Information notification sample processing system and methods of biological slide processing
View Patent ↗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.
1. A method of automated biological sample processing comprising:
establishing an automated biological sampling process for a slide stainer;
causing automated process operation events to be performed by a robotic arm of said slide stainer based upon said automated biological sampling process, said automated process operation events including dispensing of fluid via said robotic arm;
monitoring operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information related to an event occurring outside of said automated process operation events that affect performance of said automated process operation events;
automatically processing a sample on a first slide through the slide stainer based upon said automated process operation events;
inserting a second slide into said slide stainer without interrupting dispensing of fluid via said robotic arm; and
automatically informing at least one person of at least some exteriorly-consequential information in response to said step of monitoring operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information.
2. A method of automated biological sample processing as described in claim 1 , wherein said process of establishing an automated biological sampling process comprises establishing an automated slide process.
3. A method of automated biological sample processing as described in claim 2 , further comprising automatically processing a plurality of samples via the processes of:
arranging a plurality of slides including said first slide on a carrier retainment assembly;
applying a reagent to said plurality of slides; and
automatically staining said plurality of slides.
4. A method of automated biological sample processing as described in claim 3 , wherein said process of establishing an automated biological sampling process comprises:
establishing a plurality of automated slide stainers including said slide stainer; and
electronically connecting said plurality of automated slide stainers.
5. A method of automated biological sample processing as described in claim 3 or 4 , and further comprising holding said plurality of slides on at least one movable carrier retainment assembly.
6. A method of automated biological sample processing as described in claim 1 , 3 , or 4 , and further comprising establishing a local area network electronically connected to said slide stainer.
7. A method of automated biological sample processing as described in claim 1 , wherein said step of monitoring operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information comprises monitoring operationally-altered outside information concerning events influenced at least in part by at least some of said automated biological process operation events functions, and wherein said process of automatically informing at least one person of at least some exteriorly-consequential information comprises automatically informing at least one person of said operationally-altered outside information.
8. A method of automated biological sample processing as described in claim 1 , wherein said process of monitoring operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information comprises the process of monitoring replenishable supply information.
9. A method of automated biological sample processing as described in claim 8 , and further comprising automatically notifying at least one operator of a potential need for replenishable supplies in response to said process of monitoring operationally-altered outside information concerning events.
10. A method of automated biological sample processing as described in claim 8 , and further comprising automatically notifying at least one supplier of a potential need for replenishable supplies in response to said process of monitoring operationally-altered outside information concerning events.