EP3374273A1

EP3374273A1 - Labelling machine for containers of biological and microbiological samples

Info

Publication number: EP3374273A1
Application number: EP15820883.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fabio Sgarabottolo
Original assignee: EOS SRL
Current assignee: A Menarini Diagnostics Srl
Priority date: 2015-11-13
Filing date: 2015-11-16
Publication date: 2018-09-19
Also published as: WO2017081524A1

Abstract

A labeling machine (E) for biological and microbiological sample containers suited to the exchange of data relating to the containers with at least one external terminal (C), comprising an input area (2) for the containers to be labeled, a control area (4) of said containers, a labeling area (5) with means for applying at least one label and/or other tag on said containers, transport means (3) of said containers from said input area (2) to said control area (4) and/or to said labeling area (5).

Description

LABELING MACHINE FOR CONTAINERS OF BIOLOGICAL AND

MICROBIOLOGICAL SAMPLES

DESCRIPTION

This patent relates to devices for the control and labeling of biological and microbiological sample containers and in particular relates to a new and improved labeling machine equipped with an enhanced labeling device.

During medical investigations on patients, it is common that analyses and laboratory tests on biological and microbiological samples taken from patients are required.

Therefore, it is critical to unequivocally identify the patient's sample without errors. This identification is performed by labeling the container or test tube when the sample is taken, where the label or tag applied to the container itself must unambiguously identify the patient and provide any further information if necessary.

The identification of the patient is normally performed by the hospital or laboratory personnel when the sample or specimen is taken.

The personnel collects and enters the patient data in a database, together with the tests or investigations to be conducted.

Generally, at the time of data entry, the personnel prepares and may even give the patient the labels and/or test tubes intended to collect the biological sample.

Subsequently, the patient goes to the dedicated area for the collection of the biological sample, where an operator receives the containers with the samples and marks them with the specific labels.

In the case of a blood sample, the operator generally also draws the blood, prepares the container, and labels it.

If the labels were previously applied to the containers, the operator must then check that the patient and the sample type are consistent with the information provided by the container label.

These procedures have various drawbacks and are susceptible to errors generally attributable to human error. These errors consist for example in the incorrect labeling of the container in question, that is, where the patient and the sample collected do not correspond or the sample collected and the type of investigation to be conducted on it is incorrect.

Usually, in fact, the distinction between samples is based only on the type of test tube and the color of the cap of the test tubes or containers in question, where the color of the cap identifies the type of investigation to be carried out and therefore which laboratory or equipment must process the sample.

Errors in assignment and correlation lead to the loss of time for operators or laboratory technicians, the waste of resources to carry out investigations that are useless or incorrect, the need to call the patient back to take a new sample, and so on.

Prior art includes devices and equipment which have the purpose of limiting human error in these procedures, as well as to optimize those procedures to save time.

Document US2015/0002867 relates to an apparatus for the identification of the patient and for the marking of their sample containers. Said apparatus is made up of a portable device to process and store the patient's data by associating the patient's personal and biometric data, a device for the identification of the biometric data of the patient in question and for the reading of the portable device itself, a terminal for the operator connected with a server for data exchange, a labeling machine to mark the sample containers which includes a barcode label printer and a device for the physical application of the label on the container.

Said label application and identification equipment for sample containers in turn comprises a sensor to detect the presence of the container, a sensor to determine the length of the container, a sensor to determine the color of the container cap, and a sensor to determine the presence of labels already applied on the container.

Said apparatus therefore detects the biometric data of the patient, such as fingerprints, the color of the iris, etc., in order to check the identity of the patient, so as to avoid errors in patient identification and protect privacy, as well as to limit the possibility of mistaken associations of samples and patient.

The procedures are therefore further complicated by these additional phases intended to identify patients, which may result in discomfort to the patient, particularly in the presence of particular pathologies.

This procedure, in addition, intends to reduce the possibility of erroneous labeling of containers, since the labeling is done after performing the sample container length and cap color check.

This kind of apparatus does not solve the problem of erroneous labeling of containers the content of which is not consistent with the sample expected, including an insufficient quantity or unsuitable quality to effectively proceed with the subsequent laboratory analysis. Another drawback of these devices of the prior art is that all containers are processed in the same way and in the same time frame, while it is well known that some samples need to be sent for laboratory analysis very quickly, and some samples must be stored in thermally controlled environments to preserve the quality of some substances.

Known labeling machines have other drawbacks also.

First of all, the time that elapses between the introduction of a test tube and when it comes out of the machine is rather prolonged because it includes the time required for data transfer from the terminal to the labeling machine, the time needed for the test tube to get from the insertion area to the area where it is checked and where specific controls take place, and the labeling area, which includes the time for the label to be printed and then applied.

Another drawback is the fact that the test tubes are inserted in the labeling machine in a generally horizontal position, and is processed in generally maintaining this position.

Therefore, in case of accidental spillage of the test tube content, this takes place inside the labeling machine, potentially compromising the operation of the machine and requiring frequent interventions to disassemble and clean the machine itself.

Once the labeling of the test tube is complete it typically comes out of the labeling machine and is unloaded into a tray from which the operator picks it up to put it in a tray or tube rack to be sent to laboratories for analysis.

Standard procedures for the preparation of the test tubes usually require that the operator shake the contents of the test tube, even for a short period of time, to ensure the good quality of the sample.

Unfortunately, because of a lack of time or carelessness, this step is often not performed or is not performed properly, resulting in a sample for analysis that is not suitably prepared for the analyses.

To overcome all the above drawbacks a new and improved type of labeling machine and labeling apparatus was developed and constructed using the aforementioned improved labeling machine.

The main object of the present invention is to verify the actual presence of the sample inside the container or test tube.

Another object of the present invention is to verify that the amount of the sample inside the container is adequate for the proper execution of the intended analyses.

A further object of the present invention is to verify that the quality of the sample inside the container is adequate, for the correct execution of the intended analysis.

Yet another object of the present invention is to maintain the sample in the ideal conditions to carry out all subsequent analyses.

Another important object is to establish a priority in the container labeling sequence as a function of the type of analysis to be conducted on the samples and the type of sample itself.

Still another important object of the present invention is to prevent unsuitable samples from being incorrectly sent to the analysis procedures.

A further object is to interact with the operator, to speed up and optimize not only the labeling procedure but also the subsequent treatment and analysis phases of the samples.

Yet another object of the present invention is to prevent the accidental spillage of contents from the containers while inside the labeling machine.

Still another object is to reduce the consequent demand for servicing interventions on the labeling machine.

These and other objects, direct and complementary, are accomplished by the new type of improved labeling machine, for the labeling of biological and microbiological sample containers, comprising in its main parts a machine body or frame, at least one electronic control unit suitable for the exchange of data relating to the containers with at least one external terminal, at least one input area of at least one container to be labeled, means of transport of that at least one container from the at least one input area to at least one labeling area, with means suitable to apply at least one label and/or other tag on the container itself, as well as means of transport of the at least one container from the at least one labeling area to the at least one unloading area accessible to the operator.

Said at least one input area is suitable for the insertion of at least one container in a substantially vertical position, that is, with its cap substantially facing upwards, and where the transport means and pick-up means always keep the container itself in the aforementioned substantially vertical position from the at least one input area to the at least one unloading area.

In particular, the new labeling machine comprises means for transporting the containers in question from the at least one input area to the at least one exchange area. Said transport means comprise at least one revolving multiple position container holder in turn comprising a plurality of seats able to slide along a substantially horizontal loop, each seat being suitable to contain at least one of the containers in a substantially vertical position, and where the revolving multiple position container holder itself is suited to selectively position each of the seats first in the input area, for the subsequent insertion of the containers, and then to the exchange area, to allow the pickup of the containers, transported to the labeling area.

In the preferred embodiment, the at least one container is inserted from above into the seat of the revolving multiple position container holder positioned in the input area.

In the preferred embodiment, in the exchange area, the pickup and translation means extract from below the at least one container from the seat of the revolving multiple position container holder positioned in the aforementioned exchange area.

In the preferred embodiment, the pick-up means translate in sequence one or more containers in a substantially vertical direction between the exchange area and the labeling area.

The new labeling machine may also include at least one control area in which one or more sensors, for example able to detect the test tube length, the cap color, etc., check certain characteristics of the test tube prior performing the subsequent labeling.

In the preferred embodiment, the control area and the labeling area are substantially aligned in a vertical direction.

In this case, the pick-up means take one or more of the containers at a time from the exchange area and translate them in the vertical direction between the exchange area and the control area, and between the control area and the labeling area.

Therefore, the new labeling machine receives the containers in an upright position, and performs all operations on them, that is, the labeling and any required control, until they are unloaded, keeping the containers in that position.

Thanks to this, accidental spills of the material contained in them is prevented, thus ensuring that the internal parts of the machine remain clean.

In addition, thanks to the revolving multiple position container holder, the operator can quickly insert the containers in the seats of the revolving multiple position container holder as it moves and presents a free seat for the insertion of a new container at the at least one input area.

Labeling operations are therefore extremely fast. Thanks to this, the quick forwarding of the samples to the laboratories, and a reduction of the waiting time for the patient is guaranteed. In the preferred embodiment, the new labeling machine also comprises at least one sensor to check the volume of the sample in the container.

Said at least one sensor for the volumetric control is installed in said at least one control area, which may coincide with or preferably not coincide with said at least one labeling area. Said at least one control sensor may comprise at least one light source and/or at least one video camera, and is suited to verify the presence of the contents and/or quantify the volume of the contents.

The new labeling machine also preferably comprises one or more additional sensors for the recognition of the container type, the sensors comprising: at least one sensor to check the container length and/or at least one sensor to check the container diameter and/or at least one sensor to check the container shape and/or at least one sensor to check the position of the container cap, distinguishing for example between containers with caps positioned laterally from those with caps positioned axially, and/or at least one sensor to check the cap color, and/or at least one sensor to check the cap shape.

Said one or more sensors may be installed in said at least one control area.

Said sensors in question are also suited to detect the quality of the sample in the container, for example by verifying the levels of serum, hemolysis, lipemia, jaundice, etc.

According to a first embodiment, the control area is preferably upstream of the labeling area, and therefore the new labeling machine also comprises means of transport of said at least one container from said at least one control area to said at least one labeling area.

According to said first embodiment, with said control area upstream of said at least one labeling area, the presence of the sample and its volume inside the container is checked before the labeling operations.

In this first embodiment, in the case in which the one or more sensors detect the lack of the sample or an insufficient volume of the sample itself inside the container or an unexpected or abnormal value, that said at least one container can be transported to at least one output area without any further labeling procedure, possibly signaling the error to the operator.

This error may be reported on an interface of the labeling machine or on said external terminal connected to said labeling machine itself.

Alternatively, in the case where the one or more sensors detect the lack of the sample or the insufficient volume of the sample inside the container or an unexpected or abnormal value, the labeling machine may label the container and then transport it to said at least one output area, in combination with an alarm signaling the lack or insufficient volume of the sample material.

In the case of the lack or insufficient volume of the sample material, the new labeling machine activates the alarm.

Said labeling machine may also be designed to accept and carry out the volume check to verify the presence and sufficient volume of the sample inside the containers even on already labeled containers. The new labeling machine may also include at least one additional output area to which said container is transported, with or without the label applied, in the case in which one or more of the aforementioned sensors detect unexpected or abnormal values, for example, in the case it is found that: the sample is lacking, the sample has an insufficient volume, the quality of the sample is inadequate, the container shape and/or container size and/or cap color and/or cap shape is different from what is expected.

These conditions can be further highlighted by a visual and/or auditory alarm signal on said labeling machine interface and/or on said aforementioned external terminal.

In contrast, in other cases said transport means pick up the one or more containers from said control area and transport them to said main output area.

In the preferred embodiment, said output area and/or said additional output area are located substantially external with respect to said machine's body or in any case in a position such that, in case of accidental spillage, no material can enter the machine and damage its components.

Said labeling machine is suited to apply labels and/or tags on the containers in said labeling area and preferably comprises at least one main bar code printer for the labels and means for applying said printed labels on said containers, preferably on the side of the containers themselves.

Said labeling machine may also be designed to apply RFID or microchip labels.

To ensure that the operator and/or the at least one sample volume sensor can effectively verify the presence and the amount of sample material, the new labeling machine comprises devices suited to prevent the label from being positioned on the container in a different position than any pre-existing labels, which could cover the entire side of the container and prevent the contents from being viewed.

In particular, the new labeling machine also comprises at least one sensor to detect any preexisting labels on said container, and means to carry out an axial rotation of said container in order to apply the new label substantially superimposed on any pre-existing label detected. The new labeling machine may also include means to carry out the axial translation of said container and/or said means to apply the label such that the height of the label may also be selected.

Using the aforementioned sensors, the labeling machine may also immediately verify the type of container introduced and the specific procedures to be implemented for one or more of them.

For example, in the case of samples or analysis requiring a container to be preserved at particular temperatures, said container shall be equipped with one or more predetermined characteristics so that, once those characteristics are detected, the new labeling machine labels the container and signals the operator so that the operator will handle the container appropriately such as, for example, putting the container in a thermally controlled environment.

According to a further example, in the case in which the sample material must be subjected to urgent procedures, like for example determining load curves, the sample must be sent to the analytical laboratory within a pre-established time-frame.

Also in this case, said container shall be equipped with one or more predetermined characteristics so that once those characteristics are detected, the new labeling machine labels the container and signals the operator so that the operator will handle the container appropriately like for example forwarding the container to the analytical laboratory within the expected time-frame.

The new labeling machine may also include at least one additional printer for printing labels to be applied on other types of containers or products generally not suitable to being introduced in the labeling machine, said additional printer being in any case connected to the control unit of the labeling machine itself.

The new apparatus for the control and labeling of biological and microbiological sample containers comprises at least one of said aforementioned labeling machines; at least one server to receive and store data, including data relating to the patient, the type of biological samples to be collected, and the type of analysis to be carried out; and at least one external terminal communicating with said at least one server and with said labeling machine. The new apparatus preferably also comprises one or more visual signaling devices and/or audible alarms, installed on said labeling machine and/or on said external terminal and suited to signal when said one or more sensors detect incorrect or unexpected values or other specific conditions.

The new apparatus may also be designed so that the preferred sequence in which the containers must be introduced in the labeling machine, that is, before or after loading them with the sample material, is displayed on said external terminal and/or said labeling machine in communication with said server.

The new apparatus may further comprise at least one external device to verify and/or store a record of the labels applied or printed by said labeling machine.

The new labeling machine may also comprise means to read and/or write the batch code and/or expiration date of the containers, so as to facilitate the tracking of the containers themselves.

In a preferred embodiment, said output area comprises at least one tray, chute or seat suited for said at least one container coming out of said labeling machine, and where said seat oscillates in order to carry out an initial mixing of the biological sample inside said container.

In particular, in the preferred embodiment said aforementioned seat comprises a chute in which one or more od said containers are in a generally inclined or substantially horizontal position.

It is also envisaged that said chute is connected to mechanical means able to cause said chute to oscillate at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal plane, for example between +10° and -10°.

Said oscillating motion may be continuous or activated only when said chute receives one or more containers.

It may also be envisaged that said additional output area comprises at least one oscillating seat, chute or tray.

The characteristics of the new labeling machine will be better clarified by the following description with reference to the drawings, attached by way of a non-limiting example. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the new equipment (A) for the labeling of biological and microbiological sample containers, comprising a labeling machine (E), a server (S) to receive and store data including data relating to the patient, to the type of biological samples to be collected, and the type of analyses to be performed, an external terminal (C) communicating with said at least one server (S) and with said labeling machine (E).

Figure 2 is a front view of the labeling machine (E) where a main output area (6) and an additional output area (7) are visible.

Fi gure 3 is a schematic cross section representation of the new labeling machine (E) where some internal components are visible.

Figure 4 shows a detail of Figure 3, where the oscillating chute (61) of the main output area (6) is visible.

Figure 5 shows a side view of the labeling machine (E) without the machine body (1) where the internal components are visible.

This is a new labeling machine (E) for biological and microbiological sample containers comprising a machine body or frame (1), at least one electronic control unit, suitable for the exchange of data relating to containers with at least one external terminal (C), at least one input area (2) of at least one container to be labeled, pick-up and transport means (3, 22) of said at least one container introduced from said input area (2) to said at least one labeling area (5) and transport means (22) of said at least one container from said labeling area (5) to said at least one output area (6, 7) which is in turn accessible to the user or operator.

Said at least one labeling area (5) comprises means for applying at least one label and/or other tag on said container in question.

Said at least one input area (2) is suited to contain one or more of said containers positioned upright, that is, with their caps facing substantially upwards, and wherein said pick-up and transport means (22, 3) always keep said containers in said vertical position from said input area (2) to said output area (6, 7). Said transport means (22, 3) comprise a revolving multiple position container holder (3) in turn comprising a cylindrical body or drum (32), rotating around its longitudinal axis (3z), in turn oriented in the vertical direction (Z), a plurality of seats (31, 31i) distributed along a coaxial circumference with respect to said drum (32), with each seat (31, 3 li) being suited to contain one of the containers in a substantially vertical position, that is, with the cap facing upwards.

Said revolving multiple position container holder (3), by rotating, selectively positions each of said seats (31, 3 li) first at said at least one input area (2), to allow the introduction of containers, and then at said at least one exchange area (21), where one or more of said pick- up and transport means (22) pick up said containers to be transported to said labeling area (5).

In particular, in said input area (2), said at least one container is inserted from above into the seat (3 li) of said revolving multiple position container holder (3) which is positioned in that moment at said input area (2), while in said exchange area (21), said pick-up and transport means (22) remove said at least one container from below the seat of said revolving multiple position container holder (3) which in that moment is positioned in said exchange area (21). Said pickup and transport means (22) comprise for example means (221) to grasp said containers from below, and translate them along a guide (222) oriented in said vertical direction (Z).

The new labeling machine also comprises at least one control area (4) with one or more sensors for the detection of the contents and/or of the container, and wherein said pick-up and transport means (22) translate said one or more containers from said pickup area (21) to said control area (4) and from said control area (4) to said labeling area (5) and/or to said output area (6, 7).

In the preferred embodiment, said control area (4) and said labeling area (5) are substantially aligned in the vertical direction (Z), and wherein said transport means (22) translate the containers axially from said control area (4) to said labeling area (5).

In said control area (4), the new labeling machine (E) comprises at least one volume sensor, suited to verify and/or quantify the volume of the sample contained in the at least one container and/or one or more sensors suited to detect the quality of the sample in said container, by verifying the levels of serum, hemolysis, lipemia, jaundice, etc. and/or one or more sensors for the recognition of the container.

The new labeling machine (E) also comprises at least one sensor for the detection of any preexisting labels on said container and means to carry out an axial rotation and/or the axial translation of said container to position it so that the new label is applied substantially superimposed on any pre-existing label detected.

The new labeling machine also includes at least one additional output area (7) and where said transport means (22) translate said one or more containers from said control area (4) to said additional output area (7), with or without labeling, in the case in which one or more of said sensors detect incorrect values or different values from those expected or with respect to the specific pre-set conditions.

Said main output area (6) and/or said additional output area (7) are positioned substantially external to said machine body (1) or in any case in a position such that, in the case of an accidental spill, the material cannot enter the machine and damage its components.

In the example of the figures, said main output area (6) is for example located on the bottom (11) of the labeling machine and comprises a chute or tray (61) with side walls (62), such that any spillage of material cannot come out of them and soil the inside of the machine. In turn, said additional output area (7) comprises a chute (71) inclined downwards and towards the outside protruding laterally from the machine body (1).

Therefore, in said output areas (6, 7), said containers may also be positioned upside down without risking spills inside the machine.

In the preferred embodiment, said output area (6) comprises at least one tray, chute (61) or seat in general for said at least one container exiting said labeling machine (E), and wherein said seat or chute (61) oscillates to carry out an initial mixing of the biological sample contained in said container.

In particular, in said chute (61), said containers are in a generally inclined or substantially horizontal position, and wherein said chute (61) is connected to mechanical means (63, 64) suited to provoke the oscillation of said chute (61) at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal plane.

Said oscillating motion may be continuous or, alternatively, may be activated only when said chute (61) has one or more of said containers in it.

In the preferred embodiment, said main output area (6) comprises at least one tray or chute (61), preferably with containment side walls (62), positioned for example on the bottom (11) of said machine body (1).

For example, said mechanical means comprise a cam (63) with an arm (64) connected to said chute (61), wherein the rotation of said cam (63) causes the oscillation of said chute (61).

In the preferred embodiment, shown in the figures, said chute oscillates around an axis (6x) arranged substantially horizontally or in any case substantially parallel to the bottom of said chute (61). Said axis (6x) is for example oriented parallel to the length of the chute (61), from the inside towards the outside of the machine.

In the preferred embodiment said additional output area (7) may also comprise at least one oscillating seat, chute (71) or tray.

The new apparatus (A) shown in Figure 1 also includes one or more visual signaling devices and/or audible alarms, installed on said labeling machine (E) and/or on said external terminal (C) and suited to signal when said one or more sensors detect incorrect or unexpected values or other specific pre-set conditions.

Said external terminal (C) and/or said labeling machine (E) comprise means to display the sequence of containers to be inserted in said labeling machine (E).

These specifications are sufficient for the expert person to make and use the invention, as a result, in the practical application there may be variations without prejudice to the substance of the innovative concept.

Therefore, with reference to the preceding description and the attached drawings the following claims are made.

Claims

1. Labeling machine (E) for biological and microbiological sample containers comprising:

• a frame or machine body (1),

· at least one electronic control unit, suited to the exchange of data relating to the containers with at least one external terminal,

• at least one input area (2) of at least one container to be labeled,

• pick-up and transport means (3, 22) of said at least one container inserted from said input area (2) to the at least one labeling area (5),

· said at least one labeling area (5) with means suited to apply at least one label and/or other tag on said container,

• transport means (22) of said at least one container from said labeling area (5) to at least one output area (6, 7) accessible to the user or operator and suited to receive one or more of said containers,

characterized in that said at least one input area (2) is suited to contain one or more of said containers in an upright position, that is, with their cap facing substantially upwards, and wherein all of said pick-up and transport means (3, 22) always keep said containers in said upright position from said input area (2) to said output area (6, 7).

2. Labeling machine (E), according to claim 1, characterized in that said transport means (22, 3) comprise a revolving multiple position container holder (3) in turn comprising a plurality of seats (31, 3 li) moving along a substantially horizontal loop, said seats (31, 3 li) each being suited to contain at least one of said containers in a substantially vertical position, that is, with the cap upwards, and where said revolving multiple position container holder (3) is suited to selectively position each of said seats (31, 3 li) first at said input area (2), for the subsequent loading of said containers, and then at the least one exchange area (21) where one or more of said pick-up and transport means (22 ) pick up said containers, to be translated to said labeling area (5).

3. Labeling machine (E), according to claim 2, characterized in that said revolving multiple position container holder (3) in turn comprises a cylindrical body or drum (32), rotating around its longitudinal axis (3z), in turn oriented in the vertical direction (Z), and said plurality of seats (31, 31i) distributed along a circumference coaxial to said drum (32), each of said seats (31, 31i) being suited to contain one of said containers in a substantially vertical position, that is with the cap facing upwards.

4, Labeling machine (E), according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that in said input area (2), said at least one container is inserted from above into the seat (31i) of said revolving multiple position container holder (3) which is located at said input area (2), while in said exchange area (21), said pick-up and transport means (22) remove the at least one container from below the seat of the revolving multiple position container holder (3) which is positioned at said exchange area (21).

5, Labeling machine (E), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises at least one control area (4) with one or more sensors for the recognition of the contents and/or of the container, and wherein said pick-up and transport means (22) translate said one or more containers from said pick-up zone (21) to said control area (4) and from said control area (4) to said labeling area (5) and/or to said output area (6, 7).

6, Labeling machine (E), according to claim 5, characterized in that said control area (4) and said labeling area (5) are substantially aligned in the vertical direction (Z), and wherein said transport means (22) axially translate said containers from said control area (4) to said labeling area (5).

7, Labeling machine (E), according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises, in said at least one control area (4), at least one volume control sensor, suited to verify the presence and/or quantify the volume of the sample contained in said at least one container.

8. Labeling machine (E), according to claim 7, characterized in that said volume control sensor is suited to verify and/or quantify the volume of the sample contained in said at least one container with or without a label applied.

9. Labeling machine (E), according to any of claims 5, 6, 7, 8, characterized in that it also comprises one or more sensors suited to detect the quality of the sample contained in the container, by means of the verification of the indices of serum, hemolysis, lipemia, jaundice, etc.

10. Labeling machine (E), according to any of claims 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, characterized in that it also comprises one or more sensors for the recognition of the container, said recognition sensors comprising: at least one sensor to control the length of the container and/or at least one sensor to control the diameter of the container and/or at least one sensor to control the shape of the container and/or at least one sensor to control the position of the cap of the container distinguishing between containers with the cap positioned laterally and those with a cape positioned axially, and/or at least one sensor for the control of the color of the cap, and/or at least one sensor for the control of the shape of the cap.

11. Labeling machine (E), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means suited to print and/or apply said one or more labels with bar codes and/or RFID and/or with microchips on said containers.

12. Labeling machine (E), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises at least one sensor to detect any pre-existing label on said container, and means to carry out an axial rotation and/or axial translation of said container to position it in such a way that the new label is applied substantially superimposed on any existing label.

13. Labeling machine (E), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, in said labeling area (5), at least one label printer and/or means to apply said labels and/or tag on said containers, and where said printer and/or said application means translate in a direction parallel to the axis of said containers, for selectively vary the position of said label on said container in said labeling area.

14. Labeling machine (E), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one additional printer to print labels to be applied on other types of containers or products in general which cannot be inserted in said labeling machine, said additional printer in any case being connected to the control unit of said labeling machine.

15. Labeling machine (E), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one external device to verify and/or store a record of the labels applied or printed by said labeling machine.

16. Labeling machine (E), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one additional output area (7) and wherein said transport means (22) translate said one or more containers from said control area (4 ) to said additional output area (7), with or without labeling, in the case in which one or more of said sensors detect incorrect values or values different from those expected or specific preset conditions.

17. Labeling machine (E), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said output area (6) and/or said additional output area (7) are positioned substantially external to said machine body (1) or in any case in a position such that, in the case of an accidental spill, no material can enter the machine and damage the components.

18. Labeling machine (E), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said output area (6) and/or said additional output area (7) comprises at least one tray, chute (61, 71) or seat in general of said at least one container exiting from said labeling machine (E), and wherein said seat or chute (61, 71) oscillates to mix the biological sample contained in said container.

19. Labeling machine (E), according to claim 18, characterized in that said output area (6) comprises a chute (61) in which one or more of said containers are in a generally inclined or substantially horizontal position, and wherein said chute (61) is connected to mechanical means (63, 64) suited to oscillate said chute (61) at a given angle with respect to the horizontal plane.

20. Labeling machine (E), according to claim 19, characterized in that said oscillation is continuous.

21. Labeling machine (E), according to claim 20, characterized in that said oscillation is activated only when said chute (61) receives one or more of said containers.

22. Labeling machine (E), according to one or more of claims 18, 19, 20, 21, characterized in that said at least one chute (61) comprises lateral containment sides (62) and wherein said mechanical means comprise a cam (63) with an arm (64) connected to said chute (61), and wherein the rotation of said cam (63) causes the oscillation of said chute (61) around an axis (6x) arranged substantially horizontally or in any case substantially parallel to the bottom of said chute (61).

23. Apparatus (A) comprising said labeling machine (E) according to one or more of the preceding claims, at least one server (S) to receive and store data including data relating to the patient, the type of biological samples to be taken, and the type of analyses to be performed, at least one external terminal (C) communicating with said at least one server (S) and with said labeling machine (E), characterized in that it comprises one or more visual signaling devices and/or audible alarms, installed on said labeling machine and/or on said external terminal and suited to signal when said one or more sensors detect incorrect values or values different from those expected or from specific preset conditions.

24. Apparatus (A) according to claim 23, characterized in that said external terminal (C) and/or said labeling machine (E) comprise display means to display (CI) the sequence of containers to be inserted in said labeling machine (E).