Instrument parameter determination based on sample tube identification

A method for determining characteristics of a sample container in an automated testing system, the method comprising the steps of:

• identifying the presence of a rack within the automated testing system;
• capturing at least one image of the rack using a sensor of the automated testing system;
• determining that the rack comprises at least one container;
• determining, based on the at least one image, one or more characteristics of the container selected from the group consisting of width, height, shape, and presence of a cap;
• determining, based on the at least one image, presence or absence of a false bottom of the container;
• determining a type or class of the container based at least on the one or more characteristics of the container;
• determining boundaries of separated layers of a material located in the container;
• determining hematocrit based on one or more of layers, liquid levels, or liquid volumes percentage of a first layer and a second layer in the one container;
• and
• capturing multiple images of the container during rotation of the container in front of the sensor and forming a segmented picture from the multiple images.

A system for determining characteristics of a container in a rack for an automated testing system, the system comprising:

• a sensor configured to capture one or more images of a first side of the rack;
• a processor configured to receive the one or more images;
• to process the one or more images to determine one or more characteristics of the container selected from the group consisting of width, height, shape, and presence of a cap;
• and
• to process the one or more images to determine presence or absence of a false bottom of the container;
• a light source configured to provide back illumination by illuminating a second side of the rack opposite the first side of the rack;
• and
• comprising a second light source configured to provide front illumination by illuminating the first side of the rack, and wherein the first light source and the second light source each comprise an LED stripe.