Information notification sample processing system and methods of biological slide processing

摘要

A sample processing system that may be automated and methods are disclosed where samples are arranged on a carrier element and a process operation control system automatically processes the samples perhaps robotically with an operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information monitor or a data capture element. Significant process details as well as operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information may be monitored and an automatic notice element may cause notification of a person at some display that may be remote. Various people may be notified, such as an administrator, a supplier, or a manufacturer of an opportunity for some action such as reagent reordering or the like. A simulated motion display may be included to “watch” simulated operation in real time or long after completion of the actual processing.

主权项

1. A method of automated sample processing comprising the steps of:
establishing a network including at least one stainer, the at least one stainer having an automated process operation capability that causes automated process operation events through movement of a robotic member; receiving a protocol in the at least one stainer via the network; scheduling a plurality of sample process operations based on the protocol; monitoring operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information; automatically processing at least one sample arranged on a first slide using the at least one stainer at least in part through operation of said robotic member sequencing through said scheduled plurality of sample process operations, wherein automatically processing includes dispensing of a buffering agent by the robotic member; inserting a second slide into the at least one stainer, wherein inserting the second slide does not interfere with movement of the robotic member related to the first slide: and communicating via the network at least some exteriorly-consequential information in response to said step of monitoring operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information.