Methods and apparatus for optical probing of sample containers

Abstract

An optical probing system for use in a diagnostic laboratory system includes an imaging location at which a sample container is positioned, an optical source configured to generate an optical beam, and a first lens configured to receive the optical beam from the optical source and to generate a collimated beam. A second lens has a focal position within the imaging location and is configured to receive the collimated beam and focus the collimated beam at the second lens' focal position. A third lens has a focal position that coincides with the focal position of the second lens, a fourth lens is configured to receive the optical beam from the third lens, and an optical detector is configured to receive the optical beam from the fourth lens. Numerous other embodiments are provided.

Description

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR OPTICAL PROBING OF SAMPLE CONTAINERSCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 651,203 entitled "METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR OPTICAL PROBING OF SAMPLE CONTAINERS" filed on May 23, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes .FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to sample imaging, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for optical probing of sample containers.BACKGROUND

[0003] Medical biological samples such as blood serum, blood plasma, urine, interstitial liquid, cerebrospinal liquids, and the like are typically collected in cylindrical sample containers (e.g., sample tubes) . Optical probing is a non-invasive technique for analyzing a biological sample within a sample container that does not require sample fluid to be aspirated from the sample container for testing. This reduces the time and complexity associated with sample testing and sample quality checks .

[0004] During a typical optical probing operation, a light beam is transmitted through the sample container and any sample contained therein. For example, a light beam may enter a first side of the sample container, travel through the sample, and exit a second side of the sample container. Sample properties may then be deduced by examining the light beam exiting the sample container (e.g. , such as by comparingproperties of the incident light beam to the transmitted light beam) . Sample properties may also be deduced by examining back-scattered light.

[0005] Direct imaging through optical probing is complicated by variations in sample condition or type, sample container properties (e.g. , materials, geometry, etc. ) , labels placed on sample containers, lighting conditions, etc. Accordingly, improved methods and apparatus for optically probing sample containers, and samples contained therein, are desired .SUMMARY

[0006] In some embodiments, a sample quality check module for use within a diagnostic laboratory system includes an imaging location at which a sample container is positioned during a sample quality check within the sample quality check module. An optical source is configured to generate an optical beam, and a first cylindrical lens is configured to focus the optical beam at a first focal position within the imaging location. A second cylindrical lens has a second focal position coinciding with the first focal position of the first cylindrical lens at the imaging location, the second cylindrical lens configured to receive the optical beam focused by the first cylindrical lens after it passes through a sample container positioned at the imaging location. An optical detector is configured to detect the optical beam that passes through the second cylindrical lens and to generate response data based on the detected optical beam. A processor is coupled to the optical detector, the processor configured to analyze the response data generated by the optical detector and determine at least one sample characteristic based on the response data.

[0007] In some embodiments, an optical probing system for use in a diagnostic laboratory system includes an imaginglocation at which a sample container is positioned during optical probing . An optical source is configured to generate an optical beam and a first lens having a first focal position is configured to receive the optical beam from the optical source and to generate a first collimated beam. A second lens has a second focal position within the imaging location , the second lens configured to receive the first collimated beam and focus the first collimated beam at the second focal pos ition within the imaging location . A third lens ha s a third focal position that coincides with the second focal position of the second lens . A fourth lens has a fourth focal position , the fourth lens configured to receive the optical beam from the third lens . An optical detector is configured to receive the optical beam from the fourth lens .

[0008] In some embodiments , a method of optically probing a sample within a sample container include s positioning a sample container at an imaging location of a diagnostic laboratory system; directing an optical beam at a f irst lens ; employing the first lens to generate a f irst collimated beam; employing a second lens to generate a focused light beam by focusing the first collimated beam at a focal position of the second lens within the sample container , wherein the focused light beam travels through the sample container and a sample contained therein ; employing a third lens having a focal position that coincide s with the focal position of the second lens to generate a second collimated optical beam ba sed on the focused light beam transmitted through the sample container ; and employing a fourth lens to focus the second collimated optical beam on an optical detector .

[0009] A system of one or more computers may be configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of having software , firmware , hardware , or a combination of them installed on the system that in operation causes or cause the system to perform the actions . In some embodiment s , one ormore computers may include one or more graphics processing units (GPUs) . One or more computer programs may be configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of including instructions that, when executed by data processing apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the actions.

[0010] Other features and aspects of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings .BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIGS. 1A and IB illustrate a side view and a top view, respectively, of an example optical system in accordance with embodiments provided herein.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagnostic laboratory system employing an optical probing system as part of a sample quality check module in accordance with embodiments provided herein .

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method of optically probing a sample within a sample container in accordance with embodiments provided herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Independent of the grammatical term usage, individuals with male, female or other gender identities are included within the term.

[0015] As described above, optical probing allows direct imaging of a sample within a sample container without requiring the sample to be aspirated from the sample container. However, variations in sample condition, sample type, and sample container properties affect a light beam as it travels through the sample and sample container, which complicates analysis. For example, a cylindrical samplecontainer (such as a sample tube) filled with a liquid sample behaves like a rod lens in which the diameter of the sample affects the refractive properties of the rod lens (formed by the sample container and sample fluid) . In particular, a smaller diameter sample container has a stronger refractive effect on a light beam than a larger diameter sample container .

[0016] While it is possible to compensate for the refractive effect for a single sample container diameter, doing so for different diameter sample containers is difficult. For example, varying the diameter of the sample containers probed may cause the light beam transmitted through the sample containers to be unfocused on the detector used to detect the transmitted light beam. This tube-diameter- dependent loss of light reduces the resultant signal quality.

[0017] In accordance with embodiments provided herein, an optical system is provided that allows optical probing of a sample within a sample container independent of the diameter of the sample container employed. This may be particularly valuable for pediatric tubes in which only a small sample volume is available, or for nested sample tubes, for example. In some embodiments, the optical system may be used in a stand-alone system. In one or more other embodiments, such an optical system may be employed within a sample quality check module of a diagnostic laboratory system to perform sample quality checks. Sample quality checks may be employed within diagnostic laboratory systems to identify problematic samples before they are processed. This improves system efficiency by preventing system resources (e.g. , analyzer time, reagents, etc. ) from being used on samples that are not suitable for testing and that may produce unusable results.

[0018] In some embodiments, two cylindrical lenses are employed in a confocal arrangement and sample containers to be probed are positioned at the center of the confocal positionof the confocal arrangement. For example, a first cylindrical lens having a positive refractive power and focal length FL1 may be positioned on a first side of a sample container and a second cylindrical lens having a positive refractive power and a focal length FL2 may be positioned on a second side of the sample container such that a focal plane (e.g., at a focal line of the first cylindrical lens) of the first cylindrical lens (FP1) and a focal plane (e.g. , at a focal line of the second cylindrical lens) of the second cylindrical lens (FP2) coincide at the center of the sample container. A first spherical lens may be employed to receive an optical beam from an optical source and generate a collimated optical beam for the first cylindrical lens and a second spherical lens may be employed to receive a collimated optical beam from the second cylindrical lens and deliver a focused optical beam to an optical detector. In other embodiments, the first and second cylindrical lens may be replaced with spherical lens. These and other embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to FIGS. 1A-3.

[0019] FIGS. 1A and IB illustrate a side view and a top view, respectively, of an example optical system 100 in accordance with embodiments provided herein. With reference to FIGS. 1A and IB, optical system 100 includes an imaging location 102 at which a sample container 104 is positioned during optical probing. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and IB, sample container 104 has a tube-shape. Other sample container shapes may be employed.

[0020] FIG. 1A illustrates sample container 104 supported by a sample carrier 106 and including a cap 108. Cap 108 may be of different types and / or colors (e.g., red, royal blue, light blue, green, grey, tan, yellow, or color combinations) , which may indicate what test the sample container 104 is used for, the type of additive included therein (e.g. , for preventing clot formation) , whether the container includes agel separator, whether the sample is provided under a vacuum, or the like. Other colors may be used.

[0021] The sample container 104 may be provided with one or more labels 110 that may include identification information thereon (not shown) , such as a barcode, alphabetic characters, numeric characters, or combinations thereof. Example identification information may include or be associated with patient information (e.g. , name, date of birth, address, and / or other personal information) , tests to be performed, time and date the sample was obtained, medical facility information, tracking and routing information, etc. Other information may also be included. As shown in FIG. 1A, the label 110 may not extend all the way around the sample container 104 or all along a length of the sample container 104 such that from the particular lateral front viewpoint shown, some part of a sample 112 stored within sample container 104 is viewable and unobstructed by the label 110. (In many cases, one or more labels may allow only a small part of the sample to be viewable. )

[0022] The sample 112 may include any fluid to be tested and / or analyzed (e.g. , blood serum, blood plasma, urine, interstitial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, or the like) . In some embodiments, the sample 112 may include a serum or plasma portion (light shading) and a settled blood portion (dark shading) contained within sample container 104. Air may be provided above the serum and plasma portion, for example.

[0023] Optical system 100 includes an optical source 114 configured to generate an optical beam 116 during optical probing. A first lens 118 (having a first focal position FP1 and first focal length FL1 as shown in FIG. IB) is configured to receive the optical beam 116 from the optical source 114 and to generate a first collimated beam 120. A second lens 122 (having a second focal length FL2 and a second focal position FP2 within the imaging location 102 as shown in FIG. IB) isconfigured to receive the first collimated beam 120 and focus the first collimated beam 120 (at the second focal position FP2 ) within the imaging location 102 as shown by focused beam 124 in FIG. IB. Referring to FIG. IB, the focused beam 124 travels through the sample container 104 and through a third lens 126 having a third focal position FP3 (and third focal length FL3) that coincides with the second focal position FP2 of the second lens 122 so as to generate a second collimated optical beam 128. In particular, in some embodiments, the second lens 122 and the third lens 126 may be employed in a confocal arrangement and sample containers to be probed may be positioned at the center of the confocal position of the confocal arrangement (e.g. , the location specified by both the second focal position FP2 and the third focal position FP3 which coincide in FIG. IB) . As used herein, focal positions of lenses that approximately meet at a predefined location, such as the center of a sample container, are said to "coincide" or to have "coinciding" focal positions (e.g. , two lenses have coinciding focal positions within a sample container if their focal positions are within a predetermined distance of each other such as within 0 to 3 mm, 0 to l / 20thor l / 10thof the diameter of the sample container 104, or the like, for example, depending on the focal lengths of the lenses employed . )

[0024] A fourth lens 130 (having a fourth focal position FP4 and fourth focal length FL4 as shown in FIG. IB) is configured to receive the second collimated optical beam 128 from the third lens 126 and to generate a focused optical beam 132. An optical detector 134 is configured to receive the focused optical beam 132 from the fourth lens 130.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first and fourth lenses 118 and 130 may be spherical lenses, and the second and third lenses 122 and 126 may be cylindrical lenses. Other types of lenses may be employed. For example, in some embodiments, thesecond and third lenses 122 and 126 may be spherical rather than cylindrical lenses. When spherical lenses are employed for the first and fourth lenses 118 and 130, the first focal position FP1 of the first lens 118 and the fourth focal position FP4 of the fourth lens 130 are focal points. As shown in FIG. IB, to produce first collimated beam 120 from optical beam 116, the optical source 114 may be positioned at the first focal point FP1 of the first lens 118. Further, to maximize the amount of light detected by the optical detector 134, the optical detector 134 may be positioned at the fourth focal point FP4 of the fourth lens 130.

[0026] In some embodiments, the second and third lenses 122 and 126 may be cylindrical lenses. When cylindrical lenses are employed for the second and third lenses 122 and 126, the second focal position FP2 of the second lens 122 and the third focal position FP3 of the third lens 126 are focal lines.

[0027] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1B, the imaging location 102 is configured to hold the sample container 104 so that a central axis 136 of the sample container 104 is aligned with the second focal position FP2 of the second lens 122 and the third focal position FP3 of the third lens 126 as shown in FIG IB. This lens arrangement creates an incoming optical beam with a wavefront having a center of curvature that lies at the center of the sample container 104 (e.g. , along the central axis 136 of the sample container 104) . For sample containers with a spherical cross section, this causes the wavefront of the incoming beam to contact the outer surface of the sample container 104 at a right angle irrespective of the incoming beam diameter and irrespective of the sample container diameter .

[0028] An optical beam having a wavefront that contacts a refractive surface (e.g. , the outer surface of a sample container) perpendicularly does not introduce optical aberrations and maintains the wavefront' s original focalposition. Thus, the optical system 100 is not sensitive to sample container diameter and is suitable for use with sample containers of varying diameters, small volume sample containers (e.g. , pediatric tubes) , nested sample tubes, or the like .

[0029] In some embodiments, a maximum sample container diameter may be determined based on the focal length of the second lens 122 and / or the third lens 126. For example, a maximum sample container diameter of less than twice the focal length of the second lens 122 or third lens 126 may be employed (e.g., if a focal length of 10 to 20 mm is employed for the second lens 122 and the third lens 126, a maximum sample container diameter of 20 to 40 mm may be employed) . Other focal lengths and / or other sample container diameters may be used.

[0030] The first lens 118, second lens 122, third lens 126 and fourth lens 130 may be formed from any suitable material or materials such as glass (e.g., BK7 glass) , plastic (e.g., polyethylene, polycarbonate, a polymer, etc. ) , or the like. Example indices of refraction may range from about 1.3 to 2.0. Example focal lengths range from about 2 to 25 mm. Other lens materials, indices of refractions, and / or focal lengths may be em loyed .

[0031] In some embodiments, a robot 137 (FIG. IB) may be employed to place a sample container at the location of focal positions FP2 and FP3 with high precision (e.g. , so that the central axis 136 of the sample container aligns with the focal positions FP2 and FP3) . Similarly, the robot 137 may be configured to position nested sample tubes at the location where focal positions FP2 and FP3 coincide within the imaging location 102. For example, a sample container with a small diameter, such as a pediatric tube, may be nested within a larger sample container (e.g. , sample tube) for ease of handling and transport.

[0032] In some embodiments, to eliminate chromatic aberrations, the optical source 114 may be a monochromatic light source. In other embodiments, the optical source 114 may be a chromatic light source. Other wavelength ranges may be employed .

[0033] In some embodiments, the optical probing system 100 may include a processor 138 (FIG. 1A) coupled to the optical source 114 and / or optical detector 134. The processor 138 may be configured to analyze optical intensity data, spectral data, or the like, generated by the optical detector 134 in response to the second focused optical beam 132 being detected by the optical detector 134. For example, the optical detector 134 may generate an electrical signal representative of the intensity or other property of the optical beam detected by the optical detector 134. In one or more embodiments, the processor 138 may be configured to determine sample fluid level within the sample container, the presence of one or more interferents within the sample 112 such as the presence of hemolysis, icterus, and lipemia, interferent concentration (e.g., concentration of hemoglobin, bilirubin, and lipid emulsion / intralipid) , level of interference (e.g. , Hl, H2, etc. ) or the like. Other sample properties may be determined. In embodiments in which sample level is determined, the sample may be vertically scanned such as by moving the optical system and / or sample container up and / or down, for example.

[0034] In some embodiments, the processor 138 may be coupled to a memory 140 (FIG. 1A) . The memory 140 may include one or more programs 142 for carrying out the methods described herein when executed by the processor 138, such as measuring one or more properties of the sample 112 held within sample container 104 by employing optical source 114 to transmit an optical beam through sample container 104 and sample 112 and optical detector 134 to measure the resultant optical beam as described above. The memory 140 may includemultiple memory units and / or types of memory. In some embodiments, all or a portion of the memory 140 may be external to and / or remote from the processor 138. Additionally, in some embodiments, multiple processors may be employed .

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagnostic laboratory system 200 employing the optical probing system 100 as part of a sample quality check module 202 in accordance with embodiments provided herein. With reference to FIG. 2, the diagnostic laboratory system 200 may be configured to perform a plurality of analyses or tests on a plurality of different biological samples. For example, the tests may determine levels of constituents or chemicals present in biological samples such as blood, urine, cerebral fluid, and the like. The diagnostic laboratory system 200 may include a plurality of diagnostic instruments 204a-c (e.g. , analyzers) that are configured to perform the same or different tests on the biological samples. Fewer or more diagnostic instruments may be employed. In some embodiments, the diagnostic instruments 204a-c may be interconnected by a transport system (e.g. , transport system 206) . The transport system may be configured to transport the biological samples between the diagnostic instruments 204a-c and / or other devices in the diagnostic laboratory system 200, such as an input module 208 for loading sample carriers into or out of the diagnostic laboratory system 200, a sample prep module 210 (e.g. , centrifuges, decappers, etc.) , the sample quality check module 202, etc. The diagnostic laboratory system 200 may include other configurations.

[0036] The diagnostic laboratory system 200 may be coupled to a computer 212 that may be located within the diagnostic laboratory system 200 or external to the diagnostic laboratory system 200. In some embodiments, portions of the computer 212 may be located within the diagnostic laboratory system 200 and other portions of the computer 212 may be located external tothe diagnostic laboratory system 200. The computer 212 may include a processor 214 and a memory 216, wherein the memory 216 stores one or more programs 218 configured to be executed or run on the processor 214. In some embodiments, the memory 216 and / or the program(s) 218 may be located external to the computer 212. For example, the computer 212 may be connected to the Internet or an intranet to access external data and the like .

[0037] In some embodiments, the program(s) 218 may operate the diagnostic instruments 204a-c and process data generated by the diagnostic instruments 204a-c. For example, under the direction of processor 214 executing one or more programs 218, sample containers 104 (two sample containers 104a and 104b are shown in FIG. 2) may be loaded into input module 208, prepped in sample prep module 210, quality checked in sample quality check module 202 (e.g., using optical probing system 100) , and processed in one or more of diagnostic instruments 204a-c.

[0038] In some embodiments, sample quality check module 202 and / or optical probing system 100 may include a separate processor, memory and program(s) , such as the processor 138, memory 140 and program(s) 142 of FIG. 1A for controlling operation of optical processing system 100. Alternatively, processor 214, memory 216 and / or one or more programs 218 may operate the sample quality check module 202 and / or optical probing system 100.

[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method 300 of optically probing a sample within a sample container in accordance with embodiments provided herein. With reference to FIG. 3, method 300 begins in block 302 with positioning a sample container at an imaging location of a diagnostic laboratory system. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, a sample container 104 may be positioned at an imaging location 102 of a diagnostic laboratory system (e.g. , an imaging location within sample quality check module 202 of diagnosticlaboratory system 200) .

[0040] Thereafter, in block 304 of FIG. 3, method 300 includes directing an optical beam at a first lens. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, in some embodiments, optical source 114 may be employed to direct first optical beam 116 toward first lens 118. In block 306 of FIG. 3, method 300 includes employing the first lens to generate a first collimated beam (e.g. , first collimated beam 120) .

[0041] Method 300 further includes, in block 308, employing a second lens to generate a focused light beam by focusing the first collimated beam at a focal position of the second lens within the sample container, wherein the focused light beam travels through the sample container and a sample contained therein. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, second lens 122 may focus first collimated beam 120 (generating focused light beam 124) at focal position FP2 at imaging location 102.

[0042] Referring again to FIG. 3, method 300 further includes, in block 310, employing a third lens having a focal position that coincides with the focal position of the second lens to generate a second collimated optical beam based on the focused light beam transmitted through the sample container. For instance, third lens 126 of FIG. IB has a focal position FP3 that coincides with the focal position FP2 of the second lens 122 and generates second collimated optical beam 128 based on the focused light beam 124 that travels through sample container 104. Thereafter, in block 312, method 300 includes employing a fourth lens to focus the second collimated optical beam on an optical detector (e.g. , fourth lens 130 and optical detector 134 of FIGS 1A-1B) .

[0043] The foregoing description discloses only example embodiments of the invention; modifications of the above disclosed apparatus and methods which fall within the scope of the invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, while the present inventionhas been disclosed in connection with the example embodiments thereof, it should be understood that other embodiments may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.Illustrative Embodiments

[0044] Th e following provides a non-limiting list of illustrative embodiments of this disclosure:

[0045] Example Embodiment 1. A sample quality check module for use within a diagnostic laboratory system comprising:

[0046] an imaging location at which a sample container is positioned during a sample quality check within the sample quality check module;

[0047] an optical source configured to generate an optical beam;

[0048] a first cylindrical lens configured to focus the optical beam at a first focal position within the imaging location ;

[0049] a second cylindrical lens having a second focal position coinciding with the first focal position of the first cylindrical lens at the imaging location, the second cylindrical lens configured to receive the optical beam focused by the first cylindrical lens after it passes through a sample container positioned at the imaging location;

[0050] an optical detector configured to detect the optical beam that passes through the second cylindrical lens and to generate response data based on the detected optical beam; and

[0051] a processor coupled to the optical detector, the processor configured to analyze the response data generated by the optical detector and determine at least one sample characteristic based on the response data.

[0052] Example Embodiment 2. The sample quality check module of Example Embodiment 1 further comprising a first spherical lens configured to receive and collimate the opticalbeam generated by the optical source.

[0053] Example Embodiment 3. The sample quality check module of any one of the preceding Example Embodiments 1-2 further comprising a second spherical lens configured to receive the optical beam from the second cylindrical lens and to focus the optical beam on the optical detector.

[0054] Example Embodiment 4. The sample quality check module of any one of the preceding Example Embodiments 1-3 wherein the processor is configured to determine sample fluid level within the sample container.

[0055] Example Embodiment 5. The sample quality check module of any one of the preceding Example Embodiments 1-4 wherein the processor is configured to determine a presence of one or more interf erents .

[0056] Example Embodiment 6. The sample quality check module of any one of the preceding Example Embodiments 1-5 wherein the imaging location is configured to position a sample tube at the first focal position.

[0057] Example Embodiment 7. The sample quality check module of any one of the preceding Example Embodiments 1-6 wherein the imaging location is configured to position nested sample tubes at the first focal position.

[0058] Example Embodiment 8. An optical probing system for use in a diagnostic laboratory system comprising:

[0059] an imaging location at which a sample container is positioned during optical probing;

[0060] an optical source configured to generate an optical beam;

[0061] a first lens having a first focal position, the first lens configured to receive the optical beam from the optical source and to generate a first collimated beam;

[0062] a second lens having a second focal position within the imaging location, the second lens configured to receive the first collimated beam and focus the first collimated beamat the second focal position within the imaging location ;

[0063] a third lens having a third focal position that coincide s with the second focal pos ition of the second lens ;

[0064] a fourth lens having a fourth focal position, the fourth lens configured to receive the optical beam from the third lens ; and

[0065] an optical detector conf igured to receive the optical beam from the fourth lens .

[0066] Example Embodiment 9 . The optical probing system of any one of the preceding Example Embodiments wherein the first and fourth lenses are spherical lenses .

[0067] Example Embodiment 10 . The optical probing system of any one of the preceding Example Embodiments wherein the second and third lenses are cylindrical lenses .

[0068] Example Embodiment 11 . The optical probing system of any one of the preceding Example Embodiments wherein the second focal position of the second lens and the third focal pos ition of the third lens are focal lines .

[0069] Example Embodiment 12 . The optical probing system of any one of the preceding Example Embodiments wherein the first focal position of the first lens i s a focal point and wherein the optical source is located at the focal point of the first lens .

[0070] Example Embodiment 13 . The optical probing system of any one of the preceding Example Embodiments wherein the fourth focal position of the fourth lens is a focal point and wherein the optical detector i s located at the focal point of the fourth lens .

[0071] Example Embodiment 14 . The optical probing system of any one of the preceding Example Embodiments wherein the imaging location is configured to hold a sample container so that a central axis of the sample container is aligned with the second focal position of the second lens and the third focal position of the third lens .

[0072] Example Embodiment 15 . The optical probing system of any one of the preceding Example Embodiments further comprising a processor coupled to the optical detector , the proces sor configured to analyze response data generated by the optical detector and determine at least one sample characteristic ba sed on the re sponse data .

[0073] Example Embodiment 16 . The optical probing system of any one of the preceding Example Embodiments wherein the proces sor is conf igured to determine sample fluid level within the sample container .

[0074] Example Embodiment 17 . The optical probing system of any one of the preceding Example Embodiments wherein the proces sor is conf igured to determine a presence of one or more interferents .

[0075] Example Embodiment 18 . A method of optically probing a sample within a sample container compri sing :

[0076] positioning a sample container at an imaging location of a diagnostic laboratory system;

[0077] directing an optical beam at a first lens ;

[0078] employing the f irst lens to generate a first collimated beam;

[0079] employing a second lens to generate a focused light beam by focusing the first collimated beam at a focal position of the second lens within the sample container, wherein the focused light beam travel s through the sample container and a sample contained therein ;

[0080] employing a third lens having a focal position that coincide s with the focal position of the second lens to generate a second collimated optical beam ba sed on the focused light beam transmitted through the sample container ; and

[0081] employing a fourth lens to focus the second collimated optical beam on an optical detector .

[0082] Example Embodiment 19 . The method of any one of the preceding Example Embodiments wherein the first and fourthlenses are spherical lenses and the second and third lenses are cylindrical lenses.

[0083] Example Embodiment 20. The method of any one of the preceding Example Embodiments further comprising generating response data with the optical detector and determining at least one sample characteristic based on the response data.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS :1 . A sample quality check module for use within a diagnostic laboratory system compri sing : an imaging location at which a sample container is pos itioned during a sample quality check within the sample quality check module ; an optical source configured to generate an optical beam; a first cylindrical lens conf igured to focus the optical beam at a first focal position within the imaging location ; a second cylindrical lens having a second focal pos ition coinciding with the f irst focal pos ition of the f irst cylindrical lens at the imaging location , the second cylindrical lens conf igured to receive the optical beam focused by the first cylindrical lens after it pa sses through a sample container positioned at the imaging location ; an optical detector conf igured to detect the optical beam that pa s ses through the second cylindrical lens and to generate response data ba sed on the detected optical beam; and a proce s sor coupled to the optical detector , the proces sor configured to analyze the response data generated by the optical detector and determine at least one sample characteristic ba sed on the re sponse data .2 . The sample quality check module of claim 1 further comprising a first spherical lens configured to receive and collimate the optical beam generated by the optical source .3 . The sample quality check module of claim 2 further comprising a second spherical lens configured to receive the optical beam from the second cylindrical lens and to focus the optical beam on the optical detector .4 . The sample quality check module of claim 1 wherein the processor is conf igured to determine sample f luid level within the sample container .5 . The sample quality check module of claim 1 wherein the processor is conf igured to determine a presence of one or more interferents .6 . The sample quality check module of claim 1 wherein the imaging location is configured to position a sample tube at the f irst focal position .7 . The sample quality check module of claim 1 wherein the imaging location is configured to position ne sted sample tubes at the first focal position .8 . An optical probing system for use in a diagnostic laboratory system compris ing : an imaging location at which a sample container is pos itioned during optical probing ; an optical source configured to generate an optical beam; a first lens having a first focal position , the first lens configured to receive the optical beam from the optical source and to generate a first collimated beam; a second lens having a second focal position within the imaging location , the second lens configured to receive the first collimated beam and focus the first collimated beam at the second focal position within the imaging location ; a third lens having a third focal position that coincide s with the second focal pos ition of the second lens ; a fourth lens having a fourth focal position, the fourth lens configured to receive the optical beam from the third lens ; andan optical detector conf igured to receive the optical beam from the fourth lens .9 . The optical probing system of claim 8 wherein the first and fourth lenses are spherical lenses .10 . The optical probing system of claim 8 wherein the second and third lenses are cylindrical lenses .11 . The optical probing system of claim 8 wherein the second focal position of the second lens and the third focal pos ition of the third lens are focal lines .12 . The optical probing system of claim 8 wherein the first focal position of the first lens i s a focal point and wherein the optical source is located at the focal point of the first lens .13 . The optical probing system of claim 8 wherein the fourth focal position of the fourth lens is a focal point and wherein the optical detector i s located at the focal point of the fourth lens .14 . The optical probing system of claim 8 wherein the imaging location is configured to hold a sample container so that a central axis of the sample container is aligned with the second focal position of the second lens and the third focal position of the third lens .15 . The optical probing system of claim 8 further comprising a processor coupled to the optical detector , the proces sor configured to analyze response data generated by the optical detector and determine at least one sample characteristic ba sed on the re sponse data .16 . The optical probing system of claim 15 wherein the proces sor is conf igured to determine sample fluid level within the sample container .17 . The optical probing system of claim 15 wherein the proces sor is conf igured to determine a presence of one or more interferents .18 . A method of optically probing a sample within a sample container comprising : positioning a sample container at an imaging location of a diagnostic laboratory system; directing an optical beam at a first lens ; employing the f irst lens to generate a first collimated beam; employing a second lens to generate a focused light beam by focusing the first collimated beam at a focal position of the second lens within the sample container, wherein the focused light beam travel s through the sample container and a sample contained therein ; employing a third lens having a focal position that coincide s with the focal position of the second lens to generate a second collimated optical beam ba sed on the focused light beam transmitted through the sample container ; and employing a fourth lens to focus the second collimated optical beam on an optical detector .19 . The method of claim 18 wherein the first and fourth lenses are spherical lenses and the second and third lenses are cylindrical lense s .20 . The method of claim 18 further comprising generating response data with the optical detector and determining at lea st one sample characteristic based on the response data .

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