Solution
Automated Specimen Sorting, Routing, and Traceability for Modern Laboratories
Specimen sorting and routing are foundational to efficient laboratory operations—but when managed manually, they introduce repeated handling, decision points, and risk. Brooks Laboratory Automation Solutions help laboratories automate specimen sorting, intelligent routing, and end‑to‑end traceability to improve accuracy, turnaround time, and confidence across workflows.
Why Manual Sorting and Routing Create Bottlenecks
From sample receipt through testing and storage, every manual step increases complexity.
Each touchpoint adds time, cost, and opportunity for error—especially in high‑volume, multi‑analyzer environments.
Manual re-racking into analyzer-specific or generic racks
Operator-dependent routing decisions
Missed or delayed test requests
Limited visibility into sample location and status
Rework caused by sorting errors or incomplete workflows
Rerack. Repeat. Reliably.
Brooks PathFinder™ systems automate specimen sorting and routing while maintaining full traceability at every stage. Samples are scanned, re‑racked, re‑sorted, and tracked—based on LIS data, workflow rules, or laboratory priorities.
With automated sorting and routing, laboratories can:
- Eliminate manual sorting and decision‑making
- Route specimens dynamically based on test requirements
- Re‑rack into analyzer‑specific or generic racks
- Track sample location with or without LIS connectivity
- Confirm request completion before final storage or release
Brooks PathFinderTM 350A
The PathFinder 350A supports post‑analytical sorting and traceable storage, ensuring samples are routed correctly once testing is complete.
Best suited for:
- Automated sorting and archiving workflows
- Laboratories prioritizing traceable storage and retrieval
Brooks PathFinderTM Flex 350A
The PathFinder Flex 350A adds flexibility to sorting and traceability workflows, supporting inbound and outbound rack handling with multiple destination paths.
Best suited for:
- Evolving laboratory workflows
- Facilities requiring configurable routing logic
Brooks PathFinderTM 350D
The PathFinder 350D combines specimen sorting with automated decapping to streamline pre‑analytical workflows.
Best suited for:
- Pre‑analytical sorting and preparation
- Labs managing mixed incoming samples
Brooks PathFinderTM 350D Plus
The PathFinder 350D Plus integrates decapping and intelligent sorting in a single system, enabling seamless routing to analyzers or downstream processes.
Best suited for:
- Labs requiring decapping plus immediate routing
- Multi‑analyzer environments
Brooks PathFinderTM 450S
The PathFinder 450S is designed for high‑speed sorting and recursive workflows, allowing specimens to be re‑presented multiple times until all test requests are complete.
Best suited for:
- High‑volume laboratories
- Complex, multi‑stage testing workflows
Brooks PathFinderTM Flex 350D
The PathFinder Flex 350D extends flexible automation to include decapping, sorting, and routing in dynamic lab environments.
Best suited for:
- Labs with changing pre‑analytical requirements
- Workflows requiring scalability and adaptability
Brooks PathFinderTM 900
The PathFinder 900 is a high‑speed robotic workstation that automates specimen processing, distribution, and traceability at scale.
Best suited for:
- Busy pathology laboratories
- High‑throughput environments with complex routing needs
Ready to simplify sorting, routing and traceability in your lab?
Whether you’re managing high‑volume routine testing or complex multi‑stage workflows, Brooks has a PathFinder™ solution to support accurate, traceable specimen handling. Connect with our expert team to find the right system for your laboratory.