanning device, the sample selection criteria further including whether the sample vessel is a STAT sample vessel, and the one or more controllers may be configured to divert the sample vessel from the transporter to one of the buffer queues if the sample vessel is a STAT sample vessel, even if the valid assay of the sample vessel does not match the valid assay of a sample vessel currently held in that buffer queue.

[0073] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more controllers are configured to cause a sample transfer device of an associated analyzer to transfer a portion of a sample from one or more sample containers in an associated buffer queue requesting the same valid assay, including a STAT sample container, even if one or more sample containers are below the process number.

[0074] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more controllers may further monitor the buffered vessel holding time for each buffer queue, the buffered vessel holding time may include the elapsed time since the first sample vessel of each buffered vessel count was diverted to the buffer queue, and may be configured to use the sample transport device of the associated analyzer to transfer a portion of the sample from each of the number of sample vessels in the associated buffer queue with the same valid assay into a different one of the process vessels of the receptacle apparatus when the buffered vessel holding time for the associated buffer queue for that valid assay reaches a maximum holding time and the buffered vessel count in the associated buffer queue for that assay falls below a certain process number, wherein the number of sample vessels is less than the process number.

[0075] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, each of the two or more analyzers may be configured to, at the start of a cyclically cycling process cycle, move a process container from a sample transfer device associated with the analyzer to a position to receive a sample from a sample transfer device associated with the analyzer, and the one or more controllers may be configured to, at the start of a first process cycle, after a certain number of sample containers with the same valid assay have been diverted to the associated buffer queue, if the buffered container count in the associated buffer queue for that valid assay is equal to that process number, cause the sample transfer device of the associated analyzer to transfer a portion of the sample from each of the process number of sample containers in the associated buffer queue requiring the same valid assay into a different one of the process containers of the receptacle apparatus.

[0076] According to further aspects of the present disclosure, when a STAT sample vessel is detected, the one or more controllers may be configured to perform the following tasks: (i) transfer a portion of the sample from each of any blocked sample vessels with the same valid assay that have been diverted to an associated buffer queue in front of the STAT sample vessel into a different one of the process vessels of the one or more receptacle devices; (ii) move any blocked sample vessels into which sample was transferred in task (i) out of the buffer queue; and then (iii) transfer a portion of the sample from the STAT sample vessel that has been diverted to an associated buffer queue into one of the process vessels of the receptacle devices.

[0077] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, if the valid assay of the blocked sample container is the same as the valid assay of the STAT sample container, the sample is transferred from the blocked sample container and the STAT sample container to the same receptacle device in tasks (i) and (iii).

[0078] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, if the valid assay of the blocked sample container is different from the valid assay of the STAT sample container, the sample is transferred from the blocked sample container and the STAT sample container to different receptacle devices in tasks (i) and (iii).

[0079] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, when a STAT sample vessel is detected, the one or more controllers may be configured to (i) move any blocked sample vessels diverted to the associated buffer queue in front of the STAT sample vessel out of the buffer queue without transferring any sample from the blocked sample vessel, and then (ii) transfer a portion of the sample from the STAT sample vessel diverted to the associated buffer queue into one of the process vessels of the receptacle device.

[0080] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, each analyzer may be configured to simultaneously perform the same of its one or more functional assays on different samples contained within each process vessel of the receptacle device.

[0081] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the sample transfer device may include a robotic pipettor.

[0082] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the transporter may include a first track, and the system may further include a container holder associated with each sample vessel for holding the associated sample vessel, and the first track may be configured to transport the container holder on the first track.

[0083] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, each buffer queue may include a second track configured to hold and transport the container holder, and the system may further include a diverter configured to selectively divert the container holder and the sample container held thereby from the first track to the second track.

[0084] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the scanning device may include a barcode scanning device.

[0085] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the one or more controllers may be programmed to identify one or more valid assays for each sample container by accessing a database in which the identification information of each sample container is correlated with one or more valid assays.

[0086] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the transporter may include a recirculation loop configured and controlled to translate each sample container between two or more analyzers until either (1) sample is extracted from the sample container to perform all valid assays for that sample container, or (2) the sample container traverses the recirculation loop a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time, whichever occurs first.

[0087] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the transporter may be configured to transfer the sample container from the recirculation loop to a container storage module after sample has been extracted from the sample container to perform all valid assays for that sample container, or after the sample container has traversed the recirculation loop a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time.

[0088] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a pick-and-place robot configured to transfer sample containers between the transporter and the container storage module.

[0089] According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the system may further include one or more pre-analysis modules, each configured to process the sample vessel before making the sample vessel available to the two or more analyzers, and the transporter may be configured to translate the sample vessel to the pre-analysis module before transporting the sample vessel between the two or more analyzers.

[0090] According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the system may further include a pre-analysis module including one or more of a vessel decapper configured to remove a cap from a sample vessel, a liquid level detection module configured to detect a liquid level within at least a portion of the sample vessel, and a sample transfer module configured to transfer a sample from a first type of sample vessel to a second type of sample vessel, which will be made available to two or more analyzers.

[0091] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include an input module coupled to the transporter and configured to receive the sample vessel.

[0092] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a pick-and-place robot configured to transfer sample containers between the input module and the transporter.

[0093] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the input module may be configured to determine at least one of a height and width of the container, a shape of a bottom of the container, and whether the container is capped.

[0094] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the transporter may include a recirculation compartment configured to translate each sample container to two or more analyzers, a pre-analysis compartment, and an input module coupled to the pre-analysis compartment and configured to hold the sample container, and the pre-analysis compartment may be configured to translate the sample container from the input module to the recirculation compartment.

[0095] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the recirculation compartment may include a continuous recirculation loop configured to translate each sample container between two or more analyzers until either (1) sample is extracted from the sample container to perform all valid assays for that sample container, or (2) the sample container traverses the recirculation loop a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time, whichever occurs first.

[0096] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a pick-and-place robot configured to transfer sample containers between the input module and the pre-analytical compartment.

[0097] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the pick-and-place robot is controlled such that whether or not sample containers are transferred from the input module to the pre-analysis section, or the order in which the sample containers are transferred from the input module to the pre-analysis section, is independent of any identification information associated with each sample container and / or any valid assay for the sample container.

[0098] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the input module contains an area dedicated to STAT sample vessels, which are transferred from the input module to the pre-analysis section before any other sample vessels are transferred from the input module to the pre-analysis section.

[0099] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a pre-analysis scanning device configured to detect machine-readable identification information associated with each sample vessel transported on the pre-analysis compartment, and the controller may be configured to identify one or more valid assays for each sample vessel based on the identification information detected by the pre-analysis scanning device, and to transfer the sample vessel from the pre-analysis compartment to the recirculation compartment if at least one of the two or more analyzers has a functional assay that matches at least one of the one or more valid assays for the sample vessel.

[0100] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a container storage module coupled to the pre-analysis section and configured to receive a sample container from the pre-analysis section into the container storage module, and the controller may be configured to transfer the sample container on the pre-analysis section to the container storage module if none of the two or more analyzers has a functional assay that matches any of the one or more valid assays of the sample container.

[0101] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the pre-analytical compartment may include a continuous pre-analytical loop, and the controller may be configured to transport the sample vessel around the pre-analytical loop if none of the two or more analyzers has a functional assay that matches any of the one or more valid assays of the sample vessel.

[0102] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the two or more analyzers may include a molecular testing instrument.

[0103] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a molecular testing instrument may include a module for performing a nucleic acid-based amplification reaction.

[0104] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, each process vessel of each receptacle device may contain a test tube, and the receptacle device may contain a number of interconnected test tubes arranged in a matched array.

[0105] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a shuttle module associated with each analyzer, the shuttle module being configured to translate sample containers between an associated buffer queue and the associated analyzer.

[0106] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a pick-and-place robot associated with each analyzer, the pick-and-place robot may be configured to transfer sample containers from an associated buffer queue to a sample container hand-off location on a shuttle module, and the shuttle module may be configured to translate the sample containers between the sample container hand-off location and a pipetting location within the analyzer associated with the sample container hand-off location.

[0107] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, each of the two or more analyzers may be configured to move a receptacle apparatus to a position to receive sample from a sample transfer device associated with the analyzer at the start of a cyclically cycling process cycle, and the maximum hold time may include at least the remaining time of the process cycle that is in progress when the first sample container of each buffered container count is diverted to the buffer queue.

[0108] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the maximum hold time may include the remaining time of the process cycle that is in progress when the first sample vessel of each buffered vessel count is diverted to the buffer queue plus the duration of one additional process cycle.

[0109] Aspects of the present disclosure include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium encoded with computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to control a system for processing multiple distinct samples, each sample contained in a discrete sample container. The system may include two or more analyzers, each configured to perform one or more functional assays on a sample extracted from a sample container, the one or more functional assays of each analyzer being the same or different from the one or more functional assays of each of the other analyzers. Each analyzer may be configured to perform each of the one or more functional assays in a receptacle apparatus including a process number of two or more operatively associated process containers, and each analyzer may be configured to perform the same one or more functional assays on the different samples contained in each process container of the receptacle apparatus. That is, each analyzer performs the same assay on the samples contained in each process container of the receptacle apparatus. The system may include a sample transfer device associated with each analyzer and configured to transfer a portion of the sample from the sample container to one of the process containers of the receptacle apparatus; a transporter configured to transport the sample container to two or more analyzers; a buffer queue associated with each analyzer and configured to hold a plurality of sample containers received from the transporter; a diverter associated with each analyzer and configured to divert the sample container from the transporter to the associated buffer queue; and a scanning device associated with each analyzer and configured to detect machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container transported on the transporter.The computer-executable instructions may include instructions to receive identification information for each sample container from each of the scanning devices, query a database of sample information, identify one or more valid assays for each sample container based on the identification information received from the scanning devices, determine whether at least one valid assay for the sample container corresponds to a functional assay for the analyzer associated with the scanning device, activate a diverter to divert the sample container from the transporter to a buffer queue associated with the analyzer if at least one valid assay for the sample container corresponds to a functional assay for the associated analyzer, monitor a buffered container count for each buffer queue, where the buffered container count may include, for each buffer queue, the number of sample containers held in that buffer queue with the same valid assay, and if the buffered container count in the associated buffer queue for that valid assay is at least equal to a certain process number, cause a sample transport device associated with the analyzer to transfer a portion of the sample from each of the process number of sample containers in the associated buffer queue with the same valid assay into a different one of the process containers of the receptacle device.

[0110] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the computer-executable instructions may further include instructions for, after activating the diverter to divert a container from the transporter to a buffer queue associated with the analyzer, determining whether the valid assay of the subsequent sample container matches the valid assay of the sample container currently held in the buffer queue, and activating the diverter to divert the subsequent sample container from the transporter to the buffer queue only if the valid assay of the subsequent sample container matches the valid assay of the sample container currently held in the buffer queue.

[0111] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the computer-executable instructions may further include instructions to not activate the diverter so that the transporter transports the subsequent sample container to a subsequent one of the two or more analyzers if any valid assay of the subsequent sample container does not match the valid assay of a sample container currently held in the buffer queue.

[0112] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the computer-executable instructions may further include instructions for, after activating the diverter to divert at least one sample vessel from the transporter to a buffer queue associated with the analyzer, determining whether a valid assay of the subsequent sample vessel matches a valid assay of a sample vessel currently held in the buffer queue, querying a database of sample information, and determining whether the subsequent sample vessel is a STAT sample vessel based on the identification information received from the scanning device, and activating the diverter to divert the subsequent sample vessel from the transporter to the buffer queue only if the valid assay of the subsequent sample vessel matches a valid assay of a sample vessel currently held in the buffer queue or the subsequent sample vessel is a STAT sample vessel having a valid assay that corresponds to a functional assay of the associated analyzer.

[0113] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the computer-executable instructions may further include instructions to cause a sample transfer device of an associated analyzer to transfer a portion of a sample from one or more sample containers in an associated buffer queue having the same valid assay, including a STAT sample container, even if one or more sample containers are below the process number.

[0114] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the computer-executable instructions may further include instructions for monitoring a buffered vessel retention time for each buffer queue, the buffered vessel retention time including the elapsed time since the first sample vessel of each buffered vessel count was diverted to the buffer queue, and for causing a sample transport device associated with the analyzer to transfer a portion of the sample from each of a number of sample vessels in the associated buffer queue having the same valid assay into a different one of the process vessels of the receptacle apparatus if the buffered vessel retention time for the associated buffer queue reaches a specified maximum retention time, the number of sample vessels being less than the number of process vessels.

[0115] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, each of the two or more analyzers may be configured to move a receptacle apparatus to a position to receive sample transferred from a sample container at the start of a cyclically cycling process cycle, and the computer-executable instructions may further include instructions to, at the start of a first process cycle that begins after a certain number of process sample containers having the same valid assay are diverted to the associated buffer queue, cause the sample transfer device associated with the analyzer to transfer a portion of the sample from each of the process number of sample containers in the associated buffer queue having the same valid assay into a different one of the process containers of the receptacle apparatus.

[0116] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, if a STAT sample container is detected, the computer-executable instructions may further include instructions to (i) cause a sample transfer device associated with the analyzer to transfer a portion of the sample from each of any blocked sample containers having the same valid assay that have been diverted to the associated buffer queue before the STAT sample container into a different one of the process containers of the receptacle apparatus, (ii) move any blocked sample containers into which sample was transferred in step (i) out of the buffer queue, and (iii) after (ii), cause a sample transfer device associated with the analyzer to transfer a portion of the sample from the STAT sample container that has been diverted to the associated buffer queue into one of the process containers of the receptacle apparatus.

[0117] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, if the valid assay of the blocked sample container is the same as the valid assay of the STAT sample container, the computer-executable instructions may further include instructions to cause a sample transfer device associated with the analyzer to transfer the sample from the blocked sample container and the STAT sample container to different process containers of the same receptacle apparatus in steps (i) and (iii).

[0118] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, if the valid assay of the blocked sample container is different from the valid assay of the STAT sample container, the computer-executable instructions may further include instructions to cause a sample transfer device associated with the analyzer to transfer the sample from the blocked sample container and the STAT sample container to different receptacle devices in steps (i) and (iii).

[0119] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, if STAT sample vessels are detected and more than a certain number of blocked sample vessels are diverted to an associated buffer queue in front of the STAT sample vessels, and the certain number of blocked sample vessels have the same valid assay, the computer-executable instructions may further include instructions to (i) cause a sample transfer device associated with the analyzer to transfer a portion of the sample from each of the process number of blocked sample vessels having the same valid assay into a different one of the process vessels of the first receptacle apparatus, (ii) move the blocked sample vessel into which the sample was transferred in step (i) out of the buffer queue, (iii) move any remaining blocked sample vessels out of the buffer queue, and (iv) then cause a sample transfer device associated with the analyzer to transfer a portion of the sample from the STAT sample vessel diverted to the associated buffer queue into one of the process vessels of the second receptacle apparatus.

[0120] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, if a STAT sample vessel is detected, the computer-executable instructions may further include instructions to (i) move any blocked sample vessels diverted to the associated buffer queue in front of the STAT sample vessel out of the buffer queue without transferring any sample from the blocked sample vessel, and (ii) then cause a sample transfer device associated with the analyzer to transfer a portion of the sample from the STAT sample vessel diverted to the associated buffer queue into one of the process vessels of the receptacle apparatus.

[0121] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, each analyzer may be configured to simultaneously perform the same of one or more of its functional assays on different samples contained in each of the multiple process vessels of the receptacle device.

[0122] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the sample transfer device may include a robotic pipettor.

[0123] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the transporter may include a first track, and the system may further include a container holder associated with each sample vessel for holding the associated sample vessel, and the first track may be configured to transport the container holder on the first track.

[0124] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, each buffer queue may include a second track configured to hold and transport the container holder, and the computer-executable instructions may further include instructions for activating a diverter to divert the sample container from the first track to the second track.

[0125] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the scanning device may include a barcode scanning device.

[0126] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the computer-executable instructions may further include instructions for identifying one or more valid assays for each sample container by accessing a database of sample information in which the identification information of each sample container is correlated with one or more valid assays.

[0127] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the transporter may include a recirculation loop, and the computer-executable instructions may further include instructions to translate each sample container on the recirculation loop to two or more analyzers until either (1) sample has been extracted from the sample container to perform all valid assays for that sample container, or (2) the sample container has traversed the recirculation loop a predetermined number of times, first.

[0128] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, after a sample has been extracted from a sample container to perform all valid assays for that sample container, the computer-executable instructions may further include instructions to cause the transporter to transport the sample container to a container storage module.

[0129] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the computer-executable instructions may further include instructions for controlling a pick-and-place robot configured to transfer sample containers between the transporter and the container storage module.

[0130] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include one or more pre-analysis modules, each pre-analysis module may be configured to perform an operation on the sample container before making the sample container available to the two or more analyzers, and the computer-executable instructions may further include instructions to the transporter to translate the sample container to the pre-analysis module before transporting the sample container to the two or more analyzers.

[0131] According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the pre-analysis module may include one or more of a vessel decapper configured to remove a cap from a sample vessel, a liquid level detection module configured to detect a liquid level within at least a portion of the sample vessel, and a sample transfer module configured to transfer a sample from a first type of sample vessel to a second type of sample vessel that will be made available to two or more analyzers, the first type of sample vessel having one or more dimensions that differ from the second type of sample vessel.

[0132] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include an input module coupled to the transporter and configured to receive the sample container, and the computer-executable instructions may further include instructions for controlling a pick-and-place robot configured to transfer the sample container between the transporter and the input module.

[0133] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the computer-executable instructions that control the pick-and-place robot control the pick-and-place robot such that whether sample containers are transferred from the input module to the transporter or the order in which the sample containers are transferred from the input module to the transporter is independent of any identification information associated with each sample container and / or any valid assay of the sample container.

[0134] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the computer-executable instructions controlling the pick-and-place robot control the pick-and-place robot such that a STAT sample container is transferred from a dedicated area of ​​the input module to a transporter before any other sample container is transferred from the input module to a transporter.

[0135] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the transporter may include a recirculation compartment, where the computer-executable instructions may further include instructions for the recirculation compartment to translate each sample container to two or more analyzers; a pre-analysis compartment; and an input module coupled to the pre-analysis compartment and configured to hold the sample containers, where the computer-executable instructions may further include instructions for the input module to transfer the sample container to the pre-analysis compartment and for the pre-analysis compartment to transfer the sample container from the input module to the recirculation compartment.

[0136] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the recirculation compartment may include a continuous recirculation loop, and the computer-executable instructions may further include instructions to translate each sample container between two or more analyzers in the recirculation loop until either (1) sample has been extracted from the sample container to perform all valid assays for that sample container, or (2) the sample container has traversed the recirculation loop a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time, first.

[0137] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a pre-analysis scanning device configured to detect machine-readable identification information associated with each sample vessel transported on the pre-analysis compartment, and the computer-executable instructions may further include instructions for receiving the identification information for each sample vessel from the pre-analysis scanning device, querying a database of sample information, identifying one or more assays to be performed on the sample contained in each sample vessel based on the identification information of the sample vessel detected by the pre-analysis scanning device, and transferring the sample vessel from the pre-analysis compartment to the recirculation compartment if at least one of the two or more analyzers has a functional assay that matches at least one valid assay of the sample vessel.

[0138] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a container storage module coupled to the transporter and configured to receive a sample container from the transporter into the container storage module, and the computer-executable instructions may further include instructions to transfer the sample container on the transporter to the container storage module if none of the two or more analyzers has a functional assay corresponding to any of the one or more valid assays of the sample container.

[0139] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the computer-executable instructions may further include instructions for controlling a pick-and-place robot configured to transfer sample containers between the transporter and the container storage module.

[0140] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the two or more analyzers may include a molecular testing instrument.

[0141] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a molecular testing instrument may include an instrument for performing a nucleic acid-based amplification reaction.

[0142] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, each process vessel of each receptacle device may include a test tube, and the receptacle device may include a number of interconnected test tubes arranged in a matched array.

[0143] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a pick-and-place robot associated with each analyzer and a shuttle module associated with each analyzer, and the computer-executable instructions may further include instructions for causing the pick-and-place robot to transfer sample containers from an associated buffer queue to a sample container hand-off position on the shuttle module and for causing the shuttle module to translate the sample containers between the sample container hand-off position and a sample transfer location of the analyzer associated with the sample container hand-off position.

[0144] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, each of the two or more analyzers may be configured to move a receptacle device to a position to receive a sample transferred from a sample container at the start of a cyclically cycling process cycle, and the maximum hold time may include at least the remaining time of the process cycle that is in progress when the first sample container of each buffered container count is diverted to the buffer queue.

[0145] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the maximum hold time may include the remaining time of the process cycle that is in progress when the first sample container of each buffered container count is diverted to the buffer queue and the duration of one additional process cycle.

[0146] A further aspect of the present disclosure includes a system for processing multiple samples contained in sample vessels, each sample vessel having associated therewith machine-readable identification information (which may be a barcode). The system may include a sample database, a transporter (such as a conveyor belt or track, which may include a sample vessel carrier), an input module, a vessel transfer robot (which may include an input pick-and-place robot configured to transfer sample vessels between the input module and the transporter), an input scanning device (which may be a barcode scanning device), at least one analyzer, and at least one system controller in communication with the vessel transfer robot and the input scanning device. The sample database stores identification information for each sample vessel, and the identification information for each sample vessel is correlated with one or more validated assays associated with the sample vessel. The transporter may be configured to transport the sample vessels throughout the system. The input module may be configured to hold multiple sample vessels, and the vessel transfer robot may be configured to transfer the sample vessels from the input module to the transporter. The input scanning device may be configured to detect the machine-readable identification information associated with each sample vessel. Each analyzer is operatively associated with a transporter and may be configured to perform one or more functional assays (which may be the same as or different from the functional assays of each other analyzer) on samples extracted from the sample containers. The system controller is programmed to control the container transfer robot to transfer the sample containers from the input module to the transporter, and each sample container is removed from the input module before scanning the machine-readable identification information associated with the sample container and identifying one or more valid assays associated with the sample container.As each sample container is removed from the input module, or thereafter, the controller activates the input scanning device to automatically scan the machine-readable identification information of the sample container as it passes through the input scanning device (e.g., on a transporter), and the controller then accesses the sample database and identifies one or more valid assays for each sample container transported on the transporter based on the identification information detected by the input scanning device.

[0147] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the transporter may include a first loop section, the input module may be operatively associated with the first loop section, and the vessel transfer robot may be configured to transfer sample vessels from the input module to the first loop section, and a second loop section configured to translate each sample vessel to at least one analyzer. The system controller may be in communication with all of the analyzers and may be further programmed to monitor functional assays of all of the analyzers and / or the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section, and compare one or more valid assays of each sample vessel to the functional assays of all of the analyzers and / or compare the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section to a second loop section capacity limit. The controller may be programmed to retain the sample vessel on the first loop section if none of the functional assays matches any of the valid assays for that sample vessel and / or if the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is at least equal to the second loop section capacity limit, and to transport the sample vessel around the first loop section until at least one of the functional assays matches at least one of the valid assays for that sample vessel and / or the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit. The controller may further be programmed to transfer the sample vessel from the first loop section to the second loop section if at least one of the functional assays matches at least one of the valid assays for that sample vessel and / or if the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit.

[0148] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the controller may be programmed to retain the sample vessel on the first loop section if none of the functional assays matches any of the valid assays for that sample vessel and if the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is at least equal to the second loop section capacity limit, and to transport the sample vessel around the first loop section until at least one of the functional assays matches at least one of the valid assays for that sample vessel and the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit.

[0149] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a portion of the input module is designated for STAT sample containers, and the system controller is programmed to control the container transfer robot to transfer all sample containers from the portion of the input module designated for STAT sample containers to the transporter before transferring sample containers from any other portion of the input module.

[0150] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the transporter comprises a recirculation loop configured and controlled (e.g., by a system controller) to repeatedly translate each sample container to at least one analyzer until either (1) sample is extracted from the sample container for performing all valid assays for that sample container, or (2) the sample container traverses the recirculation loop a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time, as the first.

[0151] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a vessel storage module and may include a vessel transfer robot (which may include a storage pick-and-place robot) configured to transfer sample vessels between the transporter and the vessel storage module. The transporter may be configured and controlled (e.g., by a system controller) to transfer the sample vessel to the vessel storage module after sample has been extracted from the sample vessel to perform all valid assays for that sample vessel or after the sample vessel has traversed the recirculation loop a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time.

[0152] In some embodiments, the input pick and place robot and the storage pick and place robot comprise the same pick and place robot.

[0153] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include one or more pre-analysis modules. Each pre-analysis module may be configured to process the sample vessel before making the sample vessel available to the at least one analyzer, and the transporter may be configured to translate the sample vessel to the pre-analysis module before transporting the sample vessel to the at least one analyzer. The pre-analysis modules may include at least one of a vessel decapper configured to remove a cap from the sample vessel and a liquid level detection module configured to detect a liquid level within at least a portion of the sample vessel.

[0154] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a sample transfer module configured to transfer a sample from at least one first type sample vessel to at least one second type sample vessel, and a vessel transfer robot configured to transfer each second type sample vessel from the sample transfer module to a transporter. Each second type sample vessel (which may be identical to the first type sample vessel or may have a different shape, volume, and / or dimensions from the first type sample vessel) has a machine-readable identification associated therewith, and the sample database may include the identification for each second type sample vessel correlated with one or more validated assays associated with each second type sample vessel.

[0155] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the input module may be configured to determine at least one of a height and width of the container, a shape of a bottom of the container, and whether the container is capped.

[0156] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the transporter may include a pre-analytical loop, the input module is operatively associated with the pre-analytical loop, and the system controller is programmed to monitor the number of sample vessels being transported on the recirculation loop. The system may further include a pre-analytical scanning device configured to detect machine-readable identification information associated with each sample vessel transported on the pre-analytical loop, and the system controller may be programmed to identify one or more valid assays for each sample vessel based on the identification information detected by the pre-analytical scanning device, and to transfer a sample vessel from the pre-analytical loop to the recirculation loop if one or more functional assays of the at least one analyzer correspond to at least one of the one or more valid assays for the sample vessel and / or if the number of sample vessels being transported on the recirculation loop is below a recirculation loop capacity limit.

[0157] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system controller is programmed to transfer a sample container from the pre-analytical loop to the recirculation loop when both one or more functional assays of the at least one analyzer correspond to at least one of the one or more valid assays of the sample container and the number of sample containers being transported on the recirculation loop is below a recirculation loop capacity limit.

[0158] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the vessel storage module is coupled to the pre-analysis loop, and the system controller is programmed to cause the sample vessel on the pre-analysis loop to be transferred to the vessel storage module if the at least one analyzer does not have any functional assay that matches any of the one or more valid assays of the sample vessel, or to cause the sample vessel to be transported around the pre-analysis loop if the at least one analyzer does not have any functional assay that matches any of the one or more valid assays of the sample vessel.

[0159] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system controller is programmed to monitor the number of times the sample container traverses the pre-analysis loop or the amount of time the sample container has been on the pre-analysis loop, and to transfer the sample container from the pre-analysis loop to a container storage module when the number of times the sample container traverses the pre-analysis loop or the amount of time the sample container has been on the pre-analysis loop reaches a certain limit.

[0160] A further aspect of the present disclosure includes a method for processing multiple samples using an automated system. Each sample is contained in a sample container, and each sample container has associated therewith a machine-readable identification (which may be a barcode) and one or more validated assays (which identify the test or assay to be performed on the sample). The automated system includes a transporter for transporting the sample containers, an input module for holding the multiple sample containers, an input scanning device (which may be a barcode scanning device) for detecting the machine-readable identification associated with each sample container, at least one analyzer operatively associated with the transporter, a sample database that stores the identification information for each sample container, the identification information being correlated with one or more validated assays for each sample container, and a system controller in communication with the sample database and the input scanning device. Each analyzer may be configured to perform one or more functional assays (which may be the same as or different from the functional assays of each other analyzer) on a sample extracted from the sample container. In step (A) of the method, the system controller automatically transfers each sample container from the input module to a transporter, and the sample container is removed from the input module before scanning the machine-readable identification information associated with the sample container and identifying one or more valid assays associated with the sample container. In step (B), the machine-readable identification information of the sample container is detected using an input scanning device as each sample container is removed from the input module or thereafter as the sample container passes through the input scanning device (e.g., on the transporter). In step (C), using the system controller, the sample database is accessed, and one or more valid assays for the sample container transported on the transporter are identified based on the identification information detected by the input scanning device.

[0161] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the transporter includes a first loop section and a second loop section, and the input module is operatively associated with the first loop section. At least one analyzer is operatively associated with the second loop section, and the second loop section is configured to transport sample containers to the at least one analyzer. According to a further step of the method, the system controller monitors functional assays of all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section and / or monitors the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section, and compares the one or more valid assays of each sample container to the functional assays of all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section and / or compares the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section to a second loop section capacity limit. In a further step, the system controller causes the sample vessel to remain on the first loop section if none of the functional assays matches any of the valid assays for that sample vessel and / or if the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is at least equal to the second loop section capacity limit, and causes the sample vessel to be transported around the first loop section until at least one of the functional assays matches at least one of the valid assays for that sample vessel and / or until the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit. In a further step, the system controller causes the sample vessel to be transferred from the first loop section to the second loop section if at least one of the functional assays matches at least one of the valid assays for that sample vessel and / or if the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit.

[0162] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes the steps of: a system controller retaining the sample container on the first loop section if none of the functional assays matches any of the valid assays for the sample container and if the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section is at least equal to the second loop section capacity limit; transporting the sample container around the first loop section until at least one of the functional assays matches at least one of the valid assays for the sample container and the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit; and transferring the sample container from the first loop section to the second loop section if at least one of the functional assays matches at least one of the valid assays for the sample container and the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit.

[0163] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a portion of the input module is designated for STAT sample containers, and the step of transferring sample containers from the input module to the transporter using the container transfer robot includes transferring all sample containers from the portion of the input module designated for STAT sample containers to the transporter before transferring sample containers from any other portion of the input module.

[0164] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the automation system may include a pick-and-place robot configured to transfer sample containers between the input module and the transporter, and the system controller may be in communication with the pick-and-place robot. Step (A) includes the system controller activating the pick-and-place robot to remove the sample containers one by one from the input module and then transferring each sample container to the transporter.

[0165] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the transporter may include a recirculation loop, and the method may include the step of the system controller repeatedly translating the sample container to at least one analyzer through the recirculation loop until either (1) sample has been extracted from the sample container to perform all valid assays for that sample container, or (2) the sample container has traversed the recirculation loop a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time, for the first time.

[0166] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the automated system may include a container storage module (which may include a temperature-controlled enclosure), and the method may include the step of the system controller causing the transporter to transfer the sample container to the container storage module after sample has been extracted from the sample container to perform all valid assays for that sample container or after the sample container has traversed the recirculation loop a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time.

[0167] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, after step (C), the system controller uses a decapper to remove the cap from the sample container, uses a liquid level detection module to detect the liquid level within at least a portion of the sample container, and / or uses an input module to determine at least one of the height and width of the container, the shape of the bottom of the container, and whether the container is capped.

[0168] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may include using a sample transfer device to transfer a sample from at least one first type sample container to at least one second type sample container, and a system controller using a container transfer robot to automatically transfer each second type sample container from the sample transfer module to a transporter.

[0169] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, an automated system may include two or more analyzers operatively associated with a transporter, each analyzer configured to perform one or more functional assays (which may be the same as or different from the functional assays of each other analyzer) on samples extracted from sample containers. The system may further include a distinct analyzer software module associated with each analyzer that stores an identification of each of the one or more functional assays of each analyzer in an analyzer database associated with the analyzer software module, a buffer queue associated with each analyzer and configured to hold multiple sample containers diverted from the transporter to the buffer queue, and a scanning device (which may be a barcode scanning device) associated with each analyzer and configured to detect machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container transported on the transporter past the scanning device.The system controller may be in communication with each analyzer software module and each scanning device, and the method may include the additional steps of: (D) using each scanning device to detect machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container transported on a transporter past the scanning device; (E) using the system controller to access a sample database and identify one or more valid assays for the sample container based on the identification information detected by the scanning device; (F) using the system controller to communicate the one or more valid assays for the sample container to an analyzer software module of an analyzer associated with the scanning device; and (G) communicating the one or more valid assays for the sample container to an analyzer software module of an analyzer associated with the scanning device. (H) using an analyzer software module to compare one or more valid assays for the sample container with respective identifications of one or more functional assays stored in an analyzer database of the associated analyzer; if the valid assays for the sample container correspond to the functional assays of the associated analyzer, communicating a diversion command from the associated analyzer software module to a system controller to divert the sample container from the transporter to the associated buffer queue; and (I) in response to receiving the diversion command, the system controller diverting the sample container from the transporter to the associated buffer queue.

[0170] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the transporter may include a first track, and the system may include a vessel holder associated with each sample vessel for holding an associated sample vessel, the first track configured to transport the vessel holder on the first track. Each buffer queue may include a second track configured to hold and transport the vessel holder diverted to the buffer queue, and the system further includes a vessel diverter configured to selectively divert the sample vessel from the first track to the second track, and step (I) includes the system controller causing the vessel diverter to divert the sample vessel from the transporter to the associated buffer queue.

[0171] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may include a sample transfer device associated with each analyzer and configured to transfer a portion of the sample from the sample container to a process container in the associated analyzer, and the method may further include (J) using the system controller, causing the sample transfer device to transfer a quantity of sample from the sample container diverted to the buffer queue to a process container in the associated analyzer, and (K) using the system controller, causing the buffer queue to transport the sample container back to the transporter.

[0172] Aspects of the present disclosure may include a method for processing a plurality of samples using an automated system, each sample contained in a sample container, the automated system comprising: a transporter for transporting the sample containers; an input module for holding the plurality of sample containers; an input scanning device for detecting machine-readable identification information; at least one analyzer operatively associated with the transporter; and a system controller. The method includes the steps of: (A) associating a machine-readable identification information (which may be a barcode) with each sample container; (B) associating one or more validated assays with each sample container; (C) storing the identification information for each sample container in a sample database accessible to the system controller and correlating the identification information of each sample container with the one or more assays associated with the sample container; and (D) configuring each analyzer to perform one or more functional assays on a sample extracted from the sample container, wherein the one or more functional assays performed by each analyzer are identical to one or more functional assays performed by any other analyzer operatively associated with the transporter. The method may include steps that may be the same or different from those described above; (E) using the system controller to automatically transfer each sample container from the input module to a transporter before scanning the machine-readable identification information associated with the sample container and before identifying one or more valid assays associated with the sample container; (F) using the input scanning device to detect the machine-readable identification information of each sample container as it is transferred from the input module or thereafter as the sample container passes the input scanning device; and (G) using the system controller to access a sample database and identify one or more valid assays for the sample containers transported on the transporter based on the identification information detected by the input scanning device.

[0173] Aspects of the present disclosure include a system for processing multiple samples, each sample contained in a sample container, each sample container having machine-readable identification information (such as a barcode) associated therewith. The system may include a sample database, a transporter, a pre-analysis scanning device (which may be a barcode scanning device), at least one analyzer (which may be a molecular testing instrument, such as a module for performing nucleic acid-based amplification reactions), and at least one system controller (which may communicate with the sample database, the pre-analysis scanning device, and the at least one analyzer). The sample database stores identification information for each sample container, the identification information being correlated with one or more validated assays for each sample container. The transporter may be configured to transport the sample containers and may include a first loop section and a second loop section, and the sample containers are introduced into the system in the first loop section. The pre-analysis scanning device may be operatively associated with the first loop section and configured to detect the machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container as the sample containers pass through the pre-analysis scanning device (e.g., on the first loop section). At least one analyzer may be operatively associated with the second loop section, each analyzer configured to perform one or more functional assays (which may be the same as or different from the functional assays of each other analyzer) on a sample extracted from a sample container. The number of analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section and / or the one or more functional assays each analyzer is configured to perform may vary over time.The system controller accesses the sample database and identifies one or more valid assays for each sample container transported on the first loop section based on the identification information detected by the pre-analysis scanning device, monitors the functional assays that all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section are configured to perform and the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section, compares the one or more valid assays for each sample container to the functional assays of all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section, and / or compares the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section to a second loop section capacity limit, and if any of the functional assays do not match any of the valid assays for that sample container, and / or The system is programmed to retain the sample vessel on the first loop section when the number of sample vessels being transported on the two loop sections is at least equal to the second loop section capacity limit, transport the sample vessel around the first loop section until at least one of the functional assays matches at least one of the valid assays for the sample vessel and / or the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit, and to transfer the sample vessel from the first loop section to the second loop section when at least one of the functional assays matches at least one of the valid assays for the sample vessel and / or the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit.

[0174] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may include a distinct analyzer software module associated with each analyzer. The identification of each of the analyzer's one or more functional assays may be stored in an analyzer database associated with the analyzer software module, and a system controller may communicate with each analyzer's analyzer software module. The system controller is programmed to monitor the functional assays of all analyzers by receiving information transmissions from each analyzer software module, each information transmission including the identification of each of the associated analyzer's one or more functional assays.

[0175] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system controller is programmed to monitor the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section by monitoring the number of sample vessels being transferred from the first loop section to the second loop section and by monitoring the number of sample vessels being transferred from the second loop section to the first loop section.

[0176] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a vessel storage module operatively associated with the first loop section, and the system controller may be configured to monitor the number of times the sample vessel traverses the first loop section and / or the duration over which the sample vessel traverses the first loop section, and to transfer the sample vessel from the first loop section to the vessel storage module if the number of times the sample vessel traverses the first loop section and / or the duration over which the sample vessel traverses the first loop section exceeds a certain limit.

[0177] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may include a diverter operatively associated with the first loop section and selectively configurable in a first configuration that prevents a sample vessel from being transferred from the first loop section to the second loop section or a second configuration that causes the sample vessel to be transferred from the first loop section to the second loop section. A system controller may be in communication with the diverter and may be programmed to configure the diverter in the first configuration to cause the sample vessel to be retained on the first loop section and to configure the diverter in the second configuration to cause the sample vessel to be transferred from the first loop section to the second loop section.

[0178] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the second loop section may be configured and controlled to repeatedly translate each sample vessel transferred to the second loop section to at least one analyzer until either (1) sample has been extracted from the sample vessel to perform all valid assays for that sample vessel, or (2) the sample vessel has traversed the second loop section a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time, as the first occurrence.

[0179] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a vessel storage module (which may be temperature controlled), and the transporter may be configured and controlled to transfer the sample vessel to the vessel storage module after sample has been extracted from the sample vessel for performing all valid assays on that sample vessel or after the sample vessel has traversed the second loop section a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time. A pick-and-place robot may be provided for transferring the sample vessel between the transporter and the vessel storage module.

[0180] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include one or more pre-analysis modules operatively associated with the first loop section, each pre-analysis module configured to process a sample vessel on the first loop section prior to transferring the sample vessel to the second loop section. The pre-analysis modules may include a vessel decapper configured to remove a cap from the sample vessel and / or a liquid level detection module configured to detect a liquid level within at least a portion of the sample vessel.

[0181] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a sample transfer module configured to transfer sample from at least one first type sample vessel to at least one second type sample vessel, and a vessel transfer robot configured to transfer each second type sample vessel from the sample transfer module to the transporter. The system controller may be programmed to transfer each second type sample vessel from the sample transfer module to the first loop section.

[0182] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, each second-type sample vessel has associated therewith machine-readable identification information (which may be a barcode), and the sample database includes identification information for each second-type sample vessel correlated with one or more valid assays associated with each second-type sample vessel. The system controller further causes the pre-analysis scanning device to detect the machine-readable identification information associated with each second-type sample vessel as the second-type sample vessel passes through the pre-analysis scanning device, access the sample database, identify one or more valid assays for each second-type sample vessel transported on the first loop section based on the identification information detected by the pre-analysis scanning device, and remove the second-type sample vessel from the first loop section if none of the functional assays matches any of the valid assays for that second-type sample vessel and / or if the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is at least equal to the second loop section capacity limit. The system may be programmed to retain the second type of sample vessel on the loop, transport the second type of sample vessel around the first loop section until at least one of the functional assays matches at least one of the valid assays for the second type of sample vessel and / or the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit, and transfer the second type of sample vessel from the first loop section to the second loop section if at least one of the functional assays matches at least one of the valid assays for the second type of sample vessel and / or the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit.

[0183] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may include an input module configured to hold a sample vessel, and a pick-and-place robot configured to transfer the sample vessel between the input module and the first loop section. The input module may be configured to determine at least one of a height and width of the vessel, a shape of a bottom of the vessel, and whether the vessel is capped.

[0184] Aspects of the present disclosure include a method for processing a plurality of samples using an automated system. Each sample is contained in a sample container, and each sample container has machine-readable identification information (which may be a bar code) associated therewith. The automated system includes: a sample database that stores identification information for each sample container correlated with one or more valid assays for each sample container; a transporter configured to transport the sample containers, the transporter including a first loop section and a second loop section, the sample container being introduced into the system in the first loop section; and a pre-analysis scanning device (which may be a bar code scanning device) operatively associated with the first loop section and configured to detect the machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container as the sample container passes through the pre-analysis scanning device. at least one analyzer operatively associated with the second loop section, each analyzer may be configured to perform one or more functional assays (which may be the same as or different from the functional assays of each other analyzer, and the number of analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section and / or the one or more functional assays each analyzer is configured to perform may vary over time); and at least one system controller in communication with the sample database, the pre-analysis scanning device, and the at least one analyzer.The method includes: (A) using a pre-analysis scanning device to detect machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container transported past the pre-analysis scanning device (e.g., as the sample container is transported past the pre-analysis scanning device on a first loop section); (B) using a system controller to access a sample database and identify one or more valid assays for each sample container transported on the first loop section based on the identification information detected by the pre-analysis scanning device; (C) using the system controller to monitor functional assays configured to be performed by all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section and / or monitor the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section; and (D) using the system controller to compare the one or more valid assays for each sample container with the functional assays of all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section and / or compare the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section with a second loop section capacity limit. The method may include a comparing step; (E) using the system controller, if none of the functional assays matches any of the valid assays for that sample vessel and / or if the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is at least equal to the second loop section capacity limit, retaining the sample vessel on the first loop section and transporting the sample vessel around the first loop section until at least one of the functional assays matches at least one of the valid assays for that sample vessel and / or the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit; and (F) using the system controller, if at least one of the functional assays matches at least one of the valid assays for that sample vessel and / or the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit, transferring the sample vessel from the first loop section to the second loop section.

[0185] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a vessel storage module operatively associated with the first loop section, and the method may further include the steps of the system controller monitoring the number of times the sample vessel traverses the first loop section and / or the duration over which the sample vessel traverses the first loop section, and transferring the sample vessel from the first loop section to the vessel storage module if the number of times the sample vessel traverses the first loop section and / or the duration over which the sample vessel traverses the first loop section reaches a certain limit.

[0186] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the automated system may include a distinct analyzer software module associated with each analyzer, wherein an identification of each of the analyzer's one or more functional assays is stored in an analyzer database associated with the analyzer software module. A system controller may communicate with each analyzer's analyzer software module, and monitoring the functional assays configured to be performed by all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section includes the system controller receiving, from each analyzer software module, an information transmission including an identification of each of the associated analyzer's one or more functional assays.

[0187] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the automated system may include a diverter operatively associated with the first loop section, and step (E) includes using the system controller to configure the diverter in a first configuration that prevents the sample container from being transferred from the first loop section to the second loop section, and step (F) includes using the system controller to configure the diverter in a second configuration that allows the sample container to be transferred from the first loop section to the second loop section.

[0188] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the second loop section may be configured and controlled to repeatedly translate each sample vessel to at least one analyzer, and the automated system further includes a recirculation scanning device operatively associated with the second loop section and configured to detect machine-readable identification information associated with each sample vessel transported on the second loop section past the recirculation scanning device. The system controller may be in communication with the recirculation scanning device, and the method may further include, after step (F), extracting a sample from the sample container transferred to the second loop section and performing one of the one or more valid assays for the sample container that match one of the one or more functional assays; revising the sample database to update the valid assay correlated with the sample identification information for the sample container by changing the status of the valid assay from which the sample was extracted; using the recirculation scanning device to detect machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container transported on the second loop section past the recirculation scanning device; using the system controller to access the sample database and identify one or more valid assays for sample containers from which sample was not extracted based on the identification information detected by the recirculation scanning device; and using the system controller to transport the sample container away from the second loop section if there are no more valid assays for the sample container.

[0189] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further include using the system controller to count the number of times each sample vessel traverses the second loop section and / or track the period of time each sample vessel has been on the second loop section, and using the system controller to cause the sample vessel to be transported away from the second loop section when the sample vessel has traversed the second loop section a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time.

[0190] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the second loop section may be configured and controlled to repeatedly translate each sample vessel to at least one analyzer, and the method may further include using the system controller to count the number of times each sample vessel traverses the second loop section and / or track the period of time each sample vessel has been on the second loop section, and using the system controller to transport the sample vessel away from the second loop section when the sample vessel has traversed the second loop section a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time.

[0191] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the automated system may further include a container storage module (which may be temperature controlled), and the method may further include using the system controller to transfer the sample container to the container storage module when there are no more valid assays for the sample container or when the sample container has traversed the second loop section a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time.

[0192] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the automated system may include a pick-and-place robot configured to transfer sample containers between the transporter and the container storage module, and the system controller may be in communication with the pick-and-place robot. Transferring the sample containers to the storage module may include the system controller activating the pick-and-place robot to transfer the sample containers from the transporter to the container storage module.

[0193] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the automated system may include an input module configured to hold a sample container, and the method may include a step of the system controller transferring the sample container from the input module to the first loop section.

[0194] According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the method may include removing a cap from a sample vessel using a decapper and / or detecting a liquid level within at least a portion of the sample vessel using a liquid level detection module.

[0195] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may include using a sample transfer module to transfer a sample from at least one first type sample vessel to at least one second type sample vessel, and using a system controller to transfer each second type sample vessel from the sample transfer module to the first loop section using a vessel transfer robot.

[0196] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, each second-type sample vessel has machine-readable identification information associated therewith, and the sample database includes identification information for each second-type sample vessel correlated with one or more valid assays associated with each second-type sample vessel. The method includes the steps of: detecting, using a pre-analysis scanning device, the machine-readable identification information associated with each second-type sample vessel transported past the pre-analysis scanning device; accessing, using a system controller, the sample database and identifying, based on the identification information detected by the pre-analysis scanning device, one or more valid assays for each second-type sample vessel transported on the first loop section; comparing, using the system controller, the one or more valid assays for each second-type sample vessel with functional assays for all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section and / or comparing the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section with a second loop section capacity limit; and, using the system controller, if none of the functional assays match any of the valid assays for that second-type sample vessel, and / or retaining the second type of sample vessel on the first loop section when the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is at least equal to the second loop section capacity limit and transporting the second type of sample vessel around the first loop section until at least one of the functional assays matches at least one of the valid assays for the second type of sample vessel and / or the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit; and using the system controller, transferring the second type of sample vessel from the first loop section to the second loop section when at least one of the functional assays matches at least one of the valid assays for the sample vessel and / or the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit.

[0197] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may include using an input module to determine at least one of the height and width of the container, the shape of the bottom of the container, and whether the container has a cap.

[0198] Aspects of the present disclosure include methods for processing multiple samples using an automated system, each sample contained in a sample container, and the automated system may include a transporter configured to transport the sample container, the transporter having a first loop section and a second loop section, the sample container being introduced into the system at the first loop section, a pre-analysis scanning device for detecting machine-readable identification information, at least one analyzer operatively associated with the second loop section, and at least one system controller. The method includes the steps of: (A) associating machine-readable identification information with each sample vessel; (B) associating one or more validated assays with each sample vessel; (C) storing the identification information for each sample vessel in a sample database accessible to a system controller and correlating the identification information of each sample vessel with the one or more assays associated with the sample vessel; and (D) configuring each analyzer to perform one or more functional assays on a sample extracted from the sample vessel, wherein the one or more functional assays performed by each analyzer may be the same as or different from one or more functional assays performed by any other analyzer operatively associated with the transporter, and an assay operatively associated with the second loop section. (E) using a pre-analysis scanning device to detect machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container transported past the pre-analysis scanning device; (F) using a system controller to access a sample database and identify one or more valid assays for each sample container transported on the first loop section based on the identification information detected by the pre-analysis scanning device; (G) using the system controller to monitor the functional assays configured to be performed by all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section and / or monitor the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section; and (H) using the system controller tocomparing one or more valid assays for each sample vessel with functional assays for all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section and / or comparing the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section with a second loop section capacity limit; and (I) using the system controller, if none of the functional assays match any of the valid assays for that sample vessel and / or if the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is at least equal to the second loop section capacity limit, retaining the sample vessel on the first loop section and determining whether at least one of the functional assays matches. (J) using the system controller, causing the sample vessel to be transported around the first loop section if at least one of the functional assays matches at least one of the valid assays for the sample vessel and / or the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit; and

[0199] Aspects of the present disclosure include a system for processing multiple samples, each sample contained in a sample container, each sample container having machine-readable identification information (e.g., a barcode) associated therewith. The system may include a transporter, a container storage module (which may be temperature controlled), a scanning device (e.g., a barcode scanning device), a sample database, at least one analyzer (which may be a molecular testing instrument, such as a module for performing nucleic acid-based amplification reactions), and at least one system controller. The transporter may be configured to transport sample containers and may include a first loop section and a second loop section. The container storage module may be operatively associated with the first loop section and may be configured to receive sample containers from the first loop section and hold multiple sample containers. The scanning device may be operatively associated with the first loop section and may be configured to detect machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container transported on the first loop section. The sample database stores the identification information for each sample container, which is correlated with one or more validated assays for each sample container. At least one analyzer may be operatively associated with the second loop section, and each analyzer may be configured to perform one or more functional assays on a sample extracted from the sample vessel. The number of analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section and / or the one or more functional assays that each analyzer is configured to perform may vary over time.The system controller (A) accesses the sample database and identifies one or more valid assays for each sample container transported on the first loop section based on the identification information detected by the scanning device; (B) monitors the functional assays configured to be performed by all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section and / or monitors the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section; (C) compares the one or more valid assays for each sample container transported on the first loop section with the functional assays of all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section and / or compares the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section with a second loop section capacity limit; and (D) if any of the functional assays do not match any of the valid assays for that sample container and / or if any of the sample containers being transported on the second loop section are not transported on the second loop section, the system controller (E) cause the sample vessel to be transported around the first loop section until at least one of the functional assays matches at least one of the valid assays for that sample vessel and / or until the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit, repeating functions A, B, C, and D each time the sample vessel traverses the first loop section; (F) monitor the number of times the sample vessel traverses the first loop section and / or the amount of time the sample vessel traverses the first loop section; and (G) cause the sample vessel to be transferred from the first loop section to a vessel storage module if the number of times the sample vessel traverses the first loop section and / or the amount of time the sample vessel traverses the first loop section exceeds a certain limit.

[0200] According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the system controller may be programmed to record one or more valid assays for each sample container transferred to the container storage module, compare the one or more valid assays for each sample container stored in the container storage module with functional assays for all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section, and / or compare the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section with a second loop section capacity limit, and if at least one of the functional assays matches any of the valid assays for that sample container and / or if the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit, transfer the sample container stored in the container storage module from the container storage module to the first loop section, and after the sample container is transferred from the container storage module to the first loop section, transfer the sample container from the first loop section to the second loop section.

[0201] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may include a vessel transfer robot that may be configured to transfer sample vessels between the first loop section and the vessel storage module. The system controller may be in communication with the vessel transfer robot and may be programmed to cause the vessel transfer robot to transfer sample vessels from the first loop section to the vessel storage module and to cause the vessel transfer robot to transfer sample vessels from the vessel storage module to the first loop section.

[0202] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may include a distinct analyzer software module associated with each analyzer, wherein the identification of each of the analyzer's one or more functional assays is stored in an analyzer database associated with the analyzer software module, and wherein a system controller may communicate with each analyzer's analyzer software module. The system controller may be programmed to monitor the functional assays of all analyzers by receiving information transmissions from each analyzer software module, each information transmission including the identification of each of the associated analyzer's one or more functional assays.

[0203] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may include an input diverter operatively associated with the first loop section and selectively configurable in a first configuration that prevents a sample vessel from being transferred from the first loop section to the second loop section or a second configuration that causes the sample vessel to be transferred from the first loop section to the second loop section. A system controller may be in communication with the input diverter, and the system controller may be programmed to cause the input diverter to be configured in the first configuration to cause the sample vessel to be retained on the first loop section and to cause the input diverter to be configured in the second configuration to cause the sample vessel to be transferred from the first loop section to the second loop section.

[0204] Aspects of the present disclosure include methods for processing a plurality of samples using an automated system, each sample contained within a sample vessel, each sample vessel having machine-readable identification information. The automated system may include a transporter configured to transport sample containers and may include a first loop section and a second loop section; a container storage module operatively associated with the first loop section and configured to receive sample containers from the first loop section and hold multiple sample containers; a scanning device operatively associated with the first loop section and configured to detect machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container transported on the first loop section; a sample database that stores identification information for each sample container correlated with one or more valid assays for each sample container; at least one analyzer operatively associated with the second loop section, each analyzer may be configured to perform one or more functional assays on a sample extracted from the sample container, and the number of analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section and / or the one or more functional assays each analyzer is configured to perform may vary over time; and at least one system controller in communication with the sample database and the scanning device. The method includes the steps of: (A) using a scanning device to detect machine-readable identification information associated with each sample vessel transported on the first loop section; (B) using a system controller to access a sample database and identify one or more valid assays for each sample vessel transported on the first loop section based on the identification information detected by the scanning device; (C) using the system controller to monitor functional assays of all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section and / or monitor the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section; and (D) using the system controller to compare the one or more valid assays for each sample vessel transported on the first loop section with the functional assays of all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section.and / or comparing the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section with a second loop section capacity limit; (E) using the system controller, retaining the sample vessel on the first loop section if none of the functional assays match any of the valid assays for that sample vessel and / or if the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is at least equal to the second loop section capacity limit; (F) using the system controller, retaining the sample vessel on the first loop section until at least one of the functional assays matches at least one of the valid assays for that sample vessel and / or if the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is at least equal to the second loop section capacity limit. The method may include transporting the sample container around the first loop section until the number of sample containers is below the second loop section capacity limit, repeating steps (A), (B), (C), (D), and (E) each time the sample container traverses the first loop section; (G) monitoring with the system controller the number of times the sample container traverses the first loop section and / or the amount of time the sample container traverses the first loop section; and (H) using the system controller to transfer the sample container from the first loop section to a container storage module when the number of times the sample container traverses the first loop section and / or the amount of time the sample container traverses the first loop section reaches a certain limit.

[0205] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may include: (I) using a system controller to record one or more valid assays for each sample container transferred to the container storage module in step (H); (J) using the system controller to compare the one or more valid assays for each sample container stored in the container storage module with functional assays for all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section and / or compare the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section with a second loop section capacity limit; (K) using the system controller to transfer a sample container stored in the container storage module from the container storage module to the first loop section if at least one of the functional assays matches any of the valid assays for that sample container and / or if the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit; and (L) after the sample container is transferred from the container storage module to the first loop section, using the system controller to transfer the sample container from the first loop section to the second loop section.

[0206] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the automation method may include a container transfer robot configured to transfer sample containers between the first loop section and the container storage module. The system controller may be in communication with the container transfer robot, and step (H) includes causing the container transfer robot to transfer the sample containers from the first loop section to the container storage module, and step (K) includes causing the container transfer robot to transfer the sample containers from the container storage module to the first loop section.

[0207] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the automated system may include a distinct analyzer software module associated with each analyzer, wherein an identification of each of the one or more functional assays for each analyzer is stored in an analyzer database associated with the analyzer software module. A system controller may be in communication with the analyzer software module of each analyzer, and monitoring the functional assays of all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section includes the system controller receiving an information transmission from each analyzer software module, each information transmission including an identification of each of the one or more functional assays for the associated analyzer.

[0208] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the automated system may include an input diverter operatively associated with the first loop section and selectively configurable in a first configuration that prevents a sample vessel from being transferred from the first loop section to the second loop section or a second configuration that causes a sample vessel to be transferred from the first loop section to the second loop section. A system controller may be in communication with the input diverter, and step (E) may include using the system controller to configure the input diverter in the first configuration, and step (L) may include using the system controller to configure the input diverter in the second configuration.

[0209] Aspects of the present disclosure include a system for processing multiple samples, each sample contained in a sample vessel, each sample vessel having machine-readable identification information associated therewith. The system may include a transporter, a vessel storage module (which may be temperature controlled), a recirculation scanning device, a sample database, at least one analyzer, and at least one system controller. The transporter may be configured to transport sample vessels and include a first loop section and a second loop section. The vessel storage module may be operatively associated with the first loop section and configured to receive sample vessels from the first loop section and hold multiple sample vessels. The recirculation scanning device may be operatively associated with the second loop section and configured to detect the machine-readable identification information associated with each sample vessel as the sample vessel is transported past the recirculation scanning device on the second loop section. The sample database stores the identification information for each sample vessel, which is correlated with one or more valid assays for each sample vessel. At least one analyzer may be operatively associated with the second loop section, and each analyzer may be configured to perform one or more functional assays on a sample extracted from the sample vessel. The number of analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section and / or the one or more functional assays that each analyzer is configured to perform may vary over time.The system controller may be in communication with the sample database and the scanning device, and may be programmed to (A) access the sample database and identify any valid assays for each sample container transported on the second loop section based on the identification information detected by the recirculating scanning device, (B) retain the sample container on the second loop section if the sample container has at least one valid assay, (C) transport the sample container around the second loop section, repeating functions A and B each time the sample container traverses the second loop section, (D) monitor the number of times the sample container traverses the second loop section and / or the amount of time the sample container traverses the second loop section, (E) transfer the sample container from the second loop section to the first loop section if the number of times the sample container traverses the second loop section and / or the amount of time the sample container traverses the second loop section exceeds a certain limit, and (F) transfer the sample container from the first loop section to a container storage module.

[0210] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system controller may be programmed to record one or more valid assays for each sample container transferred to the container storage module, monitor the functional assays of all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section, compare the one or more valid assays for each sample container stored in the container storage module with the functional assays of all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section, and if at least one of the functional assays matches any of the valid assays for that sample container, transfer the sample container stored in the container storage module from the container storage module to the first loop section, and after the sample container is transferred from the container storage module to the first loop section, transfer the sample container from the first loop section to the second loop section.

[0211] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system controller may be programmed to monitor the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section, compare the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section with a second loop section capacity limit, and transfer the sample vessels stored in the vessel storage module from the vessel storage module to the first loop section if at least one of the functional assays matches any of the valid assays for that sample vessel and if the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit.

[0212] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system controller may be programmed to monitor functional assays of all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section, compare the valid assay of each sample container scanned using the recirculation scanning device with the functional assays of all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section, and if the sample container has at least one valid assay that matches at least one functional assay, cause the sample container to remain on the second loop section until the number of times the sample container traverses the second loop section and / or the amount of time the sample container traverses the second loop section exceeds a certain limit.

[0213] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system controller may be programmed to record one or more valid assays for each sample container transferred to the container storage module, compare the one or more valid assays for each sample container stored in the container storage module with the functional assays of all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section, and if at least one of the functional assays matches any of the valid assays for that sample container, cause the sample container stored in the container storage module to be transferred from the container storage module to the first loop section, and after the sample container has been transferred from the container storage module to the first loop section, cause the sample container to be transferred from the first loop section to the second loop section.

[0214] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system controller is programmed to monitor the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section, compare the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section with a second loop section capacity limit, and transfer the sample containers stored in the container storage module from the container storage module to the first loop section if at least one of the functional assays matches any of the valid assays for that sample container and if the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit.

[0215] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may include a container transfer robot configured to transfer sample containers between the first loop section and the storage module. The system controller may be in communication with the container transfer robot and may be programmed to use the container transfer robot to transfer sample containers from the first loop section to the container storage module and to use the container transfer robot to transfer sample containers from the container storage module to the first loop section.

[0216] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may include a distinct analyzer software module associated with each analyzer, wherein a respective identification of one or more functional assays for each analyzer is associated with the analyzer software module and stored in an analyzer database. A system controller may be in communication with each analyzer's analyzer software module, the system controller being programmed to monitor the functional assays of all analyzers by receiving information transmissions from each analyzer's analyzer software module, each information transmission including a respective identification of the one or more functional assays for the associated analyzer.

[0217] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may include an outlet diverter operatively associated with the second loop section and selectively configurable in a first configuration that prevents the sample vessel from being transferred from the second loop section to the first loop section or a second configuration that causes the sample vessel to be transferred from the second loop section to the first loop section. The system controller may be in communication with the outlet diverter and may be programmed to cause the outlet diverter to be configured in the first configuration to retain the sample vessel on the second loop section and to cause the outlet diverter to be configured in the second configuration to transfer the sample vessel from the second loop section to the first loop section.

[0218] Aspects of the present disclosure include a method for processing a plurality of samples using an automated system, each sample contained in a sample vessel, each sample vessel having machine-readable identification information associated therewith. The automated system includes: a transporter configured to transport the sample vessels and including a first loop section and a second loop section; a vessel storage module operatively associated with the first loop section and configured to receive the sample vessels from the first loop section and hold the plurality of sample vessels; a recirculation scanning device operatively associated with the second loop section and configured to detect the machine-readable identification information associated with each sample vessel as the sample vessels are transported past the recirculation scanning device on the second loop section; and a sample storage module operatively associated with the second loop section and configured to detect the machine-readable identification information associated with each sample vessel as the sample vessels are transported past the recirculation scanning device on the second loop section, the sample storage module being correlated with one or more valid assays for each sample vessel. The system may include a sample database that stores identification information for each sample container; at least one analyzer operatively associated with the second loop section, wherein each analyzer may be configured to perform one or more functional assays on a sample extracted from the sample container, and wherein the number of analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section and / or the one or more functional assays that each analyzer is configured to perform may vary over time; and at least one system controller in communication with the sample database and the scanning device.The method includes: (A) using a recirculation scanning device to detect machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container transported past the recirculation scanning device; (B) using a system controller to access a sample database and identify any valid assays for each sample container transported on the second loop section based on the identification information detected by the recirculation scanning device; (C) using the system controller to retain the sample container on the second loop section if the sample container has at least one valid assay; and (D) using the system controller to transport the sample container around the second loop section, so that the sample container is retained on the second loop section. (E) using the system controller to monitor the number of times the sample container traverses the second loop section and / or the amount of time the sample container traverses the second loop section; (F) using the system controller to transfer the sample container from the second loop section to the first loop section if the number of times the sample container traverses the second loop section and / or the amount of time the sample container traverses the second loop section exceeds a certain limit; and (G) using the system controller to transfer the sample container from the first loop section to a container storage module.

[0219] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may include: (H) using the system controller, recording one or more valid assays for each sample container transferred to the container storage module; (I) using the system controller, monitoring functional assays of all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section; (J) using the system controller, comparing the one or more valid assays for each sample container stored in the container storage module with the functional assays of all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section; (K) using the system controller, transferring a sample container stored in the container storage module from the container storage module to the first loop section if at least one of the functional assays matches any of the valid assays for that sample container; and (L) using the system controller, transferring the sample container from the first loop section to the second loop section after the sample container has been transferred from the container storage module to the first loop section.

[0220] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may include the steps of: using a system controller to monitor the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section; using the system controller to compare the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section with a second loop section capacity limit; and using the system controller to transfer a sample vessel stored in the vessel storage module from the vessel storage module to the first loop section if at least one of the functional assays matches any of the valid assays for that sample vessel and if the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit.

[0221] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may include using a system controller to monitor functional assays of all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section; using the system controller to compare the valid assay of each sample container scanned using the recirculating scanning device with the functional assays of all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section; and using the system controller to retain the sample container on the second loop section if the sample container has at least one valid assay that matches at least one functional assay until the number of times the sample container traverses the second loop section and / or the amount of time the sample container traverses the second loop section exceeds a certain limit.

[0222] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may include using a system controller to record one or more valid assays for each sample container transferred to the container storage module; using the system controller to compare the one or more valid assays for each sample container stored in the container storage module with functional assays for all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section; using the system controller to transfer the sample container stored in the container storage module from the container storage module to the first loop section if at least one of the functional assays matches any of the valid assays for that sample container; and using the system controller to transfer the sample container from the first loop section to the second loop section after the sample container has been transferred from the container storage module to the first loop section.

[0223] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may include using a system controller to monitor the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section; using the system controller to compare the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section with a second loop section capacity limit; and using the system controller to transfer a sample container stored in the container storage module from the container storage module to the first loop section if at least one of the functional assays matches any of the valid assays for that sample container and if the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit.

[0224] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the automated system may include a container transfer robot configured to transfer sample containers between the first loop section and the storage module, and the system controller may be in communication with the container transfer robot, wherein step (G) includes causing the sample container robot to transfer the sample container from the first loop section to the container storage module, and step (K) includes causing the sample container robot to transfer the sample container from the container storage module to the first loop section.

[0225] Aspects of the present disclosure include a system for processing multiple samples, each sample contained in a sample container, each sample container having machine-readable identification information associated therewith. The system may include a transporter, two or more analyzers, distinct analyzer software modules, a sample database, a buffer queue, a scanning device, and at least one system controller. The transporter may be configured to transport the sample containers. Two or more analyzers may be operatively associated with the transporter, each analyzer configured to perform one or more functional assays on samples extracted from the sample containers. Each analyzer software module is associated with one analyzer, and respective identities of each analyzer's one or more functional assays are stored in an analyzer database associated with the analyzer software module. The sample database stores identification information for each sample container correlated with one or more valid assays for each sample container, and the sample database is independent of the analyzer software modules and the analyzer database. A buffer queue may be associated with each analyzer and configured to hold multiple sample vessels diverted from the transporter to the buffer queue. One scanning device may be associated with each analyzer and configured to detect machine-readable identification information associated with each sample vessel transported on the transporter past the scanning device. The system controller may be programmed to access the sample database, identify one or more valid assays for each sample vessel transported on the transporter based on the identification information detected by each scanning device, and communicate the one or more valid assays for the sample vessel to an analyzer software module of the analyzer associated with the scanning device.The associated analyzer software module may be programmed to compare the one or more valid assays of the sample container with respective identifications of one or more functional assays stored in the analyzer database of the associated analyzer, and to communicate instructions to the system controller on whether to divert the sample container from the transporter to the associated buffer queue based, at least in part, on the results of the comparison.

[0226] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the analyzer software module may be programmed to communicate instructions to the system controller to divert the sample container from the transporter to the associated buffer queue if at least one valid assay for that sample container corresponds to at least one functional assay of the analyzer associated with the buffer queue, or to communicate instructions to the system controller not to divert the sample container from the transporter to the associated buffer queue if none of the valid assays for that sample container correspond to any functional assay of the analyzer associated with the buffer queue.

[0227] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, respective identifications of one or more queue-enabled assays are stored in an associated analyzer database, each queue-enabled assay corresponding to at least one functional assay of the associated analyzer and comprising an identification of at least one valid assay of each sample container previously diverted to the associated buffer queue from which a sample has not yet been extracted for performing one of the corresponding functional assays. The associated analyzer software module may be programmed to compare the one or more valid assays of a sample container scanned with the associated scanning device with the respective identifications of the one or more queue-enabled assays stored in the analyzer database of the associated analyzer, and to communicate to the system controller an instruction on whether to divert the sample container from the transporter to the associated buffer queue based, at least in part, on the result of the comparison.

[0228] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the associated analyzer software module is programmed to communicate instructions to the system controller on whether to divert the sample container from the transporter to the associated buffer queue based on whether one of the one or more valid assays corresponds to a selected one of the one or more queue valid assays.

[0229] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the analyzer software module associated with each analyzer comprises a computer module stored within the associated analyzer.

[0230] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the transporter may include a first track, and the system may include a container holder associated with each sample container for holding the associated sample container, and the first track may be configured to transport the container holder on the first track.

[0231] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, each buffer queue includes a second track configured to hold and transport container holders diverted to the buffer queue, and the system further includes a container diverter configured to selectively divert sample containers from the first track to the second track.

[0232] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may include an automated pipettor associated with each analyzer and configured to transfer a portion of a sample from a sample vessel to a process vessel in the associated analyzer. The system controller may be programmed to cause the automated pipettor to transfer a quantity of sample from a sample vessel diverted to a buffer queue to a process vessel in the associated analyzer, and to cause the buffer queue to transport the sample vessel back to the transporter after the sample has been transferred from the sample vessel to the process vessel.

[0233] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the transporter may include a recirculation loop configured and controlled to repeatedly translate each sample container to two or more analyzers until either (1) sample is extracted from the sample container to perform all valid assays for that sample container, or (2) the sample container traverses the recirculation loop a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time, first.

[0234] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may include a container storage module, and the transporter may be configured and controlled to transfer the sample container to the container storage module after sample has been extracted from the sample container to perform all valid assays for that sample container or after the sample container has traversed the recirculation loop a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time.

[0235] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may include a pick-and-place robot configured to transfer sample containers between the transporter and the container storage module.

[0236] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may include one or more pre-analytical modules, each configured to process a sample vessel before making the sample vessel available to two or more analyzers. The transporter may be configured to translate the sample vessel to the pre-analytical module before transporting the sample vessel between the two or more analyzers, the pre-analytical module comprising one or more of a vessel decapper configured to remove a cap from the sample vessel and a liquid level detection module configured to detect a liquid level within at least a portion of the sample vessel.

[0237] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may include a sample transfer module configured to transfer a sample from at least one first type sample vessel to at least one second type sample vessel, and the system controller may be programmed to cause each second type sample vessel to which the sample has been transferred to be transferred from the sample transfer module to a transporter.

[0238] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may include an input module configured to hold a sample container, and a pick-and-place robot configured to transfer the sample container between the input module and a transporter.

[0239] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may include a pre-analytical loop through which sample vessels are provided to the system, and a pre-analytical scanning device configured to detect machine-readable identification information associated with each sample vessel transported on the pre-analytical loop. The system controller may be programmed to identify one or more valid assays for each sample vessel based on the identification information detected by the pre-analytical scanning device, and to transfer a sample vessel from the pre-analytical loop to the recirculation loop if one or more functional assays of two or more analyzers correspond to at least one of the one or more valid assays for the sample vessel and / or if the number of sample vessels being transported on the recirculation loop is below a recirculation loop capacity limit.

[0240] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may include a vessel storage module coupled to the pre-analytical loop and configured to receive a sample vessel from the pre-analytical loop into the vessel storage module, and the system controller may be programmed to cause a sample vessel on the pre-analytical loop to be transferred from the pre-analytical loop to the vessel storage module if none of the two or more analyzers has a functional assay that matches any of the one or more valid assays of the sample vessel.

[0241] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system controller may be programmed to cause the sample vessel to be transported around the pre-analysis loop if none of the two or more analyzers has a functional assay that matches any of the one or more valid assays of the sample vessel.

[0242] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system controller may be programmed to identify one or more valid assays for each sample container based on identification information detected by the pre-analytical scanning device each time the sample container is transported around the pre-analytical loop, reserve the sample container on the pre-analytical loop if none of the two or more analyzers has a functional assay corresponding to any of the one or more valid assays of the sample container and / or if the number of sample containers being transported on the recirculation loop is at least equal to a recirculation loop capacity limit, monitor the number of times the sample container traverses the pre-analytical loop and / or the duration for which the sample container traverses the pre-analytical loop, and transfer the sample container from the pre-analytical loop to a container storage module if the number of times the sample container traverses the pre-analytical loop and / or the duration for which the sample container traverses the pre-analytical loop exceed a certain limit.

[0243] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system controller may be programmed to reserve a sample vessel on the pre-analytical loop if none of the two or more analyzers has a functional assay corresponding to any of one or more valid assays of the sample vessel and / or if the number of sample vessels being transported on the recirculation loop is at least equal to the recirculation loop capacity limit.

[0244] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may include a shuttle module associated with each analyzer, the shuttle module may be configured to translate sample containers between an associated buffer queue and the associated analyzer, and a pick-and-place robot associated with each analyzer, the pick-and-place robot may be configured to transfer sample containers from the associated buffer queue to a sample container hand-off location on the shuttle module, the shuttle module may be configured to translate sample containers between the sample container hand-off location and a pipetting location within the analyzer associated with the sample container hand-off location.

[0245] Aspects of the present disclosure include a method for processing a plurality of samples using an automated system, each sample contained in a sample container, each sample container having machine-readable identification information associated therewith. The automated system includes a transporter configured to transport the sample containers, two or more analyzers operatively associated with the transporter, each analyzer optionally configured to perform one or more functional assays on a sample extracted from the sample container, and a distinct analyzer software module associated with each analyzer operatively associated with the transporter, wherein the identification of each of the one or more functional assays for each analyzer is stored in an analyzer database associated with the analyzer software module. The system may include a sample database that stores machine-readable identification information, the identification information being correlated with one or more valid assays for each sample container, the sample database being independent of the analyzer software module and the analyzer database; a buffer queue associated with each analyzer and configured to hold a plurality of sample containers diverted from the transporter to the buffer queue; a scanning device associated with each analyzer and configured to detect machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container transported on the transporter past the scanning device; and at least one system controller in communication with each analyzer software module, the sample database, and each scanning device.The method may include: (A) using each scanning device to detect machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container transported on a transporter past the scanning device; (B) using a system controller to access a sample database and identify one or more valid assays for the sample container based on the identification information detected by the scanning device; (C) using the system controller to communicate the one or more valid assays for the sample container to an analyzer software module of an analyzer associated with the scanning device; (D) using the analyzer software module of the analyzer associated with the scanning device to compare the one or more valid assays for the sample container with respective identifications of one or more functional assays stored in the analyzer database of the associated analyzer; and (E) based at least in part on the result of the comparison of step (D), communicating an instruction from the associated analyzer software module to the system controller as to whether to divert the sample container from the transporter to an associated buffer queue.

[0246] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may include communicating instructions from the associated analyzer software module to the system controller to divert the sample container from the transporter to the associated buffer queue only if one of the one or more valid assays for that sample container corresponds to one of the one or more functional assays of the analyzer associated with the buffer queue, or communicating instructions from the associated analyzer software module to the system controller not to divert the sample container from the transporter to the associated buffer queue if none of the valid assays for that sample container correspond to any functional assay of the analyzer associated with the buffer queue.

[0247] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may include: (F) storing in an associated analyzer database an identification of one or more respective queue-valid assays, each queue-valid assay corresponding to at least one functional assay of the associated analyzer and comprising an identification of at least one valid assay for each sample container previously diverted to the associated buffer queue from which a sample has not yet been extracted for performing one of the corresponding functional assays; (G) using the associated analyzer software module, comparing the one or more valid assays communicated in step (C) with the identification of one or more respective queue-valid assays stored in step (F); and (H) communicating from the associated analyzer software module to a system controller an instruction as to whether to divert the sample container from the transporter to the associated buffer queue, at least in part based on the result of the comparison of step (G).

[0248] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may include: (F) storing in an associated analyzer database an identification of each of one or more queue-validated assays, each queue-validated assay corresponding to at least one functional assay of the associated analyzer and comprising an identification of at least one valid assay for each sample container previously diverted to the associated buffer queue from which sample has not yet been extracted for performing one of the corresponding functional assays; (G) using the associated analyzer software module, comparing the one or more valid assays communicated in step (C) with the identification of selected ones of the one or more queue-validated assays stored in step (F); and (H) communicating from the associated analyzer software module to a system controller an instruction as to whether to divert the sample container from the transporter to the associated buffer queue, at least in part based on the result of the comparison of step (G).

[0249] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may include, in response to receiving an instruction from an associated analyzer software module to divert the sample container from the transporter to the associated buffer queue, the system controller diverting the sample container from the transporter to the associated buffer queue.

[0250] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the transporter may include a first track, and the system may include a container holder associated with each sample container for holding the associated sample container, and the first track may be configured to transport the container holder on the first track.

[0251] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the transporter may include a first track configured to transport the sample vessel thereon, each buffer queue may include a second track configured to transport the sample vessel diverted to the buffer queue, and the automation system may include a vessel diverter configured to selectively divert the sample vessel from the first track to the second track. Diverting the sample vessel from the transporter to the associated buffer queue may include the system controller causing the vessel diverter to divert the sample vessel from the first track to the second track.

[0252] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the automated system may include an automated pipettor associated with each analyzer and configured to transfer a portion of the sample from the sample container to a process container in the associated analyzer. The method may also include the steps of: a system controller causing the automated pipettor to transfer a quantity of sample from the sample container diverted to the buffer queue to the process container in the associated analyzer; and the system controller causing the buffer queue to transport the sample container back to the transporter.

[0253] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the transporter may include a recirculation loop configured and controlled to repeatedly translate each sample container past two or more analyzers, and the method may include a step of a system controller counting the number of times each sample container traverses the recirculation loop or tracking the period of time each sample container has been on the recirculation loop, and a step of the system controller causing the sample container to be transported away from the recirculation loop when the sample container has traversed the recirculation loop a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time.

[0254] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the transporter may include a recirculation loop configured and controlled to repeatedly translate each sample container past two or more analyzers, and the automated system may include an automated pipettor associated with each analyzer and configured to extract a portion of the sample from the sample container, and a recirculation scanning device operatively associated with the recirculation loop and configured to detect machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container transported on the recirculation loop past the recirculation scanning device. The system controller may be in communication with the recirculation scanning device, and the method may include the steps of, after diverting the sample container from the transporter to an associated buffer queue, the system controller causing an automated pipettor to extract a sample from the sample container and performing one of one or more valid assays on the sample container using an associated analyzer; revising the sample database to update the valid assays correlated with the sample identification information for the diverted sample container by changing the status of the valid assays performed by the associated analyzer; the recirculation scanning device detecting machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container transported on the recirculation loop past the recirculation scanning device; the system controller accessing the sample database and identifying one or more valid assays for the sample container from which sample was not extracted based on the identification information detected by the recirculation scanning device; and the system controller causing the sample container to be transported away from the recirculation loop if there are no remaining valid assays for the sample container.

[0255] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may include a step in which a system controller counts the number of times each sample container traverses the recirculation loop or tracks the period of time each sample container has been on the recirculation loop, and a step in which the system controller causes the sample container to be conveyed away from the recirculation loop when the sample container has traversed the recirculation loop a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time.

[0256] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the automated system may include a container storage module configured to hold a plurality of sample containers, and the method may include the system controller causing the sample container to be transferred to the container storage module when there are no more valid assays for the sample container or when the sample container has traversed the recirculation loop a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time.

[0257] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the automated system may include a pick-and-place robot configured to transfer sample containers between the transporter and the container storage module, and the system controller may be in communication with the pick-and-place robot. Transferring the sample containers to the storage module may include the system controller activating the pick-and-place robot to transfer the sample containers from the transporter to the storage module.

[0258] According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the method may include removing a cap from a sample vessel using a decapper or detecting a liquid level within at least a portion of the sample vessel using a liquid level detection module.

[0259] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may include using a sample transfer module to transfer a sample from at least one first type sample vessel to at least one second type sample vessel, and causing a system controller to transfer each second type sample vessel from the sample transfer module to a transporter.

[0260] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the transporter may include a pre-analytical loop through which sample vessels are provided to the system, and the automated system may include a pre-analytical scanning device operatively associated with the pre-analytical loop and configured to detect machine-readable identification information associated with each sample vessel transported on the pre-analytical loop past the pre-analytical scanning device. The system controller may be in communication with the pre-analysis scanning device, and the method may include the steps of: the pre-analysis scanning device detecting machine-readable identification information associated with each sample vessel transported on the pre-analysis loop past the pre-analysis scanning device; the system controller accessing a sample database and identifying one or more valid assays for the sample vessel based on the identification information detected by the pre-analysis scanning device; the system controller comparing the one or more valid assays for the sample vessel with functional assays stored in all analyzer databases and / or comparing the number of sample vessels being transported on the recirculation loop with a recirculation loop capacity limit; and using the system controller to transfer a sample vessel from the pre-analysis loop to the recirculation loop if one or more functional assays of two or more analyzers correspond to at least one of the one or more valid assays for the sample vessel and / or if the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit.

[0261] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the automated system may include a container storage module configured to receive the sample container, and the method may include the system controller causing the sample container on the pre-analytical loop to be transferred from the pre-analytical loop to the container storage module if none of the two or more analyzers has a functional assay that matches any of the one or more valid assays of the sample container.

[0262] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may include the step of the system controller causing the sample container to be transported around a pre-analysis loop if none of the two or more analyzers has a functional assay that matches any of the one or more valid assays of the sample container.

[0263] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may include the steps of: a system controller identifying one or more valid assays for each sample container based on identification information detected by the pre-analytical scanning device each time the sample container is transported around the pre-analytical loop; the system controller retaining the sample container on the pre-analytical loop if none of the two or more analyzers has a functional assay corresponding to any of the one or more valid assays of the sample container and / or if the number of sample containers being transported on the recirculation loop is at least equal to a recirculation loop capacity limit; the system controller monitoring the number of times the sample container traverses the pre-analytical loop and / or the duration for which the sample container traverses the pre-analytical loop; and the system controller transferring the sample container from the pre-analytical loop to a container storage module if the number of times the sample container traverses the pre-analytical loop and / or the duration for which the sample container traverses the pre-analytical loop reaches a certain limit.

[0264] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may include the step of the system controller causing the sample vessel to be reserved on the pre-analytical loop if none of the two or more analyzers has a functional assay corresponding to any of one or more valid assays of the sample vessel and / or if the number of sample vessels being transported on the recirculation loop is at least equal to the recirculation loop capacity limit.

[0265] Aspects of the present disclosure include methods for processing a plurality of samples using an automated system, each sample contained in a sample container, each sample container having a machine-readable identification associated therewith. The automated system may include: a sample database that stores the identification for each sample container correlated with one or more validated assays for each sample container; a transporter configured to transport the sample containers; a container storage module operatively associated with the transporter and configured to receive the sample containers from the transporter and hold the plurality of sample containers; a scanning device operatively associated with the transporter and configured to detect the machine-readable identification associated with each sample container transported on the transporter; at least one analyzer operatively associated with the transporter and configured to perform one or more functional assays on sample material extracted from the sample containers, wherein the one or more functional assays include at least one of the one or more validated assays; and at least one system controller in communication with the sample database, the transporter, and the scanning device.The method includes the steps of: (A) using a system controller to automatically transport each sample container to at least one analyzer by a transporter; (B) automatically extracting a quantity of sample from the sample container at the analyzer such that one of one or more valid assays can be performed on the extracted sample by the analyzer; (C) revising a sample database to update the valid assays correlated with sample identification information for the sample container by changing the status of the valid assay from which the sample was extracted in step (B); (D) using a scanning device to detect machine-readable identification information associated with the sample container; (E) using the system controller to access the sample database and identify any valid assays for sample containers from which sample was not extracted based on the identification information detected by the scanning device; and (F) identifying if one or more valid assays were detected in step (E). (G) if no valid assays are identified for the sample container in step (E), causing, using the system controller, the sample container to be transferred from the transporter to a container storage module; (H) using the system controller to receive an additional test order for the sample container after the sample container has been transferred to the container storage module, the additional test order being based on the results of at least one of the one or more valid assays from which a sample was extracted in step (B); (I) using the system controller to transfer the sample container for which an additional test order has been received from the container storage module to the transporter; and (J) using the system controller to transfer the sample container by the transporter to at least one analyzer to extract a sample for the additional test order.

[0266] According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the additional testing instructions include one or more of repeating the validated assay due to errors encountered in the previous performance of the validated assay, performing a reflex test, and performing an assay different from the one or more validated assays to detect a different analyte.

[0267] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the transporter may include a first loop section and a second loop section, the container storage module being operatively associated with the first loop section and the at least one analyzer being operatively associated with the second loop section.

[0268] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may include using a system controller to monitor functional assays of all analyzers, comparing the additional test order with the functional assays of all analyzers, and performing step (I) only if the additional test order corresponds to at least one functional assay.

[0269] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may include using a system controller to monitor the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section; comparing the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section with a second loop section capacity limit; and performing step (I) only if the additional test command corresponds to at least one functional assay and the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit.

[0270] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, one or more of the sample vessels includes a pierceable cap, and step (B) includes extracting the sample material through the pierceable cap without removing the pierceable cap from the sample vessel.

[0271] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may include the steps of: (K) using a system controller monitoring the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section; (L) using the system controller comparing the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section with a second loop section capacity limit; (M) using the system controller, if the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section is at least equal to the second loop section capacity limit, retaining the sample containers on the first loop section and transporting the sample containers around the first loop section until the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit; and (N) using the system controller, if the number of sample containers being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit, transferring the sample containers from the first loop section to the second loop section.

[0272] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the automated system may include a diverter operatively associated with the first loop section, and step (M) includes using the system controller to configure the diverter in a first configuration that prevents the sample container from being transferred from the first loop section to the second loop section, and step (N) includes using the system controller to configure the diverter in a second configuration that allows the sample container to be transferred from the first loop section to the second loop section.

[0273] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, step (D) includes detecting machine-readable identification information associated with each sample vessel as the sample vessel is transported on the transporter past the scanning device.

[0274] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the automated system may include an input module configured to hold a sample container, and the method may include using a system controller to transfer the sample container from the input module to the first loop section.

[0275] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may include using an input module to determine at least one of the height and width of the container, the shape of the bottom of the container, and whether the container has a cap.

[0276] According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the method may include one or more of removing a cap from a sample vessel using a decapper and detecting a liquid level within at least a portion of the sample vessel using a liquid level detection module.

[0277] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may include using a sample transfer module to transfer sample material from at least one first type sample vessel to at least one second type sample vessel, and using at least one system controller to transfer each second type sample vessel from the sample transfer module to a transporter.

[0278] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the automated system may include at least one container transfer robot configured to transfer sample containers between the transporter and the container storage module, and the system controller may be in communication with the container transfer robot, wherein step (G) includes causing the container transfer robot to transfer the sample container from the transporter to the container storage module, and step (I) includes causing the container transfer robot to transfer the sample container from the container storage module to the transporter, and wherein step (G) and step (I) are performed using the same container transfer robot or different container transfer robots.

[0279] Aspects of the present disclosure include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium encoded with computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform any of the methods described above.

[0280] Other features and characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure, and methods of operation, function and combination of parts of associated elements of construction, and economies of manufacture will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and appended claims, with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification and in which like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various views. The present invention provides, for example, the following. (Item 1) 1. A system for processing a plurality of distinct samples, each sample contained in a discrete sample vessel, the system comprising: A) two or more analyzers, each configured to perform one or more functional assays on a sample extracted from a sample container, wherein the one or more functional assays performed by each analyzer may be the same or different from the one or more functional assays performed by each of the other analyzers, each analyzer configured to perform each of the one or more functional assays in a receptacle device comprising a process number of two or more operatively associated process containers, wherein each analyzer is configured to perform the same of the one or more functional assays on a different sample contained in each process container of the receptacle device; B) a sample transfer device associated with each analyzer and configured to transfer a portion of the sample from the sample container to one of the process containers of said receptacle apparatus; C) a transporter configured to transport sample containers between the two or more analyzers; D) a buffer queue associated with each analyzer and configured to hold a plurality of sample vessels diverted from the transporter to the buffer queue; E) a scanning device associated with each analyzer and configured to detect machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container transported on said transporter; F) one or more controllers, 1) identifying one or more valid assays for each sample container based on the identification information detected by the scanning device; 2) determining whether the sample vessel is a STAT sample vessel based on the identification information detected by the scanning device; and 3) diverting a sample container from the transporter to one of the buffer queues if the valid assay for that sample container corresponds to a functional assay of the analyzer associated with that buffer queue; 4) monitoring a buffered vessel count for each buffer queue, the buffered vessel count comprising, for each buffer queue, the number of sample vessels held in that buffer queue with the same valid assay; 5) monitoring a buffered vessel hold time for each buffer queue, the buffered vessel hold time comprising the elapsed time since the first sample vessel of each buffered vessel count was diverted to the buffer queue; 6) Using the sample transfer device of said associated analyzer to perform the following tasks: a) transferring a portion of sample from each of the process number of sample vessels in the associated buffer queue having the same valid assay into a different one of the process vessels of the receptacle device if the buffered vessel count in the associated buffer queue for that assay is at least equal to the process number; b) transferring a portion of sample from each of the number of sample vessels in the associated buffer queue having the same valid assay into a different one of the process vessels of the receptacle device when the buffered vessel hold time for the associated buffer queue for that valid assay reaches a maximum hold time and the buffered vessel count in the associated buffer queue for that assay falls below a certain process number; or c) transferring a portion of a sample from the STAT sample container diverted to the associated buffer queue into one of the process containers of the receptacle device; and one or more controllers programmed to A system comprising: (Item 2) 2. The system of claim 1, wherein when a STAT sample container is diverted to the associated buffer queue, the one or more controllers are configured to: (i) transfer a portion of the sample from each of any blocked sample containers diverted to the associated buffer queue before the STAT sample container into a different one of the process containers of the one or more receptacle devices; (ii) move any blocked sample container into which sample was transferred in step (i) out of the buffer queue; and (iii) then transfer a portion of the sample from the STAT sample container diverted to the associated buffer queue into one of the process containers of the receptacle devices. (Item 3) 3. The system of claim 2, wherein if the valid assay of the blocked sample container is the same as the valid assay of the STAT sample container, the sample is transferred from each of the blocked sample container and the STAT sample container to different process containers of the same receptacle device in steps (i) and (iii). (Item 4) 3. The system of claim 2, wherein if the valid assay of the blocked sample container is different from the valid assay of the STAT sample container, the sample is transferred from the blocked sample container and the STAT sample container to different receptacle devices in steps (i) and (iii). (Item 5) 2. The system of claim 1, wherein when a STAT sample vessel is diverted to the associated buffer queue, the one or more controllers are configured to: (i) move any blocked sample vessel diverted to the associated buffer queue in front of the STAT sample vessel out of the buffer queue without transferring any sample from the blocked sample vessel into a process vessel of the receptacle device; and (ii) transfer a portion of the sample from the STAT sample vessel diverted to the associated buffer queue into one of the process vessels of the receptacle device. (Item 6) 6. The system of any one of items 1-5, wherein each analyzer is configured to simultaneously perform the same of the one or more functional assays of that analyzer on different samples contained in each process vessel of the receptacle device. (Item 7) 7. The system of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the sample transfer device comprises a robotic pipettor. (Item 8) The system of any one of items 1-7, wherein the transporter comprises a first track, the system further comprises a container holder associated with each sample container for holding the associated sample container, and the first track is configured to transport the container holder on the first track. (Item 9) 9. The system of claim 8, wherein each buffer queue comprises a second track configured to hold and transport the container holder, and the system further comprises a diverter configured to selectively divert the container holder and the sample container held thereby from the first track to the second track. (Item 10) 10. The system of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the scanning device comprises a barcode scanning device. (Item 11) 11. The system of any one of items 1-10, wherein at least one of the one or more controllers is programmed to identify the one or more valid assays for each sample container by accessing a database in which the identification information of each sample container is correlated with one or more valid assays. (Item 12) The system of any one of items 1-7, wherein the transporter comprises a recirculation loop configured and controlled to either (1) extract sample from the sample vessel for performing all valid assays for that sample vessel, or (2) translate each sample vessel between the two or more analyzers until the first time the sample vessel traverses the recirculation loop a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time. (Item 13) Item 13. The system of item 12, wherein the transporter is configured to transfer the sample container to a container storage module after a sample has been extracted from the sample container to perform all valid assays for that sample container or after the sample container has traversed the recirculation loop the predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time. (Item 14) Item 14. The system of item 13, further comprising a pick-and-place robot configured to transfer sample containers between the transporter and the container storage module. (Item 15) 15. The system of any one of items 1-14, further comprising one or more pre-analysis modules, each pre-analysis module configured to process the sample vessel before making the sample vessel available to the two or more analyzers, and the transporter configured to translate the sample vessel to the pre-analysis module before transporting the sample vessel between the two or more analyzers. (Item 16) Item 16. The system of item 15, wherein the pre-analysis module comprises one or more of a vessel decapper configured to remove a cap from a sample vessel, a liquid level detection module configured to detect a liquid level within at least a portion of the sample vessel, and a sample transfer module configured to transfer a sample from a first type of sample vessel to a second type of sample vessel that will be made available to the two or more analyzers. (Item 17) 17. The system of any one of items 1-16, further comprising an input module coupled to the transporter and configured to hold a sample vessel. (Item 18) Item 18. The system of item 17, further comprising a pick-and-place robot configured to transfer sample containers between the input module and the transporter. (Item 19) Item 19. The system of item 17 or 18, wherein the input module is configured to determine at least one of the height and width of the container, the shape of the bottom of the container, and whether the container has a cap. (Item 20) The carrier comprises: a recirculation compartment configured to translate each sample vessel to the two or more analyzers; a pre-analytical compartment; an input module coupled to the pre-analysis compartment and configured to hold a sample vessel; Item 1. The system of item 1, comprising: (Item 21) 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the recirculation compartment comprises a continuous recirculation loop configured to translate each sample vessel between the two or more analyzers until either (1) sample has been extracted from the sample vessel to perform all valid assays for that sample vessel, or (2) the sample vessel has traversed the recirculation loop a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time, the first time. (Item 22) 22. The system of claim 20, further comprising a pick-and-place robot configured to transfer sample vessels between the input module and the pre-analysis compartment, the pre-analysis compartment configured to translate sample vessels from the input module to the recirculation compartment. (Item 23) 23. The system of claim 22, wherein the pick-and-place robot is controlled such that whether sample vessels are transferred from the input module to the pre-analysis section, or the order in which sample vessels are transferred from the input module to the pre-analysis section, is independent of any identification information associated with each sample vessel and / or any valid assay for the sample vessel. (Item 24) 23. The system of claim 22, wherein the input module contains an area dedicated to STAT sample vessels, and the STAT sample vessels are transferred from the input module to the pre-analysis compartment before any other sample vessels are transferred from the input module to the pre-analysis compartment. (Item 25) 26. The system of claim 20, further comprising a pre-analysis scanning device configured to detect the machine-readable identification information associated with each sample vessel transported on the pre-analysis compartment, wherein the controller is configured to identify one or more valid assays for each sample vessel based on the identification information detected by the pre-analysis scanning device, and to transfer the sample vessel from the pre-analysis compartment to the recirculation compartment if one or more functional assays of the two or more analyzers correspond to at least one of the one or more valid assays for the sample vessel. 26. The system of claim 25, further comprising a container storage module coupled to the pre-analysis section and configured to receive a sample container from the pre-analysis section into the container storage module, wherein the controller is configured to transfer the sample container on the pre-analysis section to the container storage module if none of the two or more analyzers has a functional assay that matches any of the one or more valid assays of the sample container. (Item 27) 28. The system of claim 25, wherein the pre-analytical compartment comprises a continuous pre-analytical loop, and the controller is configured to convey the sample vessel around the pre-analytical loop if none of the two or more analyzers has a functional assay that matches any of the one or more valid assays of the sample vessel. 28. The system of any one of items 1-27, wherein at least one of the two or more analyzers comprises a molecular testing instrument. (Item 29) 30. The system of claim 28, wherein the molecular testing instrument comprises a module for performing a nucleic acid-based amplification reaction. (Item 30) 30. The system of any one of items 1-29, wherein each process vessel of each receptacle device comprises a test tube, and the receptacle device comprises a number of interconnected test tubes arranged in a matched array. (Item 31) 31. The system of any one of items 1-30, further comprising a shuttle module associated with each analyzer, the shuttle module configured to translate sample containers between the associated buffer queue and the associated analyzer. (Item 32) Item 32. The system of item 31, further comprising a pick-and-place robot associated with each analyzer, the pick-and-place robot configured to transfer sample containers from the associated buffer queue to a sample container hand-off position on the shuttle module, and the shuttle module configured to translate the sample containers between the sample container hand-off position and a pipetting location within the associated analyzer. (Item 33) each of the two or more analyzers is configured to move a receptacle apparatus to a position to receive sample from the sample transfer device associated with the analyzer at the start of a cyclically cycling process cycle, and the one or more controllers are configured to: performing task F)6)a) at the beginning of a first process cycle after a process number of sample containers with the same valid assay have been diverted to the associated buffer queue; performing task F)6)b) at the beginning of a first process cycle after the buffered vessel hold time for the associated buffer queue for that assay has reached the maximum hold time; or Task F)6)c) is performed at the beginning of the first process cycle after the STAT sample is diverted. 32. The system of any one of items 1-31, configured to implement: (Item 34) 32. The system of any one of items 1-31, wherein each of the two or more analyzers is configured to move a receptacle apparatus to a position to receive sample from the sample transfer device associated with the analyzer at the start of a periodically cycling process cycle, and wherein the maximum hold time comprises at least the remaining time of the process cycle in progress when the first sample container of each buffered container count is diverted to the buffer queue. (Item 35) 35. The system of claim 34, wherein the maximum hold time comprises the remaining time of the process cycle in progress when the first sample vessel of each buffered vessel count is diverted to the buffer queue plus the duration of one additional process cycle. (Item 36) 1. A method for automatically processing a plurality of distinct samples, each sample contained in a discrete sample vessel, said samples being processed in one or more of two or more analyzers, each analyzer configured to perform one or more functional assays, said two or more analyzers configured to perform the same or different functional assays, each analyzer configured to perform each of said one or more functional assays in a process number of two or more operatively associated process vessels, each analyzer configured to perform the same one or more functional assays on different samples contained in each process vessel of said receptacle apparatus; a) automatically transporting the sample container between the two or more analyzers; b) during step a), identifying one or more valid assays for each sample vessel; c) diverting the sample container to a buffer queue associated with one of the two or more analyzers if the at least one valid assay identified in step b) for the sample container corresponds to the functional assay configured to be performed by the associated analyzer; d) monitoring a buffered vessel count for each buffer queue and for each functional assay of the associated analyzer, the buffered vessel count comprising the number of sample vessels held in each buffer queue for each functional assay of the associated analyzer; e) monitoring a buffered vessel retention time for each buffer queue, said buffered vessel retention time comprising the elapsed time since the first sample vessel of each buffered vessel count was diverted to said buffer queue; f) detecting, for each buffer queue, which of a first process state, a second process state, and a third process state occurs first, wherein the first process state means that the buffered vessel count for a first assay is equal to the process number and the buffered vessel hold time for that assay has not reached a maximum hold time; the second process state means that the buffered vessel count for the first assay is less than the process number and the buffered vessel hold time for the first assay has reached the maximum hold time; and the third process state means that a diverted sample vessel in the buffer queue is designated STAT; g) if the first process state is detected with respect to a buffer queue, transferring a quantity of sample from each of the process number of sample containers requiring the first assay held in the buffer queue into one of the process number of process containers of a receptacle device; h) if the second process state is detected with respect to the buffer queue, transferring a quantity of sample from each of a number of sample containers requiring the first assay held in the buffer queue into one of a number of process containers of a receptacle device, wherein the number of sample containers is less than the number of processes; i) transferring a quantity of sample from the STAT sample container held in the buffer queue into a process container of a receptacle device if the third process state is detected with respect to the buffer queue; A method comprising: (Item 37) 1. A system for processing a plurality of distinct samples, each sample contained in a discrete sample vessel, the system comprising: A) two or more analyzers, each configured to perform one or more functional assays on a sample extracted from a sample container, wherein the one or more functional assays performed by each analyzer may be the same or different from the one or more functional assays performed by each of the other analyzers, each analyzer configured to perform each of the one or more functional assays in a receptacle device comprising a process number of two or more operatively associated process containers, wherein each analyzer is configured to perform the same of the one or more functional assays on a different sample contained in each process container of the receptacle device; B) a sample transfer device associated with each analyzer and configured to transfer a portion of the sample from the sample container to one of the process containers of said receptacle apparatus; C) a transporter configured to transport sample containers between the two or more analyzers; D) a buffer queue associated with each analyzer and configured to hold a plurality of sample containers received from the transporter; and E) a scanning device associated with each analyzer and configured to detect machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container transported on the transporter. F) one or more controllers, said one or more controllers having the following tasks: 1) identifying one or more valid assays to be performed on the sample contained in each sample vessel based on the identification information detected by the scanning device; 2) diverting a sample container from the transporter to one of the buffer queues if the sample container meets one or more sample selection criteria, the sample selection criteria including whether an assay to be performed on the sample in that sample container corresponds to a functional assay of the analyzer associated with the buffer queue; 3) monitoring a buffered vessel count for each buffer queue, the buffered vessel count comprising, for each buffer queue, the number of sample vessels with the same valid assay held in that buffer queue, and the buffered vessel count does not exceed the number of processes; 4) if the buffered vessel count in the associated buffer queue for that valid assay is equal to a process number, causing a sample transfer device of the associated analyzer to transfer a portion of sample from each of the process number of sample vessels in the associated buffer queue requesting the same valid assay into a different one of the process vessels of the receptacle apparatus; one or more controllers programmed to implement A system comprising: (Item 38) A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium encoded with computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to control a system for processing a plurality of distinct samples, each sample contained in a discrete sample vessel, the system comprising: (i) two or more analyzers, each configured to perform one or more functional assays on a sample extracted from a sample vessel, the one or more functional assays of each analyzer being the same or different from the one or more functional assays of each of the other analyzers, each analyzer configured to perform each of the one or more functional assays in a receptacle device comprising a process number of two or more operatively associated process vessels, each analyzer configured to perform one or more functional assays on a sample extracted from a sample vessel, the one or more functional assays of each analyzer being the same or different from the one or more functional assays of each of the other analyzers, (ii) two or more analyzers configured to perform the same of the one or more functional assays on different samples contained in each process receptacle of the receptacle apparatus; (ii) a sample transfer device associated with each analyzer and configured to transfer a portion of the sample from the sample receptacle to one of the process receptacles of the receptacle apparatus; (iii) a transporter configured to transport the sample receptacles to the two or more analyzers; (iv) a buffer queue associated with each analyzer and configured to hold a plurality of sample receptacles received from the transporter; (v) a diverter associated with each analyzer and configured to divert sample receptacles from the transporter to the associated buffer queue; and (vi) a scanning device associated with each analyzer and configured to detect machine-readable identification information associated with each sample receptacle transported on the transporter, receiving identification information for each sample container from each of the scanning devices; querying a database of sample information and identifying one or more valid assays for each sample container based on the identification information received from the scanning device; determining whether at least one valid assay in the sample container corresponds to a functional assay of the analyzer associated with the scanning device; activating the diverter to divert the sample container from the transporter to a buffer queue associated with the analyzer if at least one valid assay in the sample container corresponds to a functional assay of the associated analyzer; monitoring a buffered vessel count for each buffer queue, the buffered vessel count comprising, for each buffer queue, the number of sample vessels held in that buffer queue with the same valid assay; causing the sample transfer device associated with the analyzer to transfer a portion of sample from each of the process number of sample containers in the associated buffer queue with the same valid assay into a different one of the process containers of the receptacle apparatus if the buffered container count in the associated buffer queue for that valid assay is at least equal to a process number; A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions to cause a (Item 39) 1. A system for processing a plurality of samples, each sample contained in a sample vessel, each sample vessel having machine-readable identification information associated therewith, the system comprising: a sample database storing identification information for each sample vessel, the identification information for each sample vessel being correlated with one or more validated assays associated with the sample vessel; a transporter configured to transport the sample container; an input module configured to hold a plurality of sample vessels; a container transfer robot configured to transfer sample containers from the input module to the transporter; an input scanning device configured to detect the machine-readable identification information associated with each sample vessel; at least one analyzer operatively associated with the transporter, each analyzer configured to perform one or more functional assays on a sample extracted from a sample container, the one or more functional assays performed by each analyzer may be the same as or different from the one or more functional assays performed by any other analyzer operatively associated with the transporter; at least one system controller, said at least one system controller in communication with said container transfer robot, said input scanning device, and said sample database; controlling the vessel transfer robot to transfer sample vessels from the input module to the transporter, wherein each sample vessel to be transferred is removed from the input module before scanning the machine-readable identification information associated with the sample vessel and before identifying the one or more valid assays associated with the sample vessel; activating the input scanning device to automatically scan the machine-readable identification information of each sample vessel as it is removed from the input module or as it passes by the input scanning device thereafter; accessing the sample database; identifying one or more valid assays for each sample container transported on the transporter based on the identification information detected by the input scanning device; at least one system controller programmed to A system comprising: (Item 40) 1. A method for processing a plurality of samples using an automated system, each sample contained in a sample container, each sample container having associated therewith a machine-readable identification and one or more validated assays, the automated system comprising: a transporter for transporting the sample containers; an input module for holding a plurality of sample containers; an input scanning device for detecting the machine-readable identification associated with each sample container; at least one analyzer operatively associated with the transporter, each analyzer configured to perform one or more functional assays on a sample extracted from a sample container, the one or more functional assays performed by each analyzer may be the same as or different from the one or more functional assays performed by any other analyzer operatively associated with the transporter; a sample database that stores identification information for each sample container, the identification information being correlated with one or more validated assays for each sample container; and a system controller in communication with the sample database and the input scanning device, the method comprising: (A) using the system controller, automatically transferring each sample vessel from the input module to the transporter, wherein the sample vessel is removed from the input module before scanning the machine-readable identification information associated with the sample vessel and before identifying the one or more valid assays associated with the sample vessel; (B) detecting machine-readable identification information of each sample vessel using the input scanning device as the sample vessel is removed from the input module or as the sample vessel passes the input scanning device thereafter; (C) using the system controller, accessing the sample database and identifying one or more valid assays for the sample containers transported on the transporter based on the identification information detected by the input scanning device; A method comprising: (Item 41) 1. A system for processing a plurality of samples, each sample contained in a sample vessel, each sample vessel having machine-readable identification information associated therewith, the system comprising: a sample database storing identification information for each sample vessel, the identification information being correlated with one or more validated assays for each sample vessel; a transporter configured to transport a sample vessel, the transporter comprising a first loop section and a second loop section, the sample vessel being introduced into the system at the first loop section; a pre-analysis scanning device operatively associated with the first loop section and configured to detect the machine-readable identification information associated with each sample vessel as the sample vessel passes through the pre-analysis scanning device; at least one analyzer operatively associated with the second loop section, each analyzer configured to perform one or more functional assays on a sample extracted from a sample vessel, the one or more functional assays performed by each analyzer may be the same as or different from the one or more functional assays performed by any other analyzer operatively associated with the second loop section, and the number of analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section and / or the one or more functional assays each analyzer is configured to perform may vary over time; at least one system controller, said at least one system controller in communication with said sample database, said pre-analysis scanning device, and said at least one analyzer; accessing the sample database and identifying one or more valid assays for each sample container transported on the first loop section based on the identification information detected by the pre-analytical scanning device; monitoring the functional assays that all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section are configured to perform and the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section; comparing the one or more valid assays of each sample vessel to the functional assays of all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop compartment and / or comparing the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop compartment to a second loop compartment capacity limit; if none of the functional assays match any of the valid assays for that sample vessel and / or the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is at least equal to the second loop section capacity limit, retaining the sample vessel on the first loop section and transporting the sample vessel around the first loop section until at least one of the functional assays matches at least one of the valid assays for that sample vessel and / or the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit; transferring the sample vessel from the first loop compartment to the second loop compartment if at least one of the functional assays matches at least one of the valid assays for that sample vessel and / or the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop compartment is below the second loop compartment capacity limit; at least one system controller programmed to A system comprising: (Item 42) 1. A method for processing a plurality of samples using an automated system, each sample contained in a sample vessel, each sample vessel having machine-readable identification information associated therewith, the automated system comprising: a sample database that stores the identification information for each sample vessel, the identification information being correlated with one or more validated assays for each sample vessel; a transporter configured to transport sample vessels, the transporter comprising a first loop section and a second loop section, the sample vessels being introduced into the system in the first loop section; a pre-analysis scanning device operatively associated with the first loop section and configured to detect the machine-readable identification information associated with each sample vessel as the sample vessels pass through a pre-analysis scanning device; and a second loop section. and at least one analyzer operatively associated with said second loop section, each analyzer configured to perform one or more functional assays on a sample extracted from a sample container, wherein the one or more functional assays performed by each analyzer may be the same as or different from the one or more functional assays performed by any other analyzer operatively associated with said second loop section, and wherein the number of analyzers operatively associated with said second loop section and / or the one or more functional assays each analyzer is configured to perform may vary over time; and at least one system controller in communication with said sample database, said pre-analysis scanning device, and said at least one analyzer, (A) using the pre-analysis scanning device to detect the machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container transported past the pre-analysis scanning device; (B) using the system controller, accessing the sample database and identifying one or more valid assays for each sample container transported on the first loop section based on the identification information detected by the pre-analytical scanning device; (C) using the system controller to monitor the functional assays configured to be performed by all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section and / or monitor the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section; (D) using the system controller, comparing the one or more valid assays of each sample vessel with the functional assays of all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop compartment, and / or comparing the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop compartment with a second loop compartment capacity limit; (E) using the system controller, if none of the functional assays match any of the valid assays for that sample vessel and / or if the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is at least equal to the second loop section capacity limit, retaining the sample vessel on the first loop section and transporting the sample vessel around the first loop section until at least one of the functional assays matches at least one of the valid assays for that sample vessel and / or the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit; (F) using the system controller to transfer the sample vessel from the first loop compartment to the second loop compartment if at least one of the functional assays matches at least one of the valid assays for that sample vessel and / or if the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop compartment is below the second loop compartment capacity limit; A method comprising: (Item 43) 1. A system for processing a plurality of samples, each sample contained in a sample vessel, each sample vessel having machine-readable identification information associated therewith, the system comprising: a transporter configured to transport a sample vessel, the transporter comprising a first loop section and a second loop section; a vessel storage module operatively associated with the first loop section and configured to receive a sample vessel from the first loop section and to hold a plurality of sample vessels; a scanning device operatively associated with the first loop section and configured to detect the machine-readable identification information associated with each sample vessel transported on the first loop section; a sample database storing identification information for each sample vessel, the identification information being correlated with one or more validated assays for each sample vessel; at least one analyzer operatively associated with the second loop section, each analyzer configured to perform one or more functional assays on a sample extracted from a sample container, wherein the number of analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section and / or the one or more functional assays each analyzer is configured to perform can vary over time; At least one system controller in communication with the sample database and the scanning device, the system controller having the following functions: (A) accessing the sample database and identifying one or more valid assays for each sample container transported on the first loop section based on the identification information detected by the scanning device; (B) monitoring the functional assays configured to be performed by all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section and / or monitoring the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section; (C) comparing the one or more valid assays of each sample vessel transported on the first loop compartment with the functional assays of all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop compartment, and / or comparing the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop compartment with a second loop compartment capacity limit; (D) retaining a sample vessel on the first loop compartment if none of the functional assays match any of the valid assays for that sample vessel and / or if the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop compartment is at least equal to the second loop compartment capacity limit; (E) transporting the sample vessel around the first loop section until at least one of the functional assays matches at least one of the valid assays for that sample vessel and / or until the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section falls below the second loop section capacity limit, repeating functions A, B, C, and D each time the sample vessel traverses the first loop section; (F) monitoring the number of times the sample vessel traverses the first loop section and / or the amount of time the sample vessel traverses the first loop section; (G) transferring the sample vessel from the first loop section to the vessel storage module if the number of times the sample vessel traverses the first loop section and / or the amount of time the sample vessel traverses the first loop section exceeds a certain limit; at least one system controller programmed to execute the A system comprising: (Item 44) 1. A method for processing a plurality of samples using an automated system, each sample contained in a sample vessel, each sample vessel having machine-readable identification information associated therewith, the automated system comprising: a transporter configured to transport the sample vessels, the transporter comprising a first loop section and a second loop section; a vessel storage module operatively associated with the first loop section and configured to receive a sample vessel from the first loop section and hold a plurality of sample vessels; and a scanning device operatively associated with the first loop section and configured to detect the machine-readable identification information associated with each sample vessel transported on the first loop section. a sample database storing identification information for each sample vessel, the identification information being correlated with one or more validated assays for each sample vessel; at least one analyzer operatively associated with the second loop section, each analyzer configured to perform one or more functional assays on a sample extracted from a sample vessel, wherein the number of analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section and / or the one or more functional assays each analyzer is configured to perform can vary over time; and at least one system controller in communication with the sample database and the scanning device, the method comprising: (A) detecting, with the scanning device, the machine-readable identification information associated with each sample vessel transported on the first loop section; (B) using the system controller, accessing the sample database and identifying one or more valid assays for each sample container transported on the first loop section based on the identification information detected by the scanning device; (C) using the system controller to monitor the functional assays of all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section and / or monitor the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section; (D) using the system controller, comparing the one or more valid assays of each sample vessel transported on the first loop section to the functional assays of all analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section, and / or comparing the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section to a second loop section capacity limit; (E) using the system controller, retaining a sample vessel on the first loop compartment if none of the functional assays match any of the valid assays for that sample vessel and / or if the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop compartment is at least equal to the second loop compartment capacity limit; (F) using the system controller to transport the sample vessel around the first loop section until at least one of the functional assays matches at least one of the valid assays for that sample vessel and / or until the number of sample vessels being transported on the second loop section is below the second loop section capacity limit, repeating steps (A), (B), (C), (D), and (E) each time the sample vessel traverses the first loop section; (G) using the system controller, monitoring the number of times the sample vessel traverses the first loop section and / or the amount of time the sample vessel traverses the first loop section; (H) using the system controller to transfer the sample container from the first loop section to the container storage module when the number of times the sample container traverses the first loop section and / or the amount of time the sample container traverses the first loop section reaches a certain limit; A method comprising: (Item 45) 1. A system for processing a plurality of samples, each sample contained in a sample vessel, each sample vessel having machine-readable identification information associated therewith, the system comprising: a transporter configured to transport a sample vessel, the transporter comprising a first loop section and a second loop section; a vessel storage module operatively associated with the first loop section and configured to receive a sample vessel from the first loop section and to hold a plurality of sample vessels; a recirculation scanning device operatively associated with the second loop section and configured to detect the machine-readable identification information associated with each sample vessel as the sample vessel is transported on the second loop section past the recirculation scanning device; a sample database storing identification information for each sample vessel, the identification information being correlated with one or more validated assays for each sample vessel; at least one analyzer operatively associated with the second loop section, each analyzer configured to perform one or more functional assays on a sample extracted from a sample container, wherein the number of analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section and / or the one or more functional assays each analyzer is configured to perform can vary over time; At least one system controller in communication with the sample database and the scanning device, the system controller having the following functions: (A) accessing the sample database and identifying any valid assays for each sample container transported on the second loop section based on the identification information detected by the recirculation scanning device; (B) retaining the sample vessel on the second loop section if the sample vessel has at least one valid assay; (C) transporting the sample vessel around the second loop section, repeating functions A and B each time the sample vessel traverses the second loop section; and (D) monitoring the number of times the sample vessel traverses the second loop section and / or the amount of time the sample vessel traverses the second loop section; (E) transferring the sample vessel from the second loop section to the first loop section when the number of times the sample vessel traverses the second loop section and / or the amount of time the sample vessel traverses the second loop section exceeds a certain limit; (F) transferring the sample vessel from the first loop section to the vessel storage module; at least one system controller programmed to execute the A system comprising: (Item 46) 1. A method for processing a plurality of samples using an automated system, each sample contained in a sample vessel, each sample vessel having machine-readable identification information associated therewith, the automated system comprising: a transporter configured to transport the sample vessels, the transporter comprising a first loop section and a second loop section; a vessel storage module operatively associated with the first loop section and configured to receive a sample vessel from the first loop section and hold a plurality of sample vessels; and a recirculation scanning device operatively associated with the second loop section to detect the machine-readable identification information associated with each sample vessel as the sample vessels are transported on the second loop section past a recirculation scanning device. a recirculating scanning device configured to scan a sample container for a sample of interest; a sample database storing identification information for each of the sample containers, the identification information being correlated with one or more validated assays for each of the sample containers; at least one analyzer operatively associated with the second loop section, each analyzer configured to perform one or more functional assays on a sample extracted from the sample container, wherein the number of analyzers operatively associated with the second loop section and / or the one or more functional assays each analyzer is configured to perform can vary over time; and at least one system controller in communication with the sample database and the scanning device, the method comprising: (A) using the recirculating scanning device to detect the machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container transported past the recirculating scanning device; (B) using the system controller, accessing the sample database and identifying any valid assays for each sample container transported on the second loop section based on the identification information detected by the recirculation scanning device; (C) using the system controller to retain the sample vessel on the second loop section if the sample vessel has at least one valid assay; (D) using the system controller to transport the sample vessel around the second loop section, repeating steps (A), (B), and (C) each time the sample vessel traverses the second loop section; (E) using the system controller, monitoring the number of times the sample vessel traverses the second loop section and / or the amount of time the sample vessel traverses the second loop section; (F) using the system controller to transfer the sample vessel from the second loop section to the first loop section if the number of times the sample vessel traverses the second loop section and / or the amount of time the sample vessel traverses the second loop section exceeds a certain limit; (G) using the system controller to transfer the sample container from the first loop section to the container storage module; A method comprising: (Item 47) 1. A system for processing a plurality of samples, each sample contained in a sample vessel, each sample vessel having machine-readable identification information associated therewith, the system comprising: a transporter configured to transport the sample container; two or more analyzers operatively associated with the transporter, each analyzer configured to perform one or more functional assays on a sample extracted from a sample container; a distinct analyzer software module associated with each analyzer operatively associated with the transporter, wherein an identification of each of the one or more functional assays of each analyzer is stored in an analyzer database associated with the analyzer software module; a sample database that stores identification information for each sample container, the identification information being correlated with one or more validated assays for each sample container, the sample database being independent of the analyzer software module and analyzer database; a buffer queue associated with each analyzer and configured to hold a plurality of sample vessels diverted from the transporter to the buffer queue; a scanning device associated with each analyzer and configured to detect the machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container transported on the transporter past the scanning device; at least one system controller programmed to access the sample database, identify the one or more valid assays for each sample container transported on the transporter based on the identification information detected by each scanning device, and communicate the one or more valid assays for the sample container to an analyzer software module of the analyzer associated with the scanning device; Equipped with The system, wherein the associated analyzer software module is programmed to compare one or more valid assays of the sample container with respective identifications of the one or more functional assays stored in an analyzer database of the associated analyzer, and to communicate instructions to the system controller on whether to divert the sample container from the transporter to the associated buffer queue based, at least in part, on the results of the comparison. (Item 48) 1. A method for processing a plurality of samples using an automated system, each sample contained in a sample container, each sample container having machine-readable identification information associated therewith, the automated system comprising: a transporter configured to transport the sample containers; two or more analyzers operatively associated with the transporter, each analyzer configured to perform one or more functional assays on a sample extracted from the sample container; and a distinct analyzer software module associated with each analyzer operatively associated with the transporter, wherein an identification of each of the one or more functional assays for each analyzer is stored in an analyzer database associated with the analyzer software module. a sample database that stores identification information for each of the sample containers, the identification information being correlated with one or more valid assays for each of the sample containers, the sample database being independent of the analyzer software module and the analyzer database; a buffer queue associated with each analyzer and configured to hold a plurality of sample containers diverted from the transporter to the buffer queue; a scanning device associated with each analyzer and configured to detect the machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container transported on the transporter past a scanning device; and at least one system controller in communication with each analyzer software module, the sample database, and each scanning device, the method comprising: (A) detecting, with each scanning device, the machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container transported on the transporter past the scanning device; (B) using the system controller, accessing the sample database and identifying the one or more valid assays for the sample container based on the identification information detected by the scanning device; (C) using the system controller, communicating one or more valid assays for the sample container to an analyzer software module of the analyzer associated with the scanning device; (D) using an analyzer software module of the analyzer associated with the scanning device, comparing the one or more valid assays of the sample container with respective identifications of the one or more functional assays stored in an analyzer database of the associated analyzer; (E) communicating, at least in part, from the associated analyzer software module to the system controller, instructions as to whether to divert the sample container from the transporter to the associated buffer queue based at least in part on the results of the comparison of step (D); A method comprising: (Item 49) 1. A method for processing a plurality of samples using an automated system, each sample contained in a sample container, each sample container having a machine-readable identification associated therewith, the automated system comprising: a sample database storing the identification for each sample container, the identification correlated with one or more validated assays for each sample container; a transporter configured to transport the sample containers; a container storage module operatively associated with the transporter and configured to receive sample containers from the transporter and hold a plurality of sample containers; a scanning device operatively associated with the transporter and configured to detect the machine-readable identification associated with each sample container transported on the transporter; at least one analyzer operatively associated with the transporter and configured to perform the one or more functional assays on sample material extracted from the sample containers, the one or more functional assays including at least one of the one or more validated assays; and at least one system controller in communication with the sample database, the transporter, and the scanning device, the method comprising: (A) using the system controller to automatically transport each sample container to the at least one analyzer by the transporter; (B) automatically extracting, in the analyzer, a quantity of sample from the sample container such that one of the one or more validated assays can be performed on the extracted sample by the analyzer; (C) revising the sample database to update the valid assays correlated with the sample identification information for the sample container by changing the status of the valid assays from which the sample was extracted in step (B); (D) detecting the machine-readable identification information associated with the sample vessel using the scanning device; (E) using the system controller to access the sample database and identify any valid assays for the sample containers from which sample was not extracted based on the identification information detected by the scanning device; (F) if one or more valid assays are identified for said sample vessel in step (E), repeating steps (A)-(E) for each of said one or more valid assays; (G) if no valid assay is identified for the sample container in step (E), using the system controller to transfer the sample container from the transporter to the container storage module; (H) using the system controller, receiving an additional test order for the sample container after the sample container has been transferred to the container storage module, the additional test order being based on the results of at least one of the one or more validated assays from which the sample was extracted in step (B); (I) using the system controller to transfer the sample container for which an additional test command has been received from the container storage module to the transporter; (J) using the system controller to transfer the sample container via the transporter to the at least one analyzer to extract a sample for the additional test order; A method comprising: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0281] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, in which like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

[0282] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an automated sample processing system.

[0283] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the pre- / post-analytical compartment of an automated sample processing system.

[0284] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the analytical compartment of an automated sample processing system.

[0285] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing details of the analyzer station and system controller of the automated sample processing system.

[0286] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an algorithm for sorting, scheduling, and processing sample containers in the analytical compartment of an automated sample processing system.

[0287] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating an alternative algorithm for sorting, scheduling, and processing sample containers within the analytical compartment of an automated sample processing system.

[0288] [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a timing diagram of an exemplary process cycle.

[0289] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary receptacle device containing multiple interconnected process vessels that may be used in an analyzer of an automated sample processing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0290] Detailed Description While aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter may be embodied in a variety of forms, the following description and the accompanying drawings are intended to disclose some of these forms merely as specific examples of the subject matter, and therefore, the presently disclosed subject matter is not intended to be limited to the forms or embodiments so described and illustrated. definition

[0291] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms, notations, and other technical or technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. All patents, applications, published applications, and other publications referenced herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. To the extent that a definition set forth in this section contradicts or otherwise conflicts with a definition set forth in a patent, application, published application, or other publication incorporated herein by reference, the definition set forth in this section shall take precedence over the definition incorporated herein by reference.

[0292] Unless otherwise indicated or the context suggests otherwise, as used herein, "a" or "an" means "at least one" or "one or more."

[0293] This description may use various terms describing relative spatial arrangement and / or orientation or direction when describing the position and / or orientation of components, devices, locations, features, or portions thereof, or the direction of movement, forces, or other dynamic actions. Unless specifically stated or dictated otherwise by the context of the description, such terms, including but not limited to, top, bottom, above, below, under, above, above, below, left of, right of, in front of, behind, next to, adjacent to, between, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, longitudinal, lateral, radial, axial, clockwise, counterclockwise, etc., are used for convenience when referring to such components, devices, locations, features, or portions thereof, or to movement, forces, or other dynamic actions in the drawings and are not intended to be limiting.

[0294] Unless otherwise indicated or the context suggests otherwise, terms used herein to describe the physical and / or spatial relationship between a first component, structure, or portion thereof, and a second component, structure, or portion thereof, such as attached, connected, secured, joined, coupled, coupled, or similar terms, or variations of such terms, are intended to encompass both a direct relationship in which the first component, structure, or portion thereof is in direct contact with the second component, structure, or portion thereof, or the presence of one or more intervening components, structures, or portions thereof between the first component, structure, or portion thereof and the second component, structure, or portion thereof.

[0295] Additionally, unless otherwise stated, any specific dimensions referred to in this description merely represent example implementations of devices embodying aspects of the present disclosure and are not intended to be limiting.

[0296] The use of the term "about" applies to all numerical values ​​defined herein, whether explicitly stated or not. This term generally refers to a range of numerical values ​​that one of ordinary skill in the art would consider a reasonable deviation from the recited numerical values ​​in the context of this disclosure (i.e., having an equivalent function or result). For example, without intending to be limiting, this term can be interpreted as including a deviation of ±10% of a given numerical value, provided that such deviation does not alter the ultimate function or result of the value. Thus, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, in some circumstances, a value of about 1% can be interpreted as being in the range of 0.9% to 1.1%.

[0297] As used herein, the term "adjacent" refers to being near or next to one another. Adjacent objects can be spaced apart from one another or can be in actual or direct contact with one another. In some cases, adjacent objects can be joined to one another or integrally formed with one another.

[0298] As used herein, the terms "substantially" and "substantial" refer to a considerable degree or extent. For example, when used in conjunction with an event, circumstance, characteristic, or property, the term can refer to an instance in which the event, circumstance, characteristic, or property occurs exactly, as well as an instance in which the event, circumstance, characteristic, or property occurs in a close approximation, such as taking into account the typical tolerance levels or variability of the embodiments described herein.

[0299] As used herein, the terms "optional" and "optionally" mean that a subsequently described component, structure, element, event, circumstance, characteristic, property, step, etc. may or may not be included or occur, and that the description includes instances in which the component, structure, element, event, circumstance, characteristic, property, step, etc. is included or occurs as well as instances in which it is not included or does not occur.

[0300] References herein to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "further embodiment," "an example embodiment," "some aspects," "a further aspect," "aspects," and the like indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all embodiments necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Also, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, such feature, structure, or characteristic is also described in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0301] Reaction or Process: According to various embodiments, the reaction or process may comprise one or more of a sample preparation process, a washing process, a sample purification process, a pre-amplification process, a pre-amplification product purification process, an amplification process, an amplification product purification process, a separation process, a sequencing process, a sequencing product purification process, a labeling process, a detection process, or the like. The amplification process may include, for example, a nucleic acid-based amplification reaction such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

[0302] Processing component: A processing component comprises a component that performs a reaction or process and can include a sample preparation component, a purification component, a pre-amplification reaction component, an amplification reaction component, a sequencing reaction component, a detection component, or the like.

[0303] Assay: As used herein, the term "assay" refers to a procedure for detecting and / or quantifying an analyte in a sample. A sample containing or suspected of containing the analyte is contacted with one or more reagents and exposed to conditions permissive to produce a detectable signal that indicates the presence or amount (e.g., mass or concentration) of the analyte in the sample.

[0304] Analyzer: As used herein, the term "analyzer" refers to an automated instrument capable of performing one or more steps of an assay, including determining the presence or absence of one or more analytes suspected to be present in a fluid sample. Automated clinical analyzers ("analyzers") comprise one or more processing components and may include molecular testing instruments, clinical chemistry analyzers, automated immunoassay analyzers, or any other type of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) testing analyzer. Generally, analyzers perform a series of automated reactions or processes, such as IVD tests, on multiple patient samples. Patient samples can be loaded (manually or via an automated system) into the analyzer, which can then perform one or more reactions or processes, such as immunoassays, chemistry tests, or other observable tests, on each sample.

[0305] Carrier: A carrier is a transport unit that can be used to move sample containers (and thus fluid samples) or other items in a sample processing system. In some embodiments, a carrier may be a conventional automation puck (e.g., a passive device comprising a retainer for engaging a tube or item, a friction surface to allow an external conveyor belt in an automated track to provide motive force, and multiple or continuous circular sides that allow the puck to be guided by walls or rails in the track, allowing the track to route the carrier to its destination). In some embodiments, a carrier may include active components such as a processor, a motion system, a guidance system, sensors, and the like. In some embodiments, a carrier may include onboard intelligence that allows the carrier to be self-guided between points in an automated system. In some embodiments, a carrier may include onboard components that provide motive force, while in others, motive force may be provided by an automated surface such as a track. In some embodiments, a carrier moves along a track that restricts movement to a single direction (e.g., forward and backward) between branch points. A carrier may be specialized for a given payload in an IVD environment, such as having a tube holder for engaging and transporting a sample vessel, or may include a mounting surface suitable for transporting different items around an automated system. A carrier can be configured to include one or more slots (e.g., the carrier may hold one or more sample vessels).

[0306] In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD): In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) are tests that can detect diseases, conditions, infections, metabolic markers, or quantify various components of bodily substances / fluids. IVD tests generally involve testing and diagnosing disease or quantifying various components of bodily substances / fluids based on assays performed on patient fluid samples, utilizing medical devices intended to perform a diagnosis from an assay in a test tube or other reaction or process vessel, or more commonly, in a controlled environment outside a living organism.

[0307] Module: A module is a component that performs a specific task or function. Examples of modules may include a pre-analytical module that manipulates sample vessels or prepares samples for analytical testing (e.g., a decapper module that removes caps from sample vessels, a centrifuge, a liquid level detection module, etc.), an analytical module such as an analyzer that extracts a portion of the sample from a sample vessel and performs a test, assay, or other process comprising one or more reactions, processes, or process steps, a post-analytical module that prepares sample vessels for storage after analytical testing (e.g., a capper or recapper module that reseals the sample vessel), or a sample vessel handling module such as an input module, an output module, or a storage module.

[0308] Conveyor, Carrier, Track: As used herein, the terms "conveyor," "carrier," or "track" refer to a mechanical device for transporting items (e.g., containers or carriers that may or may not hold containers) from one location to another along a defined path. Non-limiting examples of exemplary conveyors include robots, belts (e.g., moving belts, shuttles / carriages that move on tracks, rails, etc.), magnetic devices, gear systems, cable systems, vacuum systems, autonomous vehicles with wheels, etc. The terms may be used to refer to an entire apparatus or a discrete portion or range of an apparatus for transporting items from a first location to a second location.

[0309] Computer or Processor: A computer or processor may refer to one or more computers or processors and / or associated software and processing circuitry, which may include single or multi-core processors, single or multi-processors, embedded systems, or distributed processing architectures, as appropriate, to implement the function or functions specified in each embodiment.

[0310] Buffer Queue: The term buffer queue may be used to refer to a track segment away from the main part of the track system. A buffer queue may include a parallel track or other suitable means for separating several sample containers and associated carriers (if applicable) from the main transport pattern. In the present disclosure, a buffer queue may be associated with an analyzer or other processing module, and will receive sample containers and associated carriers (if applicable) from the main transporter track and hold the sample containers until such time that one or more of the sample containers held in the buffer queue can be processed according to the processing decision logic described herein.

[0311] Sample, sample material, or sample fluid: These terms refer to the contents of a sample container, such as a sample taken from an industrial or municipal material storage or processing system for chemical or biological testing or a biological sample taken from a patient (human or animal), and may include blood (whole blood, serum, plasma), urine, hematocrit, amniotic fluid, interstitial fluid, sputum, urine, feces, semen, mucus, pus, tissue, food, or any other fluid suitable for performing an assay or test on it. Sample may sometimes refer to a calibration fluid or other fluid used to assist an analyzer in processing other patient samples.

[0312] STAT (Short Turnaround Time) Samples: Samples may be assigned different priorities by the Laboratory Information System (LIS) or an operator to assign STAT priority to samples that should be prioritized over non-STAT samples in the processing system.

[0313] Station: A station comprises a part of a system, i.e., a subsystem, that performs a specific task or function or multiple tasks or functions within the system.

[0314] Sample container: Samples are carried in containers such as test tubes, vials, or other suitable receptacles or containers, and optionally a conveyor track or other carrier, along with a carrier that holds the sample container, may allow the sample to be transported without contaminating the carrier or carrier surface. In some embodiments, where the configuration allows the sample container to rest upright without undue risk of tipping, the sample container may be carried directly by the conveyor without the need for a supporting carrier. System Overview

[0315] The automated sample processing system described herein provides hardware and software interfaces to enable analyzer connectivity with an automated track or conveyor system in a manner that maximizes efficiency and throughput compared to prior art systems. The automated sample processing system described herein provides a mechanical and software interface between an analyzer, in which multiple samples are processed simultaneously in a multi-container receptacle device, and an automated conveyor system or transporter, e.g., a receptacle transport track system. This would enable a laboratory to interconnect several such analyzers to form one analytical system with options including pre-analytical and post-analytical processing and sample archiving. The system may also incorporate a mechanism for transferring sample containers from the track system to the analyzer, such as an electromechanical shuttle module, that receives sample container placement from a pick-and-place robot (i.e., a receptacle transfer mechanism comprising an electromechanical device that translates the container in the X, Y, and / or Z directions) and then automatically transfers the sample container to a sample transfer location within the analyzer, where a sample transfer robot, such as an automated pipettor, will transfer sample material from the sample container to a receptacle device. Once sample transfer from the sample container into a receptacle device within the analyzer (e.g., by pipetting) is complete, the sample container is shuttled back to the pick-and-place location, where the pick-and-place robot will remove the sample container from the shuttle and place it back on the track system. The present disclosure may refer to carrying, transferring, transporting, or otherwise moving sample containers within the system, between components or modules of the system, or within specific components or modules of the system. Unless otherwise specified, such disclosure may generally encompass moving sample containers alone or in combination with a support carrier as applicable to the described system (i.e., whether the system employs a carrier to releasably hold and support the sample container).

[0316] In contrast to analyzers in which assays or other processes are performed in separate, discrete reaction vessels, each analyzer in the sample processing systems described herein is configured to perform an assay or process in a receptacle device comprising a process number of two or more operatively associated, discrete process vessels. Thus, assays can be performed simultaneously on a process number of samples in separate vessels of a multi-vessel receptacle device. In one embodiment, a receptacle device comprises five interconnected test tubes (as described in more detail below), and assays can be performed in parallel by the analyzer on five different samples in each of the five test tubes. Alternatively, the discrete, operatively associated process vessels may be held in a rack that holds a process number of vessels. Therefore, to maximize analyzer throughput and efficiency, it is desirable to identify a process number (e.g., according to various embodiments, two, three, four, five, six, etc.) of different samples requiring the same assay, so that sample material can be transferred from each of the different sample vessels in that process number to each of the process vessels in that process number, and the analyzer can simultaneously perform the assay on the samples in that process number. On the other hand, performing an assay on the contents of a receptacle device in which not all process vessels contain sample can adversely affect analyzer throughput and efficiency.

[0317] Sample containers are delivered to the analyzers via an automated track system. In some embodiments, the sample containers may be held in carriers on the track system. In order for the track system to route and distribute sample containers to the appropriate analyzers, a system controller (which may comprise one or more individual controllers) monitors the assays each analyzer in the system is configured or equipped to perform and the assays required for each sample container in the system (variously referred to herein as "validated assays" or "assay instructions" or "validated instructions"). For brevity, the present disclosure may refer to one or more assays required for a sample container. However, one of skill in the art will understand that it is the sample contained in the sample container, and not the sample container itself, that may be required to perform one or more assays.

[0318] Exemplary carriages for releasably holding sample vessels and transporting them on the pre- / post-analysis track 202 are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,485,264, 8,147,778, 10,041,965, and 10,386,381, U.S. Published Patent Applications Nos. 2006 / 0222573, 2017 / 0153262, 2017 / 0248623, and 2018 / 0052183, and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 003,754. Individual carriages may be transported by a powered element, e.g., a conveyor, associated with the track, or the carriages themselves may be self-propelled along a passive track. Exemplary conveyor track assemblies and fixtures are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 9,766,258 and 9,776,811 and U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2017 / 0254827, and are embodied in commercially available systems from FlexLink, Inpeco (Flexlab, FlexLab-HT, etc.), Integrated Drive Systems (e.g., IDS-CLAS-Xl), Thermo Fisher Scientific, Hitachi, MagneMotion, GLP, etc. In embodiments in which the sample containers are freestanding on the container carrier, the carrier for supporting the sample containers may be omitted.

[0319] An analyzer is "configured" to perform one or more assays or processes by, for example, having appropriate and sufficient materials on-board to perform the assays (e.g., reagents, buffers, probes, etc.), having appropriate and sufficient consumables on-board to perform the assays (e.g., disposable pipette tips, disposable processing or reaction receptacles, disposable multi-container receptacle devices, etc.), having sufficient liquid and solid waste capacity, having appropriate processing modules on-board to perform the assays (e.g., one or more material transfer devices (e.g., pipettors), incubators set at appropriate temperatures, sample purification modules, detectors, centrifuges, etc.), and having executable software to perform the assays (i.e., the analyzer is programmed to perform the assays). An assay or other process that an analyzer is configured to perform may be referred to herein as the analyzer's "functional assay" or "functional process." Each analyzer may be configured to perform more than one functional assay, and two or more analyzers may be configured to perform one or more of the same or entirely different functional assays. The functional assays that the analyzer is configured to perform may vary over time as one or more resources required to perform the assay become depleted and before the resource is replenished or after the resource is replenished.

[0320] In one embodiment, after the sample containers are placed into the input module of the system, each sample container is individually scanned for its identification information (e.g., barcode or radio frequency ID), which may include patient ID. The sample identification information for each sample container introduced into the system is stored in a first controller, known in one embodiment as a workflow management system ("WMS"). The WMS will query a laboratory information system ("LIS") for the sample identification and identify the assay instructions (validated assays) for each associated sample container. The WMS will then update its sample container data structure (e.g., in a sample database) with all valid assays that are correlated to the sample identification information for each sample container.

[0321] The WMS is also responsible for executing the appropriate workflow for any particular assay. Thus, the WMS will execute the assay-specific workflow, which may include pre-analytical and post-analytical steps such as centrifugation, decapping, sorting, storage, reflex testing, capping, etc. After any required pre-analytical steps have been performed, the sample container will be routed from the pre- / post-analytical compartment to the analytical compartment of the system if at least one analyzer with a functional assay matching the sample container's valid assay is present on the analytical compartment, and if there is sufficient space on the analytical compartment for additional sample containers.

[0322] Movement of sample vessels from the pre- / post-analysis compartment into the analysis compartment may be controlled by an "inlet diverter" or gate configured and controlled to provide routing priority for sample vessels already in the analysis compartment. In some embodiments, a second controller, known as a track controller, will control the basic operation of the track and route each sample vessel to a first analyzer. A scanning device (e.g., a barcode or radio frequency identification ("RFID") scanning device) associated with each analyzer will read the sample identification associated with each sample vessel, and the sample identification code will be passed to the WMS, thereby accessing the valid assay for that sample vessel. The WMS then queries the analyzer with the valid assay for that sample vessel, and that data is compared to data stored in the analyzer software module for one or more functional assays of the associated analyzer. The analyzer software module will respond to the WMS with either an instruction to divert the sample container to the buffer queue of the associated analyzer (i.e., a "divert instruction") or an instruction not to divert (a "non-divert instruction") based on whether a match exists between the sample container's at least one valid assay and one or more functional assays of the analyzer. If a divert message is received, the WMS will instruct the trajectory controller to activate the diverter to divert the sample container to the buffer queue associated with the analyzer. If a non-divert message is received, the sample container will be routed to the next analyzer in the analysis section.

[0323] The process is repeated, with each subsequent sample vessel on the trajectory being scanned to identify a valid assay for that sample vessel, and the sample vessel being diverted to the buffer queue if the associated analyzer is configured to perform the valid assay (i.e., the sample vessel's valid assay matches the analyzer's functional assay) until a certain number of processes of sample vessels requesting the particular assay are held in the buffer queue. In one embodiment, to group sample vessels requesting a particular assay, once a sample vessel requesting a particular assay is diverted to the buffer queue, only sample vessels requesting that specific assay will also be diverted to the buffer queue until a certain number of processes of sample vessels have been diverted, even if the analyzer is capable of performing other assays requested by other sample vessels that do not request the specific assay.

[0324] Once a certain number of sample containers requiring a particular assay have accumulated in the buffer queue, the sample containers are transferred one by one into the analyzer, for example by a shuttle module, and a quantity of sample material is transferred from each sample container to one process container in a receptacle device in the analyzer. After the certain number of samples have been transferred from the certain number of sample containers to the certain number of process containers in the receptacle device, a certain assay is performed in the analyzer on each of the certain number of samples in the receptacle device.

[0325] After each sample container is transferred into the analyzer and the sample is transferred to a receptacle device, the sample container is returned to its track. The analyzer software module will send a message to the WMS updating the sample container data with information including the remaining valid assays and status codes (e.g., error and test order status update messages (described below) such as pipetting errors and unreadable barcodes). The assays performed on the sample will be removed from the sample container's valid assay list by the analyzer software module. The analyzer may also update its own status at this time (e.g., analyzer assay inventory, etc.) as well.

[0326] The sample container placed back on track will proceed to the next analyzer in the analytical zone, attempting to complete any remaining valid assays. If the sample container proceeds through the entire loop of the analytical zone and arrives at the "recirculation diverter" with a valid assay, and an analyzer capable of processing the valid assay exists (as determined by the WMS in communication with the analyzer software module), the sample container will be recirculated to the first analyzer in the analytical zone, while the WMS increments the sample container's priority value by one. If the sample container has a valid assay but no analyzer is available to process the valid order (as determined by the WMS in communication with the analyzer software module), or if the sample container does not have any valid test order or a critical sample container error exists, the sample container will be diverted out of the analytical zone for post-analytical processing. Description of Illustrated Embodiments

[0327] 1 illustrates an automated sample processing system 100 for processing multiple samples, each transported in a distinct sample container. System 100 includes a track or other transporter 105 for transporting each of multiple sample containers A, B, C, D, S, and X between each of several modules that perform one or more pre-analytical or post-analytical steps on the containers and one or more analyzers that extract sample material from the sample containers and perform assays on the extracted material.

[0328] In the illustrated embodiment, the system 100 includes a pre / post-analysis section 200 with a pre / post-analysis trajectory 202. The system 100 further includes an analysis section 110 including an analysis trajectory 112 and multiple analyzer stations 140A, 140B, 140C, and 140D, each operatively associated with the analysis trajectory 112 as described herein. In some embodiments, the analysis section 110 may include a recirculation section 114 in addition to the analysis trajectory 112 to form a continuous trajectory or recirculation loop (which may be referred to herein or in the appended claims as a second loop section, an analysis loop, or an analysis loop section) for transporting sample containers through the analysis section 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the containers move counterclockwise around the continuous loop formed by the recirculation section 114 and the analysis trajectory 112. An entrance trajectory section 116 and an exit trajectory section 118 connect the pre / post-analysis trajectory 202 and the analysis trajectory 112.

[0329] The system 100 may include an orbit controller 138 that provides high-level control of the electromechanical orbit components as commanded by the WMS, as described above.

[0330] Features of the pre / post-analysis section 200 are shown in FIG. 2 . The pre / post-analysis section 200 includes a pre / post-analysis track 202 and may include several modules, such as a capper module 212, a vessel storage module 214, and an output module 216, a carrier storage module 218, an input module 220, a decapper module 208, and a sample transfer module 300, each operatively associated with the track 202 as described herein. In addition to the pre / post-analysis track 202, the pre / post-analysis section 200 may include a pre-analysis return section 204, thereby forming a continuous loop (which may be referred to herein or in the appended claims as a first loop section, a pre-analysis loop, or a pre-analysis loop section) for transporting sample vessels. In the illustrated embodiment, the vessels move counterclockwise around the continuous loop formed by the pre-analysis return section 204 and the pre / post-analysis track 202.

[0331] The decapper module 208 includes a device for automatically removing caps from sample vessels. The module may remove caps from sample vessels while the sample vessels are on the pre-analysis / post-analysis track 202, or the module may remove sample vessels from the pre-analysis / post-analysis track 202, remove caps from the sample vessels, and return the uncapped sample vessels to the pre-analysis / post-analysis track 202. The decapper module 208 may include a dedicated sub-controller 208a that cooperatively communicates with a main system controller (e.g., a WMS). The track 202 may include a buffer queue 230 associated with the decapper module 208 for holding sample vessels away from the main vessel transport lane of the pre-analysis / post-analysis track 202 while the vessels are waiting to be decapped and while the vessels are waiting to be returned to the pre-analysis / post-analysis track 202 after they have been decapped. A diverter 231, e.g., a pivotable gate, may be selectively deployed (moved from a non-diverting position to a diverting position as shown in FIG. 2 ) by the trajectory controller 138 as commanded by the WMS to divert sample containers and carriers (if applicable) from the pre / post-analysis track 202 to the buffer queue 230. A container transfer robot 208b, such as a pick-and-place robot, may be provided to move containers from the buffer queue 230 into the decapper module 208 to be decapped, or the containers may be decapped while on the buffer queue 230. A scanning device 232 (e.g., a barcode scanner or RFID scanner and / or a machine vision scanner) may be associated with the decapper 208 to scan and identify the containers while they are on the pre / post-analysis track 202 and determine whether the containers should be diverted from the pre / post-analysis track 202 to the buffer queue 230. Whether a container contains a cap that needs to be removed by the decapper module 208 is included in the information stored in the sample database about the container and can be correlated with machine-readable container identification information detected by a barcode scanning device or an RFID scanning device.The stored information about the container may also include the type of container so that the decapper module 208 knows the type of cap being removed, for example, a threaded cap or stopper and the size of the cap or stopper. Alternatively, or in addition, whether a container contains a cap that needs to be removed by the decapper module 208 may be determined by a machine vision scanning device. After the cap is removed, the container data correlated with the machine-readable container identification information may be updated to indicate that the container is missing a cap.

[0332] The capper module 212 includes a device for automatically placing caps on sample vessels. The module may place caps on sample vessels while the sample vessels are on the pre-analysis / post-analysis track 202, or the module may remove sample vessels from the pre-analysis / post-analysis track 202, place caps on the sample vessels, and return the capped sample vessels to the pre-analysis / post-analysis track 202. The capper module 212 may include a dedicated sub-controller 212a that cooperatively communicates with a main system controller (e.g., a WMS). The track 202 may include a buffer queue 234 associated with the capper module 212 for holding vessels off the main vessel transport lane of the pre-analysis / post-analysis track 202 while the vessels are waiting to be capped and while the vessels are waiting to be returned to the pre-analysis / post-analysis track 202 after they have been capped. A diverter 235, e.g., a pivotable gate, may be selectively deployed (moved from a non-diverting position to a diverting position as shown in FIG. 2 ) by the track controller 138 as commanded by the WMS to divert sample containers and carriers (if applicable) from the track 202 to the buffer queue 234. A container transfer robot 212b, such as a pick-and-place robot, may be provided to move containers from the buffer queue 234 into the capper module 212 to be capped, or the containers may be capped while on the buffer queue 234. A scanning device 236 (e.g., a barcode scanner or RFID scanner and / or a machine vision scanner) may be associated with the capper module 212 to scan and identify the containers while they are on the track 202 and determine whether the containers should be diverted from the track 202 to the buffer queue 234. Whether a container requires capping by the capper module 212 is included in the information stored in the sample database about the container and can be correlated with machine-readable container identification information detected by a barcode scanning device or an RFID scanning device.The stored information about the container may also include the type of container so that the capper module 212 knows the type of cap being replaced, for example, a threaded cap or stopper and the size of the cap or stopper. Alternatively, or in addition, whether a container needs to be capped by the capper module 212 may be determined by a machine vision scanning device. After the container is capped, the container data correlated with the machine-readable container identification information may be updated to indicate that the container is capped.

[0333] Exemplary capper and decapper modules are described in US Pat. Nos. 6,321,619 and 7,152,504.

[0334] The vessel storage module 214 is configured to accept sample vessels from the track 202, e.g., hold the sample vessels 120 on one or more sample vessel racks 214, either temporarily until such time that the sample vessels can be returned to the pre-analysis / post-analysis track 202, or after all processing of the sample vessels is complete, e.g., there are no remaining valid assays; the sample vessels can then be removed from the vessel storage module 214, and thus from the system 100. In various embodiments, sample vessels can be removed altogether from the vessel storage module by removing one or more racks holding the sample vessels. In some embodiments, the vessel storage module may include a user access point where a user may remove a single sample vessel by instructing the system to present the sample vessel to be removed at the user access point. The vessel storage module 214 may comprise a refrigerated (or otherwise temperature-controlled) enclosure in which the sample vessels are stored. The temperature within the enclosure may be controlled by a system controller (as described below) that controls one or more heating and / or cooling devices (e.g., Peltier thermoelectric devices, fans, etc.) based on signals from one or more temperature sensors. The vessel storage module 214 may include a dedicated sub-controller 214a that cooperatively communicates with a main system controller (e.g., a WMS). The track 202 may include a buffer queue 238 associated with the vessel storage module 214 for holding sample vessels away from the main vessel transport lane of the pre / post-analysis track 202 while the vessels are waiting to be transferred to the vessel storage module 214, and for sample vessels being returned to the pre / post-analysis track 202, while the vessels are waiting to be returned to the pre / post-analysis track 202. A diverter 239, e.g., a pivotable gate, may be selectively deployed (moved from a non-diverting position to a diverting position as shown in FIG. 2) by the track controller 138 as commanded by the WMS to divert sample containers and carriers (if applicable) from the track 202 to the buffer queue 238.A container transfer robot 214b, such as a pick-and-place robot, may be provided to move containers from the buffer queue 238 into the container storage module 214 or from the container storage module 214 to the buffer queue 234. A scanning device 240 (e.g., a barcode scanning device or an RFID scanning device) may be associated with the container storage module 214 to scan and identify the container while it is on the pre-analysis / post-analysis track 202. The scanning device 240 communicates with the WMS, which, based on stored information correlated to the machine-readable container identification information, instructs the track controller 138 to deploy a diverter 239 to divert the container if it is to be moved from the track 202 to the container storage module 214.

[0335] Output module 216 is configured to accept sample vessels from track 202 after all processing of the sample vessels is complete, e.g., there are no remaining valid assays, and to hold the sample vessels 120, e.g., on one or more sample vessel racks 124, so that the sample vessels can then be removed from output module 216 and, therefore, from system 100. Alternatively, sample vessels may not need to be complete to be directed to output module 216. For example, system 100 may be configured to allow an operator to issue a query or command to remove incomplete sample vessels from vessel storage module 214 or to direct incomplete sample vessels circulating on analysis track 112 to be routed and grouped to output module 216. In such an embodiment, output module 216 may be used as a “triage” station where an operator may actively request that a sample vessel be sent for removal, or where sample vessels with errors may be automatically directed and quarantined. In some embodiments, such operator queries or commands are fully customizable and can be built based on one or more of various sample container attributes, such as assay type, container type, errors, sample container status, valid / invalid assays for the sample container, customer ID, barcode ID range, etc. The output module 216 may include a dedicated sub-controller 216a that cooperatively communicates with a main system controller (e.g., WMS).

[0336] The track 202 may include a buffer queue 242 associated with the output module 216 for holding sample containers away from the main container transport lane of the pre-analysis / post-analysis track 202 while the containers await transfer to the output module 216. A diverter 243, e.g., a pivotable gate, may be selectively deployed (moved from a non-diverting position to a diverting position as shown in FIG. 2 ) by the track controller 138 as commanded by the WMS to divert sample containers and carriers (if applicable) from the track 202 to the buffer queue 242. A container transfer robot 216b, such as a pick-and-place robot, may be provided to move containers from the buffer queue 242 into the output module 216. In some embodiments, the output module 216 and the container storage module 214 share a common container transfer robot. A scanning device 244 (e.g., a barcode scanning device or an RFID scanning device) may be associated with the output module 212 to scan and identify the container while it is on the track 202 to determine whether the container should be diverted from the track 202 to the buffer queue 242 based on stored information correlated to the machine-readable container identification information.

[0337] Empty carriers may be supplied to the system 100 by a carrier storage module 218, which may contain a supply of empty carriers and is configured to transfer the carriers from the carrier storage module 218 to the pre-analysis track 202. The carrier storage module 218 may include a dedicated sub-controller 218a that cooperatively communicates with a main system controller (e.g., a WMS). The track 202 may include a buffer queue 248 associated with the carrier storage module 218 for holding the carriers away from the main container transport lane of the pre-analysis track 202 while they are waiting to be transferred to the carrier storage module 218, and for carriers being returned to the pre-analysis track 202, while they are waiting to be returned to the pre-analysis track 202. A diverter 249, e.g., a pivotable gate, may be selectively deployed (moved from a non-diverting position to a diverting position as shown in FIG. 2 ) by the track controller 138 as commanded by the WMS to divert empty carriers from the track 202 to the buffer queue 248. A transfer robot 218b, such as a pick-and-place robot, may be provided to move carriers from the buffer queue 248 into or from the carrier storage module 218 to the buffer queue 248. In some embodiments, a carrier may be diverted directly to the carrier storage module 218 via the buffer queue 248. A scanning device 246 (e.g., a machine vision system) may be associated with the carrier storage module 218 to scan and identify empty carriers while the carrier is on the pre- / post-analysis tr...

Claims

[Claim 1] An automated system and method for processing samples and grouping sample containers, etc.

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