Detection of a compromised flow line in a laboratory instrument

Provided herein are systems and methods for detecting a compromised flow line in a laboratory instrument. In one embodiment, for example, the system includes: (1) a wash station in fluid communication with a sample probe; (2) a fluid line coupled to the wash station to withdraw fluid from the wash station and deliver the fluid to a waste tank; and (3) a vacuum transducer, coupled to the fluid line, to measure vacuum pressure per unit time within the fluid line. The vacuum pressure per unit time is then used to detect a compromised flow line (e.g., a clog, occlusion, opening, etc. in the flow line).