Patent ID: 8822224
Filing Date: 2014-09-02
Classification: G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for routing a specimen through an automated anatomic pathology, histology and molecular diagnostic laboratory system, comprising the steps of: entering a first specimen to be evaluated, processed and/or tested in a specimen container; inputting information regarding the specimen and the evaluation, processing and/or testing to be conducted on the specimen into at least one of a computerized laboratory information system (LIS), an anatomic pathology information system (APIS) or an Electronic Health Record (EHR) ordering system, which is connected to and communicates with at least part of an anatomic pathology, histology or molecular diagnostics laboratory automation system (LAS) software; marking a first carrier and/or specimen with an identification code identifying the first specimen and the evaluation, processes and/or tests to be conducted thereon, the processes comprising a paraffin embedding process; placing the first specimen in the first carrier and entering the first carrier into the LAS at a receiving station; reading the identification code and calculating: the priority of the first specimen relative to any other specimens entered into the LAS; the priority of each test to be conducted on the first specimen thereof relative to one another; and the most direct route from the receiving station to a first paraffin embedding workstation for conducting the paraffin embedding process; entering the first carrier into the LAS by directing the carrier onto a transportation mechanism or modality of the LAS, the transportation mechanism or modality extending among a plurality of workstations, each workstation adapted to conduct a predetermined test; managing the transportation mechanism or modality to direct the first carrier and/or specimen to the first paraffin embedding workstation, the first paraffin embedding workstation disposed along the transportation mechanism; operating a gating mechanism at the first paraffin embedding workstation to direct the carrier to a workstation auxiliary transportation mechanism or conveyor, for embedding the specimen in paraffin; and recalculating the priority of the first specimen and any other specimens operating within the LAS upon directing of the first carrier or specimen to the first paraffin embedding workstation.