CONTAINER SHUTTLE TRANSPORT ASSEMBLY

An automated pre-analytical processing method and an apparatus for pre-analytical processing of samples to be forwarded to an adjacent analyzer for analysis. The automated apparatus and method allow for continued operation without operator attendance for a full shift (8-12 hours) or longer. Rack label information is read and the rack label information is communicated to a processor in the pre-analytical system. From the rack label information the pre-analytical system processor determines where to route the rack in the pre-analytical system. The pre-analytical system has a rack robot that conveys racks to discrete locations in the pre-analytical system depending upon the routing information assigned to the rack by the processor. The pre-analytical system has an automated station that reads the labels of individual sample containers in the rack that are brought to the automated station on instructions from the pre-analytical system processor. Depending on the type of sample container and the type of sample disposed therein, the samples are either prepared for analysis by the automated station or, if the sample is already disposed in a container that can be directly sent to and processed by an analyzer, the sample containers are directly passed through the automated station. Prepared samples and passed through samples are passed individually to a batching rack by a pick and place robots.