Sample processing method

A sample processing method comprising:

• verifying that a first identifier of a first carrier detected at a first position on a host conveyor assembly is associated with a first sample on which a first assay is scheduled to be performed with a first instrument;
• diverting the first carrier from the host conveyor assembly to a first intermediate conveyor assembly;
• transporting the first carrier to a first processing position within the first instrument using the first intermediate conveyor assembly;
• verifying that a second identifier of the first carrier detected at the first processing position is associated with the first sample on which the first assay is scheduled to be performed with the first instrument;
• at the first processing position, transferring at least a portion of the first sample from a first processing receptacle coupled to the first carrier to a first assay receptacle using a first automated pipettor of the first instrument;
• performing the first assay by subjecting the portion of the first sample in the first assay receptacle to nucleic acid amplification reaction conditions using the first instrument;
• and
• transporting the first carrier from the first processing position to the host conveyor assembly using the first intermediate conveyor assembly.