Automated sample storage system having storage consumable with sub-optimal storage density

A method for storing sample specimens in an automated sample specimen storage system, the method comprising:

• providing a tube holding microplate where the tube holding microplate includes
• a predetermined array of tube holding receptacles formed in a plate frame, the tube holding receptacles of the predetermined array having a SBS standard pitch corresponding to the predetermined array, and being configured for holding therein sample store and transport tubes that are separate and distinct from the predetermined array of tube holding receptacles, each tube holding receptacle being disposed so as to contain sample specimen in a sample storage of the automated sample specimen storage system and to effect, with the sample store and transport tube, delivery of the sample specimen from the sample storage array to a workstation, the predetermined array of tube holding receptacles defining a volume capacity of the tube holding microplate, and
• each of the tube holding receptacles being shaped to engage walls of a sample store and transport tube and hold a respective one of the sample store and transport tubes, wherein the tube holding receptacles of the predetermined array are sized and spaced from one another so that the tube holding microplate volume capacity defined by the predetermined array of tube holding receptacles is an under optimum volume capacity;
• storing specimen within the sample store and transport tubes in the under optimum volume capacity tube holding microplate, within the automated sample specimen storage system and for transport into and out of the automated sample specimen storage system;
• providing an automated storage and retrieval system configured for the automated storage and retrieval of sample store and transport tubes from a sample storage with a predetermined throughput capacity to a sample storage array;
• and
• balancing the sample storage array with the predetermined throughput capacity of the automated storage and retrieval system so that the sub-optimal density of the predetermined array effects increased throughput of the sample store and transport tubes from the sample storage to the sample storage array relative to a storage area with optimal volume capacity arrayed tube holding receptacles.

A method for transferring sample specimens in an automated sample specimen storage system, the method comprising:

• transferring sample store and transport tubes from a high capacity storage tray of an automated storage system to a tube holding microplate interfacing with the automated storage system, the microplate having
• a predetermined array of tube holding receptacles formed in a plate frame, the tube holding receptacles of the predetermined array having a SBS standard pitch corresponding to the predetermined array, and being configured for holding therein the sample store and transport tubes that are separate and distinct from the predetermined array of tube holding receptacles, each tube holding receptacle being disposed so as to contain sample specimen in a sample storage array, of the automated storage system, for effecting, with the sample store and transport tube, delivery of the sample specimen from the sample storage array to a workstation, the predetermined array of tube holding receptacles defining a volume capacity of the tube holding microplate, and
• each of the tube holding receptacles being shaped to engage walls of and hold the sample store and transport tube, wherein the tube holding receptacles of the predetermined array are sized and spaced from one another so that the tube holding microplate volume capacity defined by the predetermined array of tube holding receptacles is an under optimum volume capacity;
• transporting the tubes, stored the under optimum volume capacity tube holding microplate, into and out of the automated storage system;
• and
• wherein the sample storage array of the automated storage system is balanced with a predetermined throughput capacity of the automated storage system so that a sub-optimal density of the predetermined array effects increased throughput of the sample store and transport tubes from a sample storage of the automated storage system to the sample storage array relative to a storage area with optimal volume capacity arrayed tube holding receptacles.