Importance

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Abstract

A system for sharing consumable inventory in a laboratory management system includes a middleware software component controlled by a processor, a plurality of instruments operatively coupled to the middleware software component by at least one communications network, and a consumable item configured to be removably installed in a first selected instrument of the plurality of instruments. The consumable item is used by the first selected instrument to perform tests specified by the laboratory management system where the first selected instrument partially depletes the consumable item. The first selected instrument is configured to update status and usage information regarding the consumable item. A consumables database is operatively coupled to the middleware software component and the processor is configured to store the updated status and usage information in the consumables database corresponding to the consumable item. Because the consumables database is accessible by the plurality of instruments, a second selected instrument of the plurality of instruments is able to perform tests using the consumable item, based on the corresponding updated status and usage information.

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First Claim