Systems and methods of sample processing and temperature control

An automated sample processing system for processing at least one sample on at least one carrier according to a processing protocol, comprising:

• at least one container having a reagent therein positioned in a reagent section for application to said at least one sample during said processing;
• carrier retention devices for retaining said sample during said processing;
• a reagent temperature control element to which said reagent in said at least one container is responsive;
• a sample temperature control element to which said at least one sample is responsive, wherein said sample temperature control element regulates the temperature of said at least one sample at a set point and to within a tolerance specified by the protocol;
• and
• a moveable robotic member for dispensing fluid on the at least one carrier;
• a sample processing control system configured to monitor the at least one carrier and the at least one reagent and to control the moveable robotic member according to the processing protocol;
• wherein the sample processing control system permits the at least one carrier and the at least one reagent in the at least one container to be inserted or removed during the processing protocol without interrupting the fluid dispensing of the robotic member.

An automated sample processing system for processing at least one sample on at least one carrier according to a processing protocol, comprising:

• at least one container having a reagent therein positioned in a reagent section for application to said at least one sample during said processing;
• carrier retention devices for retaining said sample during said processing;
• a reagent temperature control element to which said reagent in said at least one container is responsive;
• a sample temperature control element to which said at least one sample is responsive, wherein said sample temperature control element regulates the temperature of said at least one sample at a set point and to within a tolerance specified by the protocol;
• and
• a moveable robotic member for dispensing fluid on the at least one carrier;
• a sample processing control system configured to monitor the at least one carrier and the at least one reagent and to control the moveable robotic member according to the processing protocol;
• wherein the sample processing control system permits the carrier and the reagent to be inserted or removed during the processing protocol without interrupting the fluid dispensing of the robotic member.