Automated processing of samples carried in sample containers and grouping sample containers according to assays to be performed on samples contained therein
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12699109-B2
Publication Date
2026-08-04
Expiration Date
Abstract
A system for processing a plurality of sample containers, each containing sample with at least one open assay associated therewith, includes two or more analyzers, each configured to perform at least one functional assay in receptacle apparatuses including a process number of two or more receptacle vessels, a conveyance for transporting containers to the analyzers, a buffer queue associated with each analyzer for holding containers to be processed by the associated analyzer, and a scanner associated with each analyzer. Each scanner scans machine-readable identification information associated with each container transported by the conveyance past the scanner and the open assay(s) for that container are identified based on the scanned information. The sample container is diverted into the associated buffer queue only if at least one open assay for that container matches at least one functional assay of the associated analyzer. The system attempts to accumulate at least the process number of sample containers with the same open assay so that the matching functional assay can be performed on the different samples in each of the process number of receptacle vessels of each receptacle apparatus.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a system for processing a plurality of distinct samples in discrete sample containers. The system includes two or more analyzers that each perform one or more functional assays on sample extracted from a sample container within a receptacle apparatus comprising a process number of two or more operatively associated process vessels, where the same functional assay is performed on a different sample contained within each process vessel.
A conveyance transports sample containers between the analyzers, and a buffer queue associated with each analyzer holds multiple sample containers diverted from the conveyance. A scanner associated with each analyzer detects machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container transported on the conveyance, and one or more controllers implement an assay matching operation that diverts sample containers from the conveyance to analyzers to maximize system throughput and efficiency.
The controllers selectively alter the assay matching operation to prioritize processing a STAT sample container or to change operation when the assay matching operation cannot be completed within a prescribed period of time. The controllers identify one or more open assays for each sample container based on the identification information and determine if the sample container is a STAT sample container.
For each buffer queue, the controllers monitor buffered container count by open assay and buffered container holding time since a first sample container of each buffered container count was diverted, and then cause sample transfer device actions that depend on whether the count reaches the process number, whether holding time reaches a maximum holding time, or whether the diverted container is a STAT sample container.
Claims Coverage
One independent claim is reflected, covering analyzer-based receptacle processing, conveyance and per-analyzer buffer queues, scanner-based assay matching, and controller-driven diversion and sample-transfer actions adapted to throughput constraints, STAT prioritization, and buffer queue count and holding-time thresholds.
Analyzer receptacle apparatus with process number vessels
Each analyzer performs one or more functional assays on sample extracted from a sample container within a receptacle apparatus comprising a process number of two or more operatively associated process vessels, where the same functional assay is performed on a different sample contained within each process vessel.
Conveyance and per-analyzer buffer queues for diverted containers
A conveyance transports sample containers between the two or more analyzers, and a buffer queue associated with each analyzer holds multiple sample containers diverted from the conveyance.
Scanner-detected machine-readable IDs for open assay identification and STAT determination
A scanner associated with each analyzer detects machine-readable identification information associated with each sample container transported on the conveyance, and the controllers use the detected identification information to identify one or more open assays for each sample container and to determine if the sample container is a STAT sample container.
Assay matching diversion that maximizes throughput while enabling STAT prioritization and prescribed-period handling
One or more controllers implement an assay matching operation that diverts sample containers from the conveyance to one of the analyzers in a manner that maximizes system throughput and efficiency while enabling the system to selectively alter the assay matching operation to prioritize processing a STAT sample container or to alter operation when the assay matching operation cannot be completed within a prescribed period time.
Buffer-queue-driven sample transfer based on buffered container count, holding time, and STAT status
With monitoring of buffered container count by open assay and buffered container holding time for each buffer queue, and with the sample transfer device of the associated analyzer, the controllers perform one of: transferring sample from each process number of sample containers having the same open assay into a different process vessel when the buffered container count for that assay is at least equal to the process number; transferring sample when the buffered container holding time reaches a maximum holding time while the buffered container count for that open assay is less than the process number; or transferring sample from a STAT sample container diverted into the associated buffer queue into one of the process vessels of a receptacle apparatus.
Overall, the claim coverage centers on a multi-analyzer system that uses scanner-detected machine-readable identification to identify open assays and STAT status, diverts containers using an assay matching operation to maximize throughput, and triggers analyzer-side sample transfer based on per-buffer-queue buffered container count, buffered container holding time, maximum holding time, process-number thresholds, and STAT handling.
Stated Advantages
Maximizes system throughput and efficiency.
Selectively alters assay matching operation to prioritize processing a STAT sample container.
Enables assay matching operation handling when assay matching cannot be completed within a prescribed period time.
Documented Applications
Automated processing of a plurality of distinct samples using two or more analyzers with assay matching, buffer queues, and STAT prioritization.
Routing sample containers to a buffer queue for corresponding functional assay availability and transferring sample portions into process vessels based on buffered container count, buffered container holding time, and maximum holding time.
Processing STAT sample containers by diverting to an associated buffer queue and transferring the STAT sample container into one of the process vessels.
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