Method for detecting a covering state and laboratory sample distribution system

A method for detecting a covering state of a laboratory sample container, wherein the laboratory sample container is at least partially light conducting and wherein the laboratory sample container has a bottom surface and an opening coverable by a dedicated cover, the method comprising:

• injecting light into the bottom surface of the laboratory sample container which opposite the opening of the laboratory sample container, wherein the light is injected into the laboratory sample container along the longitudinal axis of the laboratory sample container toward the opening:
• measuring an optical power of light at a measuring location, wherein the measuring location is chosen such that the measured optical power depends on the optical power of the light injected into the laboratory sample container and depends on the covering state of the dedicated cover over the opening of the laboratory sample container:
• and
• detecting a covered state, a partially covered state and/or a non-covered state of the opening of the laboratory sample container by the dedicated cover depending on the measured optical power,
• wherein the optical power is measured using a sensor positioned at the measuring location adjacent the opening of the laboratory sample container such that the sensor is illuminated by light that has been injected into the laboratory sample container and emanated from the laboratory sample container when the opening is not covered or partially covered by the cover.