Automated sample workcell and method of operation

An automated sample workcell comprising:

• a centrifuge;
• a sample conveyor;
• and
• a controller configured to (i) assign at least one centrifugation parameter to each sample received by the workcell in response to a requested analysis linked to that sample, (ii) operate the sample conveyor to load at least two samples received by the workcell into the centrifuge, the at least two samples including samples that have been assigned at least two different centrifugation parameters, (iii) determine a centrifugation parameter of highest centrifugation intensity from among the at least two different centrifugation parameters, and (iv) operate the centrifuge according to a centrifugation protocol comprising the centrifugation parameter of highest centrifugation intensity.

One or more non-transitory, machine-readable media comprising a plurality of instructions that, in response to being executed, result in a processor:

• assigning at least one centrifugation parameter to each sample received by an automated sample workcell in response to a requested analysis linked to that sample;
• controlling a sample conveyor to load at least two samples received by the automated sample workcell into a centrifuge, the at least two samples including samples that have been assigned at least two different centrifugation parameters;
• determining a centrifugation parameter of highest centrifugation intensity from among the at least two different centrifugation parameters;
• and
• controlling the centrifuge according to a centrifugation protocol comprising the centrifugation parameter of highest centrifugation intensity.