An in vitro diagnostics automation system is provided that includes a track and a plurality of sample containers configured to hold a fluid sample to be processed at one or more testing stations. The system also includes one or more priority indicators each configured to be coupled to the plurality of sample containers. Each of the one or more priority indicators includes distinguishing imaging features that indicate information associated with a fluid sample in a corresponding sample container. The system also includes an imaging device configured to image the one or more priority indicators having the distinguishing imaging features imaged by the imaging device. The system further includes a processor configured to determine the information associated with the fluid sample in the corresponding sample container from the distinguishing imaging features and control processing of the sample container based on the distinguishing imaging features imaged by the imaging device.