Method and device for recognizing a mixed or unmixed state of a sample

A method for automated identification of a state of a sample, from a predetermined set of states by a device, wherein the set of states contains an unmixed state and a mixed state and wherein the sample is situated in a sample tube extending along a longitudinal direction, the method comprises:

• determining at least one property of the sample at a plurality of different positions along the longitudinal direction;
• determining at least one phase type of a phase of the sample in the sample tube on the basis of the determined property;
• and
• determining the state of the sample as a unmixed state or as a mixed state in a manner dependent on the determined phase type, wherein at a respective position a first transmissivity of the sample across the longitudinal direction at a first wavelength is determined as a first property and a second transmissivity of the sample across the longitudinal direction at a second wavelength is determined as a second property during the step of determining at least one property.