Methods and apparatus for supplying inventory to a diagnostic laboratory system

Abstract

In some embodiments, a diagnostic laboratory system includes a plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments; an inventory storage module separate from the diagnostic laboratory instruments and configured to store inventory for one or more of the diagnostic laboratory instruments; and a transport system configured to move samples between the plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments and inventory between the inventory storage module and one or more of the diagnostic laboratory instruments. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Description

20240P09074WDMETHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPLYING INVENTORY TO A DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims benefit under 35 USC § 119(e) of US Provisional Application No. 63 / 717,959, filed November 8, 2024. The entire contents of the abovereferenced patent application(s) are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to diagnostic laboratory systems and more particularly to methods and apparatus for supplying inventory to a diagnostic laboratory system.BACKGROUND

[0003] Diagnostic laboratory systems conduct clinical chemistry or assays to identify analytes or other constituents in biological samples such as blood serum, blood plasma, urine, interstitial liquid, cerebrospinal liquids, and the like. The samples may be received in and / or transported throughout the diagnostic laboratory systems in sample containers.

[0004] Some diagnostic laboratory systems include a plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments that process and test the samples. Such diagnostic laboratory systems may include tracks interconnecting the diagnostic laboratory instruments. The tracks are configured to move sample containers by way of sample carriers through different routes extending between the diagnostic laboratory instruments.

[0005] Diagnostic laboratory systems employ a number of consumables such as reagents or other chemicals, sample containers, pipette tips, centrifuge tubes, or the like (referred to herein generally as “inventory”). Supplying inventory to diagnostic laboratory equipment in a timely manner ensures that diagnostic laboratory systems do not remain idle due to inventory shortages. As such, improved methods and apparatus for supplying inventory to a diagnostic laboratory system are desired.SUMMARY

[0006] In some embodiments, a diagnostic laboratory system includes a plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments; an inventory storage module separate from the diagnostic laboratory instruments and configured to store inventory for one or more of the diagnostic laboratory instruments; and a transport system configured to move samples between the plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments and inventory between the inventory storage module and one or more of the diagnostic laboratory instruments.20240P09074WG

[0007] In some embodiments, a method includes selecting inventory for a first diagnostic laboratory instrument of a plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments within a diagnostic laboratory system; selecting a carrier to transport the selected inventory via a transport system connecting the plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments; directing an inventory storage module within the diagnostic laboratory system to supply the selected inventory to the selected carrier; and employing a carrier controller to transfer the selected inventory to the first diagnostic laboratory instrument via the transport system using the selected carrier.

[0008] In some embodiments, a method includes selecting inventory for a first diagnostic laboratory instrument of a plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments within a diagnostic laboratory system; selecting a plurality of carriers to transport the selected inventory via a transport system connecting the plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments; directing an inventory storage module within the diagnostic laboratory system to supply the selected inventory to the selected carriers; and employing a carrier controller to transfer the selected inventory to the first diagnostic laboratory instrument via the transport system using the selected carriers.

[0009] 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

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an example diagnostic laboratory system that includes a plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments in accordance with embodiments provided herein.

[0011] FIG. 2A illustrates an example inventory storage module in accordance with one or more embodiments provided herein.

[0012] FIG. 2B illustrates an example inventory carrier configured to transport inventory units via the transport system of the diagnostic laboratory system of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more embodiments provided herein.

[0013] FIG. 2C illustrates an example embodiment of an inventory carrier for use with a transport system that includes coils configured to generate magnetic fields in response to signals generated by a carrier controller as provided herein.

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a computer in which a memory includes a sample carrier routing program that provides sample carrier routing instructions to a sample carrier controller and an inventory carrier routing program that provides inventory carrier routing instructions to an inventory carrier controller as provided herein.

[0015] FIG. 4A illustrates another example inventory storage module in accordance20240P09074WG with one or more embodiments provided herein.

[0016] FIG. 4B illustrates an example sample carrier configured to transport inventory dispensed from an inventory supply via a transport system of a diagnostic laboratory system in accordance with one or more embodiments provided herein.

[0017] FIG. 4C illustrates an example embodiment of a computer in which a memory includes a sample carrier and inventory routing program that determines routing instructions for sample carriers that transport either samples or inventory as provided herein.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a first example process for delivering inventory within a diagnostic laboratory system in accordance with embodiments provided herein.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a second example process for delivering inventory within a diagnostic laboratory system in accordance with embodiments provided herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Independent of the grammatical term usage, individuals with male, female or other gender identities are included within the term.

[0021] As stated above, diagnostic laboratory systems employ a number of consumables, referred to as inventory, such as reagents or other chemicals, sample containers, pipette tips, aliquot tubes, or the like. Other examples of inventory may include calibration solutions, quality control solutions, etc. Supplying inventory to diagnostic laboratory equipment timely ensures that diagnostic laboratory systems do not remain idle due to inventory shortages.

[0022] In current diagnostic laboratory systems, humans may manually load inventory into a diagnostic laboratory system based on a pre-determined schedule or in response to inventory alerts from diagnostic analyzers. Such diagnostic analyzers typically maintain inventory compartments for the storage of onboard inventory.

[0023] Relying on human operators to supply inventory on pre-determined schedules or in response to inventory alerts is labor intensive and susceptible to human error (e.g., missing a scheduled inventory delivery or delaying a response to an inventory alert) which may result in laboratory inefficiencies or even delayed results or unusable test results. Further, requiring diagnostic analyzers to maintain local inventory storage increases equipment footprint and cost.

[0024] Embodiments provided herein allow use of an existing laboratory transportation system to automatically deliver inventory to diagnostic analyzers. For example, in some embodiments, just-in-time and / or just-in-sequence manufacturing principles, or other inventory management methods, may be employed to automate the scheduling and delivery of inventory to diagnostic analyzers or other diagnostic laboratory instruments within a diagnostic laboratory system. Existing laboratory transportation systems used to deliver20240P09074WG sample containers may be employed to deliver inventory as needed.

[0025] In some embodiments, inventory may be stored at an inventory storage module within a diagnostic laboratory system and delivered to diagnostic laboratory instruments employing the same transportation system used to deliver samples to diagnostic laboratory instruments. For example, in one or more embodiments, sample carriers employed to deliver sample containers to diagnostic laboratory instruments may be employed to deliver inventory (e.g., by aspirating inventory into sample containers for transport to diagnostic analyzers or other diagnostic laboratory instruments). In other embodiments, separate inventory carriers may be employed to transport inventory from a inventory storage module to one or more diagnostic laboratory instruments. Much like patient samples are transported within diagnostic laboratory systems, embodiments provided herein facilitate the movement of reagents, calibration solution, control solution, or other inventory along a designated transportation system within a diagnostic laboratory system. These and other embodiments are described below with reference to FIGS. 1-6.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an example diagnostic laboratory system 100 that includes a plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments (e.g., analyzers, centrifuges, sealers, desealers, decappers, etc.) in accordance with embodiments provided herein. With reference to FIG. 1 , diagnostic laboratory system 100 may include pre-analytical diagnostic laboratory instruments such as an input / output module 102, a sample ID module 104, a desealer 106, a centrifuge 108, and a decapper 110. Diagnostic laboratory system 100 may further include a number of analytical diagnostic laboratory instruments such as diagnostic analyzers 1 12a-d and / or diagnostic analyzer systems 114a-b (e.g., multiple analyzers within a single diagnostic laboratory tool). Diagnostic laboratory system 100 may also include post-analytical diagnostic laboratory instruments such as a sealer 1 16 and refrigerated storage 1 18. Other numbers, types, and / or layouts of pre-analytical, analytical, and / or post-analytical components may be employed.

[0027] Diagnostic laboratory system 100 further includes an inventory storage module 120 configured to store inventory for use by one or more of the diagnostic laboratory instruments within diagnostic laboratory system 100. In some embodiments, inventory storage module 120 may be configured with refrigeration so as to provide refrigerated storage for some inventory. While only a single inventory storage module 120 is shown, in some embodiments, multiple inventory storage modules may be employed. Inventory storage module 120 may be located at any suitable location within diagnostic laboratory system 100 (e.g., near pre- analytical, analytical, or post-analytical diagnostic laboratory instruments).

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1 , a transport system 122 may be configured to move samples (not separately shown) within sample containers 124 (a few labelled) via sample carriers 126 (a few labelled) between the various components within diagnostic laboratory20240P09074WG system 100. For example, transport system 122 may employ one or more of tracks, moveable robots, conveyors, magnetic levitation devices, rollers, etc., to move sample carriers 126 holding sample containers 124 throughout diagnostic laboratory system 100. Any suitable transport system may be used.

[0029] Transport system 122 may also be configured to move inventory between inventory storage module 120 and one or more of the diagnostic laboratory instruments of diagnostic laboratory system 100. For example, as described further below, in some embodiments, sample carriers 126 may be employed to move inventory between inventory storage module 120 and one or more diagnostic laboratory instruments within diagnostic laboratory system 100. In other embodiments, inventory carriers (e.g., inventory carrier 204 of FIG. 2B or 2C) may be employed to move inventory between inventory storage module 120 and one or more diagnostic laboratory instruments within diagnostic laboratory system 100.

[0030] With further reference to FIG. 1 , diagnostic laboratory system 100 may be coupled to a computer 128 located within diagnostic laboratory system 100 or external to diagnostic laboratory system 100. In some embodiments, portions of computer 128 may be located within diagnostic laboratory system 100 and other portions of computer 128 may be located external to the diagnostic laboratory system 100.

[0031] Computer 128 may include a processor 130 and a memory 132. Memory 132 may store one or more program(s) 134 configured to be executed (e.g., run) by the processor 130. In some embodiments, memory 132 and / or program(s) 134 may be located external to computer 128. For example, computer 128 may be connected to the Internet to access external data and the like. In some embodiments, program(s) 134 may operate one or more of the diagnostic laboratory instruments of diagnostic laboratory system 100 and / or process data generated by one or more of the diagnostic laboratory instruments of diagnostic laboratory system 100.

[0032] Memory 132 may be any suitable type of memory, such as, but not limited to one or more of a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory. In one or more embodiments, memory 132 may be a non-transitory memory (e.g., a hard drive, a solid-state drive, a flash drive, another non-transitory computer-readable medium, etc.).

[0033] As stated, memory 132 may have one or more programs 134 stored therein which include computer executable instructions that, when executed by processor 130, cause processor 130 to perform various actions specified by the stored instructions. The computer executable instructions may be provided to processor 130 to perform operations in accordance with the present systems and methods (e.g., specified in one or more flowcharts and / or block diagrams described herein). Processor 130, so configured, may become a special purpose machine particularly suited for performing in accordance with the present systems and methods. Thus, the computer executable instructions, which may be stored in a computer20240P09074WC readable medium such as memory 132, may direct processor 130 to function in a particular manner.

[0034] In some embodiments, program(s) 134 may include a routing program 136 configured to determine how sample carriers 126 may be routed to diagnostic laboratory instruments within diagnostic laboratory system 100. In one or more embodiments, routing program 136 may also determine how inventory may be routed to diagnostic laboratory instruments within diagnostic laboratory system 100 from inventory storage module 120. A carrier controller 138 coupled to routing program 136 may cause sample carriers 126 to move sample containers 124 throughout diagnostic laboratory system 100 via transport system 122 (e.g., in accordance with routing instructions from routing program 136). For example, carrier controller 138 may energize one or more components (e.g., motors, switches, etc.) necessary to move a particular sample carrier 126 to a desired destination using transport system 122. Likewise, in some embodiments, carrier controller 138 may cause inventory to move (e.g., via a sample carrier 126 and / or inventory carrier 204 of FIGS. 2B or 2C) throughout diagnostic laboratory system 100 using transport system 122 and based on routing instructions from routing program 136.

[0035] In some embodiments, inventory management methods may be employed by program(s) 134 to determine at least one of a time, an order, and / or an amount of inventory to deliver to one or more diagnostic laboratory instruments within diagnostic laboratory system 100 (e.g., when making routing decisions). Example inventory management methods that may be employed include just-in-time, just-in-sequence, just-in-case, vendor-managed inventory, materials requirement planning, ABC analysis, economic order quantity, or the like. Other inventory management methods may be used.

[0036] Computer 128 may be coupled to a workstation 140 that is configured to enable users to interface with diagnostic laboratory system 100. Workstation 140 may include a display 142, a keyboard 144, and other peripherals. Programs within memory 132 may cause display 142 to display information regarding processing of samples within diagnostic laboratory system 100 and / or information regarding delivery of inventory within diagnostic laboratory system 100.

[0037] FIG. 2A illustrates an example inventory storage module 120 provided in accordance with one or more embodiments. With reference to FIG. 2A, in some embodiments, inventory storage module 120 may store one or more inventory units 202 (a few labelled). Each inventory unit 202 may hold inventory for use by one or more of the diagnostic laboratory instruments within diagnostic laboratory system 100. Example inventory may include reagents, calibration solutions, control solutions, pipette tips, centrifuge tubes, etc., or the like, and each inventory unit 202 may include an amount of inventory for a single use (e.g., a single reagent dose for a single analysis), an amount of inventory for multiple uses (e.g., enough20240P09074WG reagent for multiple analyses), a single type of inventory, multiple types of inventory, inventory for a single diagnostic laboratory instrument, inventory for multiple diagnostic laboratory instruments, or the like. As stated, in some embodiments, at least a portion of inventory storage module 120 may include refrigeration for refrigerating one or more inventory units 202.

[0038] FIG. 2B illustrates an example inventory carrier 204 configured to transport inventory units 202 via transport system 122 (FIG. 1) of diagnostic laboratory system 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2B, inventory carrier 204 may include a supporting surface 206 with sides 208a-b that support an inventory unit 202 during transport. In some embodiments, inventory carrier 204 may be similar to sample carriers 126 (e.g., similarly sized, similarly propelled along transport system 122, etc.).

[0039] In one or more embodiments, inventory carrier 204 may be configured to be self-propelled. Inventory carrier 204 may include a housing 210 in which a motor 212 and a receiver 214 may be located. Motor 212 may be coupled to wheels 216 extending from housing 210. Receiver 214 may receive transport instructions from carrier controller 138 (FIG.1) indicating that inventory carrier 204 is to move. In some embodiments, the instructions may include the velocity, acceleration, and / or direction that inventory carrier 204 is to move. Receiver 214 may then activate motor 212, which spins wheels 216 and moves inventory carrier 204 per the instructions. In some embodiments, coils or the like may be located in transport system 122 and may generate electric fields that provide power to motor 212. Alternatively, power may be provided to motor 212 to move inventory carrier 204 by other methods and devices.

[0040] In some embodiments, transport system 122 (FIG. 1) may be configured with linear motors. For example, FIG. 2C illustrates an example embodiment of inventory carrier 204 in which transport system 122 may include coils 218 configured to generate magnetic fields in response to signals generated by carrier controller 138 (FIG. 1). Base 220 of housing 210 may be magnetized so that force is applied to base 220 as the magnetic fields generated by coils 218 change. This force may cause inventory carrier 204 to move on transport system 122.

[0041] In some embodiments, routing program 136 (FIG. 1) may determine routing instructions for both sample carriers 126 and inventory carriers 204. That is, routing program 136 may generate routing plans that are at least partially executed by carrier controller 138 for routing both sample carriers 126 and inventory carriers 204. In other embodiments, a separate routing program may be employed to determine the routes for inventory within diagnostic laboratory system 100. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of computer 128 in which memory 132 includes a sample carrier routing program 302 that provides routing instructions to a sample carrier controller 304 for routing sample carriers 126 to diagnostic laboratory instruments within diagnostic laboratory system 100. Memory 132 also includes an20240P09074WG inventory carrier routing program 306 that provides routing instructions to an inventory carrier controller 308 for routing inventory carriers 204 to diagnostic laboratory instruments within diagnostic laboratory system 100. That is, sample carrier controller 304 may control transport system 122 so as to move sample carriers 126 based on routing instructions from sample carrier routing program 302 and inventory carrier controller 308 may control transport system 122 so as to move inventory carriers 204 based on routing instructions from inventory carrier controller 308. Other routing program and / or carrier controller configurations may be employed.

[0042] FIG. 4A illustrates another example inventory storage module 120 provided in accordance with one or more embodiments. With reference to FIG. 4A, in some embodiments, inventory storage module 120 may store one or more inventory supplies 402 (a few labelled). Each inventory supply 402 may hold inventory that may be dispensed (e.g., aspirated or otherwise supplied) into a sample container 124 (FIG. 1) for delivery to a diagnostic laboratory instrument of diagnostic laboratory system 100 using a sample carrier 126 and transport system 122. Example inventory may include reagents, calibration solutions, control solutions, etc., or the like. Each inventory supply 402 may include an amount of inventory for a single use (e.g., a single reagent dose for a single analysis) or an amount of inventory for multiple uses (e.g., enough reagent for multiple analyses by one or more diagnostic laboratory instruments). In some embodiments, at least a portion of inventory storage module 120 may include refrigeration for refrigerating one or more inventory supplies 402. As shown in FIG. 4A, in one or more embodiments, inventory storage module 120 may include a dispensing module 404 configured to transfer inventory from inventory supplies 402 into sample containers 124 (FIG. 1) for delivery by sample carriers 126.

[0043] FIG. 4B illustrates an example sample carrier 126 configured to transport inventory 406 dispensed into a sample container 124 from an inventory supply 402 (FIG. 4A) in accordance with one or more embodiments. As with inventory carrier 204 (FIG. 2B), in one or more embodiments, sample carrier 126 (FIG. 4B) may be configured to be self-propelled and may receive transport instructions from carrier controller 138 (FIG. 1) indicating how sample carrier 126 is to move. In some embodiments, the instructions may include the velocity, acceleration, and / or direction that sample carrier 126 is to move. In other embodiments, transport system 122 may be configured with linear motors. For example, transport system 122 may include coils (not shown) configured to generate magnetic fields in response to signals generated by carrier controller 138 (FIG. 1). A base of sample carrier 126 may be magnetized so that force may be applied to the base as the magnetic fields generated by coils of transport system 122 change. The force may cause sample carrier 126 to move on transport system 122.

[0044] FIG. 4C illustrates an example embodiment of computer 128 in which memory20240P09074WG132 includes a sample carrier and inventory routing program 408 that determines routing instructions for sample carriers 126 that transport either samples or inventory. Routing instructions from sample carrier and inventory routing program 408 may be fed to sample carrier controller 410 which may control transport system 122 so as to move sample carriers 126 based on the routing instructions. In this manner, either samples or inventory may be delivered to diagnostic laboratory instruments of diagnostic laboratory system 100 within sample containers 124 (via sample carriers 216 travelling on transport system 122).

[0045] Through use of inventory carriers 204 (FIGS. 2B-2C) or sample containers 124 and sample carriers 126 (FIG. 4B), embodiments provided herein facilitate the movement of reagents, calibration solutions, control solutions, or other inventory, along a designated transportation system (e.g., with the precision with which patient samples are transported within diagnostic laboratory systems). As described above, at least one of sample carriers 126 (FIG. 1) may be configured to transport inventory from inventory storage module 120. For example, in some embodiments, inventory storage module 120 may include dispensing module 404 configured to dispense (e.g., aspirate, pour, or otherwise transfer) inventory into a sample container 124 so that the inventory may be transported via a sample carrier 126 to a diagnostic laboratory instrument of diagnostic laboratory system 100 using transport system 122. In some embodiments, inventory may be dispensed into an inventory carrier 204 for transfer to a diagnostic laboratory instrument.

[0046] If inventory to be transported by a sample carrier 126 requires refrigeration, in some embodiments, one or more sample carriers 126 may be configured to refrigerate sample containers that contain inventory. Similarly, inventory carriers 204 may be configured to refrigerate inventory units 202.

[0047] Samples may require a multitude of inventory items during analysis. For example, ancillary reagents, solid reagents, lite reagents, etc., may be used for each sample. Such reagents may be held in separate containers within a diagnostic laboratory system. Inventory storage module 120, transport system 122, routing program 136, 306, or 408, and carrier controller 138, 308, or 410 may be employed to coordinate the arrival of these items to each diagnostic laboratory instrument within diagnostic laboratory system 100. In some embodiments, a separate carrier may be employed for each reagent or other inventory item delivered to a diagnostic laboratory instrument while in other embodiments a single carrier (e.g., an inventory carrier 204) may be employed for a plurality of reagents (or other inventory items).

[0048] Embodiments provided herein may use existing diagnostic laboratory transport systems to deliver inventory in the same way that samples are delivered. For example, in some embodiments, similar to the precision with which instruments aspirate patient samples, inventory may be aspirated and transferred to diagnostic laboratory instruments using the20240P09074WG same transport system employed to transfer samples (e.g., within sample containers moved using sample carriers). In other embodiments, a dedicated inventory carrier may be employed to transport inventory to diagnostic laboratory instruments using the same transport system employed to transfer samples.

[0049] Embodiments provided herein may include a dynamic and responsive inventory management system that may eliminate the need for on-board storage and the replenishment of instrument inventory. For example, by adopting just-in-time principles, necessary materials (e.g., inventory such as reagents, calibration solutions, other chemicals, sample containers, pipette tips, centrifuge tubes, or the like) may be delivered precisely when and where needed, optimizing workflow and minimizing waste. Ajust-in-sequence component may further enhance accuracy by delivering inventory in the exact order required for each diagnostic process. Thus, embodiments provided herein may not only streamline laboratory operations but also significantly reduce the logistical challenges associated with inventory storage and management. In some embodiments, a routing and / or planning implementation may employ multi-agent path finding or another suitable technique.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a first example process 500 for delivering inventory within a diagnostic laboratory system in accordance with embodiments provided herein. In some implementations, one or more process blocks of FIG. 5 may be performed by computer 128 executing computer program instructions of program(s) 134 (e.g., as part of a routing program and / or carrier controller).

[0051] As shown in FIG. 5, process 500 may include selecting inventory for a first diagnostic laboratory instrument of a plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments within a diagnostic laboratory system (block 502). For example, computer 128 executing a routing program such as routing program 136 (FIG. 1), inventory carrier routing program 306 (FIG. 2), or sample carrier and inventory routing program 408 (FIG. 4C) may select inventory for a first diagnostic laboratory instrument (e.g., centrifuge 108, analyzer 1 12a-d, analyzer 1 14a-b, etc.) within diagnostic laboratory system 100, as described above. In some embodiments, just-in- time and / or just-in-sequence manufacturing principles may be employed by the routing program to determine when and what inventory should be delivered to the first diagnostic laboratory instrument.

[0052] In some embodiments, inventory to be delivered to a diagnostic laboratory instrument may include a plurality of reagents for a single sample or one or more reagents for one or more samples. That is, the selected inventory may include enough inventory to process a single sample or enough inventory to process a plurality of samples.

[0053] As also shown in FIG. 5, process 500 may include selecting a carrier to transport the selected inventory via a transport system connecting the plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments (block 504). For example, computer 128 executing a routing program20240P09074WG may select a sample carrier 126 or inventory carrier 204 to transport the selected inventory via transport system 122 connecting the plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments within diagnostic laboratory system 100, as described above. Selecting a carrier to transport the selected inventory may include selecting a sample container to hold the inventory and a sample carrier to transport the sample container. In some embodiments, the selected carrier may be configured to transport a plurality of reagents. Further, in one or more embodiments, the selected carrier may refrigerate the inventory.

[0054] As further shown in FIG. 5, process 500 may include directing an inventory storage module within the diagnostic laboratory system to supply the selected inventory to the selected carrier (block 506). For example, computer 128 executing a routing program may direct inventory storage module 120 within diagnostic laboratory system 100 to supply the selected inventory to the selected carrier (e.g., a sample carrier 126 or inventory carrier 204), as described above. In some embodiments, directing inventory storage module 120 to supply the selected inventory to the selected carrier may include directing inventory storage module 120 to aspirate or otherwise transfer inventory from an inventory supply 402 into the selected container.

[0055] As also shown in FIG. 5, process 500 may include employing a carrier controller to transfer the selected inventory to the first diagnostic laboratory instrument via the transport system using the selected carrier (block 508). For example, computer 128 may execute computer program instructions within a carrier controller (e.g., carrier controller 138 of FIG. 1 , inventory carrier controller 308 of FIG. 3, or sample carrier controller 410 of FIG. 4C) to transfer the selected inventory to the first diagnostic laboratory instrument via transport system 122 using the selected carrier (e.g., a sample carrier 126 or inventory carrier 204), as described above.

[0056] Although FIG. 5 shows example blocks of process 500, in some implementations, process 500 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in FIG. 5. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of process 500 may be performed in parallel.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a second example process 600 for delivering inventory within a diagnostic laboratory system in accordance with embodiments provided herein. In some implementations, one or more process blocks of FIG. 6 may be performed by computer 128 executing computer program instructions of program(s) 134 (e.g., as part of a routing program and / or carrier controller).

[0058] As shown in FIG. 6, process 600 may include selecting inventory for a first diagnostic laboratory instrument of a plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments within a diagnostic laboratory system (block 602). For example, computer 128 executing a routing program such as routing program 136 (FIG. 1), inventory carrier routing program 306 (FIG. 2),20240P09074WG or sample carrier and inventory routing program 408 (FIG. 4C) may select inventory for a first diagnostic laboratory instrument within diagnostic laboratory system 100, as described above.

[0059] As also shown in FIG. 6, process 600 may include selecting a plurality of carriers to transport the selected inventory via a transport system connecting the plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments (block 604). For example, computer 128 executing a routing program may select a plurality of sample carriers 126, a plurality of inventory carriers 204, or a combination of sample and inventory carriers to transport the selected inventory via transport system 122 connecting a plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments within diagnostic laboratory system 100, as described above. In some embodiments, the inventory may include a plurality of reagents or other solutions for use in analyzing one or more samples at a diagnostic laboratory instrument and the inventory may be delivered via a plurality of sample carriers or inventory carriers.

[0060] As further shown in FIG. 6, process 600 may include directing an inventory storage module within the diagnostic laboratory system to supply the selected inventory to the selected carriers (block 606). For example, computer 128 executing a routing program may direct inventory storage module 120 within diagnostic laboratory system 100 to supply the selected inventory to the selected carriers (e.g., sample carriers 126, inventory carriers 204, or a combination thereof), as described above.

[0061] As also shown in FIG. 6, process 600 may include employing a carrier controller to transfer the selected inventory to the first diagnostic laboratory instrument via the transport system using the selected carriers (block 608). For example, computer 128 may execute computer program instructions within a carrier controller (e.g., carrier controller 138 of FIG. 1 , inventory carrier controller 308 of FIG. 3, or sample carrier controller 410 of FIG. 4C) to transfer the selected inventory to the first diagnostic laboratory instrument via transport system 122 using the selected carriers (e.g., sample carriers 126 and / or inventory carriers 204), as described above.

[0062] Although FIG. 6 shows example blocks of process 600, in some implementations, process 600 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in FIG. 6. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of process 600 may be performed in parallel.

[0063] Memory 132 may include computer program instructions (e.g., one or more programs 134) that, when executed by processor 130, cause processor 130 to select inventory for a first diagnostic laboratory instrument within diagnostic laboratory system 100. For example, diagnostic analyzer 112a (FIG. 1) may need one or more reagents to analyze samples. Such reagents may be delivered to diagnostic analyzer 1 12a from inventory storage module 120. Memory 132 may further include computer program instructions (e.g., one or more programs 134) that, when executed by processor 130, cause processor 130 to select a20240P09074WC carrier (e.g., an inventory carrier 204 or a sample carrier 126) to transport the selected inventory; direct inventory storage module 120 to supply the selected inventory to the selected carrier; and employ a carrier controller (e.g., carrier controller 138, 308, or 410) to transfer the selected inventory to the first diagnostic laboratory instrument via the transport system 122 using the selected carrier.

[0064] When a sample carrier 126 is employed to deliver inventory to a diagnostic laboratory instrument within diagnostic laboratory system 100, memory 132 may include computer program instructions that, when executed by processor 130, cause processor 130 to: select a sample container 124 to hold the inventory and the sample carrier 126 to transport the sample container 124; direct inventory storage module 120 to dispense inventory from an inventory supply 402 into the selected sample container 124; and employ a carrier controller (e.g., carrier controller 410) to transfer the selected sample container 124 to the diagnostic laboratory instrument via the transport system 122 using the selected sample carrier 126. In some embodiments, the transferred inventory may be sufficient to process a single sample while in other embodiments the transferred inventory may be sufficient to process a plurality of samples.

[0065] In some embodiments, memory 132 may include computer program instructions that, when executed by processor 130, cause processor 130 to employ one or more inventory management methods to determine at least one of a time, an order, and an amount of inventory to deliver to one or more diagnostic laboratory instruments within diagnostic laboratory system 100. Example inventory management methods that may be employed include just-in-time, just-in-sequence, just-in-case, vendor-managed inventory, materials requirement planning, ABC analysis, economic order quantity, or the like. Other inventory management methods may be used.

[0066] In another example embodiment, all or a portion of transport system 122 may be refrigerated.

[0067] Embodiments described herein may be employed to deliver any suitable inventory such as reagents, reagent vessels, calibration solutions, other chemicals, sample containers, pipette tips, disposable tips, centrifuge tubes, or the like to diagnostic laboratory equipment such as pre-analytical, analytical, or post-analytical diagnostic laboratory instruments.NON-LIMITING ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0068] The following is a list of non-limiting embodiments of inventive concepts disclosed herein:

[0069] An illustrative diagnostic laboratory system, comprising a plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments; an inventory storage module separate from the diagnostic laboratoryinstruments and configured to store inventory for one or more of the diagnostic laboratory instruments; and a transport system configured to move samples between the plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments and inventory between the inventory storage module and one or more of the diagnostic laboratory instruments.

[0070] The illustrative diagnostic laboratory system of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, further comprising a plurality of sample carriers configured to move sample containers between the diagnostic laboratory instruments via the transport system.

[0071] The illustrative diagnostic laboratory system of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein at least one of the sample carriers is configured to transport inventory from the inventory storage module.

[0072] The illustrative diagnostic laboratory system of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the inventory storage module includes a dispensing module configured to dispense inventory into a sample container so that inventory may be transported to a diagnostic laboratory instrument via the transport system using the at least one sample carrier configured to transport inventory.

[0073] The illustrative diagnostic laboratory system of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the at least one sample carrier configured to transport inventory is configured to refrigerate inventory.

[0074] The illustrative diagnostic laboratory system of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, further comprising at least one inventory carrier separate from the plurality of sample carriers, the at least one inventory carrier configured to transport inventory via the transport system.

[0075] The illustrative diagnostic laboratory system of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the at least one inventory carrier configured to transport inventory is configured to refrigerate inventory.

[0076] The illustrative diagnostic laboratory system of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the inventory storage module is configured to refrigerate inventory.

[0077] The illustrative diagnostic laboratory system of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, further comprising a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory including computer program instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: select inventory for a first diagnostic laboratory instrument of the plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments; select a carrier to transport the selected inventory; direct the inventory storage module to supply the selected inventory to the selected carrier; and employ a carrier controller to transfer the selected inventory to the first diagnostic laboratory instrument via the transport system using the selected carrier.

[0078] The illustrative diagnostic laboratory system of any one of the proceedingillustrative embodiments, wherein the memory includes computer program instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: select a sample container to hold the inventory and a sample carrier to transport the sample container; direct the inventory storage module to dispense inventory from an inventory supply into the selected sample container; and employ the carrier controller to transfer the selected sample container to the first diagnostic laboratory instrument via the transport system using the selected sample carrier.

[0079] The illustrative diagnostic laboratory system of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the selected inventory includes enough inventory to process a single sample within the first diagnostic laboratory instrument.

[0080] The illustrative diagnostic laboratory system of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the selected inventory includes enough inventory to process a plurality of samples within the first diagnostic laboratory instrument.

[0081] The illustrative diagnostic laboratory system of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the memory includes computer program instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to employ just-in-time inventory management analysis to determine at least one of a time, an order, and an amount of inventory to transfer to one or more of the diagnostic laboratory instruments.

[0082] The illustrative diagnostic laboratory system of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the memory includes computer program instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: select inventory for the first diagnostic laboratory instrument of the plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments, the inventory including a plurality of reagents; select at least one carrier to transport the selected inventory; direct the inventory storage module to supply the selected inventory to the at least one selected carrier; and employ a carrier controller to transfer the selected inventory to the first diagnostic laboratory instrument via the transport system using the at least one selected carrier.

[0083] The illustrative diagnostic laboratory system of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the at least one carrier comprises a separate carrier for each reagent.

[0084] The illustrative diagnostic laboratory system of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the at least one carrier comprises a single carrier for the plurality of reagents.

[0085] An illustrative method comprising selecting inventory for a first diagnostic laboratory instrument of a plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments within a diagnostic laboratory system; selecting a carrier to transport the selected inventory via a transport system connecting the plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments; directing an inventory storagemodule within the diagnostic laboratory system to supply the selected inventory to the selected carrier; and employing a carrier controller to transfer the selected inventory to the first diagnostic laboratory instrument via the transport system using the selected carrier.

[0086] The illustrative method of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein: selecting the carrier to transport the selected inventory comprises selecting a sample container to hold the inventory and a sample carrier to transport the sample container; and directing the inventory storage module within the diagnostic laboratory system to supply the selected inventory to the selected carrier comprises directing the inventory storage module to dispense inventory from an inventory supply into the selected sample container.

[0087] The illustrative method of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the selected inventory includes enough inventory to process a single sample within the first diagnostic laboratory instrument.

[0088] The illustrative method of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the selected inventory includes enough inventory to process a plurality of samples within the first diagnostic laboratory instrument.

[0089] The illustrative method of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, further comprising employing just-in-time inventory management analysis to determine at least one of a time, an order, and an amount of inventory to transfer to one or more the diagnostic laboratory instruments.

[0090] The illustrative method of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the selected carrier is an inventory carrier.

[0091] The illustrative method of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, further comprising refrigerating the inventory within the selected carrier.

[0092] The illustrative method of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the inventory includes a plurality of reagents and the selected carrier is configured to transport the plurality of reagents.

[0093] An illustrative method comprising selecting inventory for a first diagnostic laboratory instrument of a plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments within a diagnostic laboratory system; selecting a plurality of carriers to transport the selected inventory via a transport system connecting the plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments; directing an inventory storage module within the diagnostic laboratory system to supply the selected inventory to the selected carriers; and employing a carrier controller to transfer the selected inventory to the first diagnostic laboratory instrument via the transport system using the selected carriers.

[0094] The illustrative method of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the inventory includes a plurality of reagents for a single sample.

[0095] The illustrative method of any one of the proceeding illustrative embodiments,wherein the inventory includes one or more reagents for one or more samples.

[0096] 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 invention has been disclosed in connection with 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.

Claims

20240P09074WQWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:1 . A diagnostic laboratory system, comprising: a plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments; an inventory storage module separate from the diagnostic laboratory instruments and configured to store inventory for one or more of the diagnostic laboratory instruments; and a transport system configured to move samples between the plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments and inventory between the inventory storage module and one or more of the diagnostic laboratory instruments.

2. The diagnostic laboratory system of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of sample carriers configured to move sample containers between the diagnostic laboratory instruments via the transport system.

3. The diagnostic laboratory system of claim 2, wherein at least one of the sample carriers is configured to transport inventory from the inventory storage module.

4. The diagnostic laboratory system of claim 3, wherein the inventory storage module includes a dispensing module configured to dispense inventory into a sample container so that inventory may be transported to a diagnostic laboratory instrument via the transport system using the at least one sample carrier configured to transport inventory.

5. The diagnostic laboratory system of claim 3, wherein the at least one sample carrier configured to transport inventory is configured to refrigerate inventory.

6. The diagnostic laboratory system of claim 2, further comprising at least one inventory carrier separate from the plurality of sample carriers, the at least one inventory carrier configured to transport inventory via the transport system.

7. The diagnostic laboratory system of claim 6, wherein the at least one inventory carrier configured to transport inventory is configured to refrigerate inventory.

8. The diagnostic laboratory system of claim 1 , wherein the inventory storage module is configured to refrigerate inventory.

9. The diagnostic laboratory system of claim 1 , further comprising: a processor; anda memory coupled to the processor, the memory including computer program instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: select inventory for a first diagnostic laboratory instrument of the plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments; select a carrier to transport the selected inventory; direct the inventory storage module to supply the selected inventory to the selected carrier; and employ a carrier controller to transfer the selected inventory to the first diagnostic laboratory instrument via the transport system using the selected carrier.

10. The diagnostic laboratory system of claim 9, wherein the memory includes computer program instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: select a sample container to hold the inventory and a sample carrier to transport the sample container; direct the inventory storage module to dispense inventory from an inventory supply into the selected sample container; and employ the carrier controller to transfer the selected sample container to the first diagnostic laboratory instrument via the transport system using the selected sample carrier.11 . The diagnostic laboratory system of claim 9, wherein the selected inventory includes enough inventory to process a single sample within the first diagnostic laboratory instrument.

12. The diagnostic laboratory system of claim 9, wherein the selected inventory includes enough inventory to process a plurality of samples within the first diagnostic laboratory instrument.

13. The diagnostic laboratory system of claim 9, wherein the memory includes computer program instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to employ just-in-time inventory management analysis to determine at least one of a time, an order, and an amount of inventory to transfer to one or more of the diagnostic laboratory instruments.

14. The diagnostic laboratory system of claim 9, wherein the memory includes computer program instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: select inventory for the first diagnostic laboratory instrument of the plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments, the inventory including a plurality of reagents; select at least one carrier to transport the selected inventory;direct the inventory storage module to supply the selected inventory to the at least one selected carrier; and employ a carrier controller to transfer the selected inventory to the first diagnostic laboratory instrument via the transport system using the at least one selected carrier.

15. The diagnostic laboratory system of claim 14, wherein the at least one carrier comprises a separate carrier for each reagent.

16. The diagnostic laboratory system of claim 14, wherein the at least one carrier comprises a single carrier for the plurality of reagents.

17. A method comprising: selecting inventory for a first diagnostic laboratory instrument of a plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments within a diagnostic laboratory system; selecting a carrier to transport the selected inventory via a transport system connecting the plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments; directing an inventory storage module within the diagnostic laboratory system to supply the selected inventory to the selected carrier; and employing a carrier controller to transfer the selected inventory to the first diagnostic laboratory instrument via the transport system using the selected carrier.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein: selecting the carrier to transport the selected inventory comprises selecting a sample container to hold the inventory and a sample carrier to transport the sample container; and directing the inventory storage module within the diagnostic laboratory system to supply the selected inventory to the selected carrier comprises directing the inventory storage module to dispense inventory from an inventory supply into the selected sample container.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the selected inventory includes enough inventory to process a single sample within the first diagnostic laboratory instrument.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the selected inventory includes enough inventory to process a plurality of samples within the first diagnostic laboratory instrument.

21. The method of claim 17, further comprising employing just-in-time inventory management analysis to determine at least one of a time, an order, and an amount of inventory to transfer to one or more the diagnostic laboratory instruments.

22. The method of claim 17, wherein the selected carrier is an inventory carrier.

23. The method of claim 17, further comprising refrigerating the inventory within the selected carrier.

24. The method of claim 17, wherein the inventory includes a plurality of reagents and the selected carrier is configured to transport the plurality of reagents.

25. A method comprising: selecting inventory for a first diagnostic laboratory instrument of a plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments within a diagnostic laboratory system; selecting a plurality of carriers to transport the selected inventory via a transport system connecting the plurality of diagnostic laboratory instruments; directing an inventory storage module within the diagnostic laboratory system to supply the selected inventory to the selected carriers; and employing a carrier controller to transfer the selected inventory to the first diagnostic laboratory instrument via the transport system using the selected carriers.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the inventory includes a plurality of reagents for a single sample.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein the inventory includes one or more reagents for one or more samples.

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