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Connecting a Roche cobas c 311 to your LIS or EHR
Quick answer
Yes. The cobas c 311 uses ASTM E1381 and E1394 over an RS-232C serial port. It can ask the host for test selections in real time after reading a sample barcode, or take a batch download of orders, and it can also run results-only. Catenix answers with the EHR's orders, files QC separately and sends matched results to your EHR or LIS.
The cobas c 311 is a standalone, fully automated discrete clinical chemistry analyser. It runs up to 300 photometric tests an hour, or up to 450 an hour on ISE alone, across a menu of more than 130 assays: clinical chemistry, ISE (Na, K, Cl), whole-blood HbA1c, drugs of abuse, therapeutic drug monitoring and specific proteins.
It is found in clinical, hospital and private laboratories.
| What | How Catenix handles it |
|---|---|
| Interface | ASTM E1381-91 (link) and E1394-91 (records) |
| Physical link | RS-232C, D-SUB9, half duplex; 4800, 9600 or 19200 bps (9600 recommended) |
| Orders | Real-time host query, batch download, or results-only |
| Throughput | Up to 300 photometric tests/hour; up to 450/hour ISE only |
| QC upload | QC and calibration results are uploaded as result data |
| Calculated tests | Codes 961 to 968 transmitted; ISE codes 989 to 991 |
Three order modes on the c 311
In real-time mode the c 311 reads the sample ID and sends a test-selection inquiry; Catenix replies with what the EHR ordered. In batch mode Catenix downloads test selections ahead of the run. If you switch both off, the analyser runs results-only, tests are chosen on the c 311, and Catenix matches results to orders by sample ID.
The sample barcode reader can be switched off. The 'TS Ask in Barcode Read Error' option lets the analyser still ask the host when a label cannot be read, which is worth discussing before go-live.
Settings worth checking
Set the serial port to 9600 bps unless your device server needs otherwise. Decide whether results go up by sample, by test, or with ISE and chemistry sent separately, and whether first-run and rerun flags are included. The host cannot order reruns on the c 311, so reruns are decided at the analyser.
Calculated tests (961 to 968) and ISE codes (989 to 991) are mapped to EHR codes like any other test. When the c 311 dilutes automatically, the dilution factor travels in the result record and is kept with it.
QC, calibration and results in Catenix
Because the c 311 uploads QC and calibration results as result data, Catenix recognises control runs and files them as QC, never as patient results. They are graded with Westgard rules against your lab's targets, with Levey-Jennings history, and a failed QC holds patient results for that test. The serial link runs through a serial device server; the gateway reconnects after drops and stores results on site during internet outages.
Roche, Roche Diagnostics and cobas c 311 are trademarks of their owners. Catenix is an independent connectivity provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by Roche Diagnostics.
Questions people ask
Does the cobas c 311 support host query?
Yes. In real-time mode it sends a test-selection inquiry after reading the sample ID, and Catenix answers with the tests ordered in the EHR. Batch download is also supported.
Does the cobas c 311 send QC results to the host?
Yes, QC and calibration results are uploaded as result data. Catenix files control runs as QC, separate from patient results.
Can the LIS order a rerun on the c 311?
No. The host cannot order reruns on this analyser. Reruns are set at the c 311, and rerun flags can be included in the results Catenix receives.
What baud rate should the c 311 use?
It supports 4800, 9600 and 19200 bps; 9600 is the recommended setting.
Related: Lab analyzer to EHR for small labs · Roche cobas c 111 connection · Roche cobas e 411 connection · Device library
Product and company names are trademarks of their owners and are used for identification only. Catenix moves, stores and displays results with traceability; it does not interpret results or give clinical advice. Reviewed October 2026.
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