Patent ID: 7963900

Claim:
A method of minimizing high priority STAT sample processing times during operation of a laboratory automation system having a conveyor for transporting individual sample tubes from a sample loading/unloading station to either of at least two centrifuges, the centrifuges having known centrifuging capacities, the method comprising the steps of: initially loading a first one of said at least two centrifuges to a centrifuging capacity that is less than or about half of full centrifuging capacity; commencing an operation cycle of said first centrifuge and, after the operation cycle of said first centrifuge is complete, refilling said first centrifuge to full capacity; initially loading a second one of said at least two centrifuges to a centrifuging capacity that is about full centrifuging capacity; commencing operation of said second centrifuge and, after the operation cycle of said first centrifuge is complete, refilling said second centrifuge to full capacity; repeating the full loading and operation of said at least two centrifuges; and supplying high priority STAT samples to whichever of said at least two centrifuges is most closely filled to full capacity.