Abstract: The automatic analyzer includes: a sample dispensing unit that dispenses a sample into a reaction vessel; a reagent dispensing unit that dispenses a reagent into the reaction vessel; a control unit that controls the sample dispensing unit and the reagent dispensing unit; and a measurement unit that measures a mixed solution of the sample and the reagent mixed in the reaction vessel. The reagent includes three types of reagents of: a first reagent that specifically binds to an antigen in the sample; a second reagent that specifically binds to a site different from that to which the first reagent binds with respect to the antigen and has a label to be detected by the measurement unit; and a third reagent that specifically binds to a site different from the binding site of the first reagent and the antigen and contains insoluble carriers.

Abstract: An automated laboratory system for processing biological samples in a batch type manner is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system may receive assay instructions for biological samples processing among a plurality of devices. The devices may include a pre-analytical instrument and one or more analysis systems. The system may include an orchestration core application for determining an order of performance for the assays ordered for the samples.

Abstract: To provide a high-throughput automatic analysis apparatus at a lower cost. The automatic analysis apparatus includes an incubator which accommodates a plurality of reaction vessels; a specimen dispensing mechanism which dispenses a specimen into each of the plurality of reaction vessels; a mounting unit which mounts a dispensing tip on the specimen dispensing mechanism; a suction unit which sucks a specimen from a specimen vessel containing the specimen by means of the specimen dispensing mechanism having the dispensing mounted thereon; a discharging unit which is provided in the incubator and discharges the specimen from the specimen dispensing mechanism to the reaction vessel; a disposal unit which discards the dispensing tip; a sensor which detects whether the dispensing tip is mounted to the specimen dispensing mechanism; and a control unit which controls the specimen dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: A resonant column device configured to perform a resonant column test on a specimen and measure an angular deformation of the specimen. The resonant column device has a housing mounted on a base, a specimen container within the housing, a cell wall surrounding the specimen container, a load frame within the housing with a support bar above the specimen container, a torque motor suspended from the support bar with a plurality of springs, and a laser deformation sensor within the housing outside of the specimen container. The specimen container is configured to hold the specimen during testing. The cell wall is configured to fluidly isolate the specimen container from an interior volume of the housing. The torque motor is configured to apply a torsional harmonic load to the specimen, and the laser deformation sensor is configured to measure an angular deformation of the specimen.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating test water includes a test container for receiving the test water, and a heating container for installation of the test container. The heating container contains burnt lime that heats the test water when being mixed with water to be tested arranged in the heating container.

Abstract: An automated laboratory system for processing biological samples in a batch type manner is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system may receive assay instructions for biological samples processing among a plurality of devices. The devices may include a pre-analytical instrument and one or more analysis systems. The system may include an orchestration core application for determining an order of performance for the assays ordered for the samples.

Abstract: To provide a high-throughput automatic analysis apparatus at a lower cost. The automatic analysis apparatus includes an incubator which accommodates a plurality of reaction vessels; a specimen dispensing mechanism which dispenses a specimen into each of the plurality of reaction vessels; a mounting unit which mounts a dispensing tip on the specimen dispensing mechanism; a suction unit which sucks a specimen from a specimen vessel containing the specimen by means of the specimen dispensing mechanism having the dispensing mounted thereon; a discharging unit which is provided in the incubator and discharges the specimen from the specimen dispensing mechanism to the reaction vessel; a disposal unit which discards the dispensing tip; a sensor which detects whether the dispensing tip is mounted to the specimen dispensing mechanism; and a control unit which controls the specimen dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the technical field of analysis and detection and provides a method for detecting a selenoamino acid in a selenoprotein. The detection method includes: (1): mixing 10-30 mg of a selenoprotein sample with hydrochloric acid, and hydrolyzing with microwaves at 140-170° C. for 10-40 min to obtain a hydrolysate; (2): adjusting pH of the hydrolysate to 6-8 to obtain a pretreated solution; and, (3): detecting a selenoamino acid in the pretreated solution with high performance liquid chromatography-hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HPLC-HG-AFS) to obtain a content of the selenoamino acid. The method is simple in operation and provides an accurate and reliable result, and also reduces time and cost.

Abstract: A measuring cuvette for counting and/or characterizing cells, the measuring cuvette including a base and a transparent lateral enclosure extending from the base so as to form with the latter an optical measurement chamber; the base having a through-orifice with a diameter of 30 to 100 ?m for cells to pass through, characterized in that the base and the transparent lateral enclosure form a one-piece cuvette suitable both for impedance measurement and for optical measurement. Also, a system for characterizing cells, which includes the measuring cuvette.

Abstract: An autosampler system can include a z-axis mount, a carriage, an autosampler arm, and a compression nut. The carriage can be axially positioned on the z-axis mount. The autosampler arm can define an arm extension and an autosampler arm mount. The autosampler arm mount can define an arm mount aperture, an arm mount inner ledge, and an arm mount compressible section, the arm mount aperture configured to receive the z-axis mount and the carriage therethrough. The arm mount inner ledge can extend from an interior of the arm mount aperture, with the arm mount inner ledge configured to receive the z-axis mount therethrough and be supported on the carriage. The arm mount compressible section can define a set of compressible section threading and at least one compressible section slot. The compression nut can be affixed to the arm mount compressible section via the set of compressible section threading.

Abstract: An analysis device includes a guide-in section, a piercing member, an airtight member, a gas introduction member, and a measurement member. The guide-in section is configured to guide a rectangular block shaped analysis kit containing a sample. The piercing member pierces a sealing film at an upper face of a liquid reservoir formed in the analysis kit. The airtight member forms an airtight space against the analysis kit at the periphery of a location pierced by the piercing member. The gas introduction member introduces gas into the airtight space. The measurement member measures a component present in the sample in the analysis kit guided into the guide-in section.

Abstract: A diagnostic system detects and/or measures hemoglobin variants in blood of subject, such as HbA1c, to determine blood glucose concentration in the subject.

Abstract: Examples described herein also provide a substrate conveyance system. The substrate conveyance system may include a conveyor surface to convey a number of substrates, and a number of apertures defined in the conveyor surface between the substrates as positioned on the conveyor surface. The location of the apertures is based on a location at which at least one reagent module dispenses a reagent.

Abstract: A pretreating apparatus includes a transferring mechanism configured to transfer a storing container storing an unpretreated sample or a pretreated sample, a pretreating portion having a port in which the storing container storing the sample is installed by the transferring mechanism, configured to pretreat the sample in the storing container installed in the port, and a diluting portion configured to suck a predetermined amount of the pretreated sample from the storing container and supply the sample and a diluent to an empty storing container to dilute the sample.

Abstract: An analysis device includes a guide-in section, a placement section, an illumination member, a pressing member, and a measurement member. The guide-in section is configured to guide a rectangular block shaped analysis kit containing a sample. The analysis kit is placed on the placement section in the guide-in section. The illumination member is inserted into an insertion hole formed in the analysis kit, contacts a bottom of the insertion hole, and illuminates light onto the sample. The pressing member is configured by a separate body to the illumination member and presses the analysis kit such that the analysis kit placed on the placement section is sandwiched between the pressing member and the placement section and retained at a predetermined position. The measurement section measures a component present in the sample using light illuminated from the illumination member onto the sample in the analysis kit placed on the placement section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collection assembly (1) for small amounts of body fluids, comprising a sample container (2) and an extender element (3). The sample container (2) has a base (13) and a container wall (5) with a first container wall section (6) and a second container wall section (7) adjoining same. The second container wall section (7) is formed hollow-conically and projects into the extender element (3). Moreover, a coupling device (25) with a first coupling element (26) and a second coupling element (27) is provided. When the coupling elements (26, 27) are in coupled engagement, the extender element (3) is coupled to the sample container (2) in a positively locked manner in the form of a snap connection establishing the collection assembly (1).

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications. In particular, the medical device reduces interference with an optical signal which is indicative of the presence of an analyte in a bodily sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described to determine whether a sample transmitted through a transfer line from a remote sampling system contains a suitable sample to analyze by an analysis system. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a sample receiving line configured to receive a liquid segment a first detector configured to detect the liquid segment at a first location in the sample receiving line; a second detector configured to detect the liquid segment at a second location in the sample receiving line downstream from the first location; and a controller configured to register a continuous liquid segment in the sample receiving line when the first detector and the second detector match detection states prior to the controller registering a change of state of the first detector.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a device and method for the easy removal of selected individual wells, selected groups/strips of wells, or all strips of wells quickly and safely from a well strip plate. A well strip extractor press may include a manually pivotable well strip plate carrier having an open bottom, and an adjustable well strip extractor assembly having multiple press arms positioned to engage the bottom of a well strip plate positioned in the well strip plate carrier. A user may manually position a selection of press arms to align with those well strips that the user wishes to remove from the well strip plate.

Abstract: A biological fluid collection device that is adapted to receive a blood sample is disclosed. The biological fluid collection device includes a housing, a puncturing element transitionable between a pre-actuated position wherein the puncturing element is retained within the housing and a puncturing position wherein at least a portion of the puncturing element extends through the housing, and a cartridge removably connectable to a portion of the housing. After collecting a blood sample, the cartridge is removable from the housing and the cartridge is able to transfer the blood sample to a point-of-care testing device. The biological fluid collection device provides a closed system that reduces the exposure of a blood sample and provides fast mixing of a blood sample with a sample stabilizer.

Abstract: Provided is a component analysis device, which comprises an analysis unit for measuring a component fed to the plurality of containers and analyzing the component thus measured, wherein the plurality of containers are at least a first container and a second container, wherein the first container retains a first solution containing a substance that releases adhesion between multiple cells forming the liver cell tissue, and the second container retains a buffer solution, and wherein the analysis unit measures an amount of the component discharged from the liver cell tissue in the first container into the first solution and an amount of the component discharged from the liver cell tissue in the second container into the buffer solution in the second container, and analyzes an amount of the component to be discharged via a bile duct in the liver cell tissue.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer including a function for operating control materials and its operation method are provided. The analyzer is configured to start sampling by giving priority to an entirety of control materials corresponding to all assay items required for measurement. The analyzer is also configured to automatically start sampling of a patient specimen based on a preliminarily set sampling timing after completion of sampling of the entirety of control materials. The analyzer is also configured to stop, when an abnormality is present in a measurement result of at least any one of control materials in the group of control materials, sampling of a patient specimen corresponding to a control material in which the abnormality is found, and notify a tester of the abnormality.

Abstract: An injection device (1) includes a housing (20) for receiving a cartridge (30) of medicament in use; a drive element (12), moveable from a first position to a second position to expel a dose from said cartridge, and wherein the drive element comprises an electrically-operated indicator module (40) for generating an indication corresponding to the stage of use of the device. The indicator module (40) may be contained within the drive element, for example within an interior of the drive element and may include an audible indicator such as e.g. a sounder or loudspeaker, and a visual indicator such as e.g. one or more LEDs arranged to provide e.g. colour-coded signals.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications. In particular, the medical device reduces interference with an optical signal which is indicative of the presence of an analyte in a bodily sample.

Abstract: A sample container carrier for a laboratory sample distribution system is presented. The sample container carrier comprises a magnetic element that is arranged such that a magnetic move force applied to the sample container carrier depends on an angularity. A laboratory sample distribution system comprising such a sample container carrier and a laboratory automation system comprising such a sample distribution system are also presented.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the fill volume of a fluid chamber includes a fluid injector, at least one fluid chamber in fluid communication with the fluid injector, one or more sensors positioned relative to the at least one fluid chamber and configured to detect a position of a liquid-gas interface of the fluid contained in the at least one fluid chamber, and at least one processor in communication with the sensors and the fluid injector, and configured to: determine the position of the liquid-gas interface of the fluid, calculate the volume of fluid in the at least one fluid chamber based on the position of the liquid-gas interface, and at least one of: i) display the volume of the fluid; ii) enable the fluid injector to perform an action; and iii) disable the fluid injector from performing the action.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing a point of care diagnostic test. In one embodiment, such a device may be adaptable to essentially any handheld digital imaging device. Such a device may include a sample holder for positioning an assay device in relation to the digital imaging device and an expandable/contractible member having the sample holder slidably coupled thereto. The expandable/contractible member is configured for removably attaching the testing device the digital imaging device and for positioning the sample holder in relation to an image capture means of the digital imaging device. In one embodiment, such devices may include a second slot configured for receiving one or more of a second assay cassette, an assay device, assay cassettes of various sizes, a printed circuit board, and the like.

Abstract: A device for releasably holding an elongated object, such as a test tube, in a predetermined orientation includes a gripping element configured for circumferential expansion and contraction with respect to the object. An actuator element coupled to the gripping element is configured to effect circumferential expansion of the gripping element to an expanded configuration able to receive an end of the elongated object. A locking mechanism coupled to the actuator element is configured to lock the actuator element in a position holding the gripping element in the expanded configuration. A lock release mechanism is configured to be triggered by an elongated object inserted into the expanded gripping element and to release the locking mechanism, thereby allowing the biased gripping element to return to a contracted configuration gripping a portion of the object. The device and an object held thereby can be conveyed on a conveyor.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides filtration devices for use in automotive airbag applications and related methods. For example, a filtration device for use in automotive airbags can be provided that includes a body comprising at least one of a reticulated metal foam or a reticulated ceramic foam. In some embodiments, the body can have between about 35 pores per square inch and about 65 pores per square inch through which air passes that is generated upon activating a pyrotechnic charge in an air bag inflation mechanism. In some embodiments, the body can include interconnected struts that define pores within the body through which gas passes that is generated upon activating a pyrotechnic charge in an air bag inflation mechanism.

Abstract: A microfluidic system is presented that includes a cartridge and a container. The cartridge includes a plurality of microfluidic channels coupled to one or more chambers. The container holds dry chemicals and includes a housing with a first opening and a second opening smaller than the first opening. The container is designed to be inserted into an opening of the cartridge, such that the container is independently secured within the opening. The insertion of the container allows for the container to be fluidically coupled with a microfluidic channel of the plurality of microfluidic channels via the second opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chemo-optical sensor unit for transcutaneous measurement of a concentration of a gas, comprising: at least one sensing layer adapted to be irradiated with a predetermined radiation; and at least one gas-permeable layer adjacent to one side of the at least one sensing layer, adapted to pass gas whose concentration is to be measured through the gas-permeable layer towards the sensing layer; wherein said chemo-optical sensor unit is adapted to operate with a contact medium between the gas-permeable layer and the skin, wherein said contact medium comprises a barrier layer which is gas-permeable and impermeable to water and ions; and wherein the chemo-optical sensor unit is adapted to measure an optical response of the at least one sensing layer, whose optical response depends on the concentration of the gas.

Abstract: An aspiration tip is provided with: a syringe section including an inner tubular passage defining an aspiration path for aspirating an object; and a plunger movable in the tubular passage while coming in contact with an inner wall surface of the tubular passage. The syringe section includes an aspiration opening formed in a distal end of the tubular passage for aspirating the object, and the plunger includes a plunger leading end portion configured to protrude from the aspiration opening before the aspiration of the object and at the time of discharge of the object, and retract in the syringe section at the time of the aspiration of the object.

Abstract: A method for controlling pipetting operations done by a pipetting device having a system for measuring the flow rate of the liquid suctioned or dispensed and electronics to communicate with a computer. The method is based on detection of flow rate variations and the moments at which those variations occur. The method includes obtaining a curve of liquid flow rate by the pipette as a function of time, computing the first deviation of the curve, identifying and recording the maximum and minimum values of the first deviation and the moments at which the maximum and minimum values occur, comparing the maximum and minimum values and the moments at which the maximum and minimum values occur with predetermined references for the values and the moments at which they occur, and based on the result of the comparison, providing a validation or error message.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is to a sample metering device, comprising a sample holding chamber oriented between a sample entry port and a sample extraction unit, wherein a portion of said extraction unit defines a metered volume of a sample. A diluent may be transported over and/or through the extraction unit to form a diluted sample for sample analysis. In another embodiment, the invention is to an apparatus and method for rapid determination of analytes in liquid samples by various assays including immunoassays incorporating a sample dilution feature, capable of being used in the point-of-care diagnostic field is provided. The devices and methods of the invention preferably are well-suited for high range sample dilution.

Abstract: This disclosure describes the design and function of a bead-based lab-on-a-chip portable analyzer for analyzing biomarker assay cards used in point-of-care testing.

Abstract: Application of the present invention enables quantification of fractions of candidate pharmaceutical compounds (a parent compound and its metabolites), one excreted to the basolateral (Basal/Basolateral)-side via transporters and by diffusion, one excreted to the lumen (Apical)-side, and one remained in the cells. This enables determination of the total amount of the administered candidate pharmaceutical compounds and the distribution ratio of the fractions. The kinetics of the administered candidate pharmaceutical compounds can be evaluated, thereby enabling in vitro screening of an enormous number of candidate pharmaceutical compounds for drug candidates exhibiting the efficacy.

Abstract: A flow cytometer system includes a flow cytometer, an autosampler and a system integration structure to accommodate interconnection and interface of the flow cytometer and autosampler for operation together and providing for convenient interface with equipment for handling process liquids.

Abstract: A liquid droplet manipulation system has a substrate with at least one electrode array and a central control unit for controlling selection of individual electrodes of the electrode array and for providing the electrodes with individual voltage pulses for manipulating liquid droplets by electrowetting. A working film is placed on top of the electrodes for manipulating samples in liquid droplets with the electrode array. At least one selected individual electrode of the electrode array is configured to be penetrated by light of an optical detection system for the optical inspection or analysis of samples in liquid droplets that are located on the working film. Also disclosed is working film that is to be placed on the electrode array and a cartridge that includes such a working film for manipulating samples in liquid droplets.

Abstract: An automated system and method for processing vessels containing biological samples are presented. The system comprises vessel holders, a transport medium for transporting the vessel holders between the components of the system, a work cell for processing, a storage module for empty vessel holders, wherein the storage module is connected to the transport medium, a robotic manipulator for engaging and/or disengaging the vessels with empty vessel holders, an empty vessel holder transfer unit for introducing empty vessel holders into or retrieving them from the storage module, and an empty vessel holder detection unit, including an empty vessel holder detector for discriminating between filled and empty vessel holders as well as a transfer initiator configured to initiate the introduction or re-introduction of an empty vessel holder detected in or on the transport medium into the storage module by the empty vessel holder transfer unit.

Abstract: A sample pretreatment system is equipped with a pipetting device for pipetting multiple primary samples to make multiple aliquot samples. The sample volume expected to be held in a test tube is set as a minimum guaranteed volume for each type of test tube; and a minimum guaranteed volume value is set for each type of the test tubes. A cumulative totaling unit adds up cumulatively the aliquot volumes of the aliquot samples based on pipetting request information with regard to the supplied test tubes. A reading unit reads the minimum guaranteed volume of the supplied test tube; and an aliquot sample preparation unit compares the minimum guaranteed volume successively with the cumulative total values of the aliquot volumes of the aliquot samples, and causes a pipetting device to pipette a maximum number of the aliquot samples in a manner not exceeding the minimum guaranteed volume.

Abstract: An immunodiagnostic test method includes holding a selection of immunological test elements or consumables in one or more containers attached to or positioned in the analyzer and providing random access to any test element therein. The container can hold multiple types of test elements in compartments or slots. Through sensing of a test element position in its slot, the detection mechanism of the invention provides for random access to multiple types of test elements in any sleeve and within a single sleeve, and provides efficient inventory control. The method increases the number of test element types that may be loaded onto an analyzer and maintains fast determination of inventory.

Abstract: A metabolic physical activity monitor measures metabolic analyte data using one or more wearable analyte sensors. The sensors may be incorporated into a self-contained device or communicatively coupled to an external computing device like a smartphone or computer or both. Sensors may be mounted on any body surface including the skin, under the eyelid or in the mouth. Metabolic Analyte biomarker data may include electrolytes, various metabolites, pCO2 and pO2 in sweat, saliva and tears. Sensor data are used to calculate specific biomarker values, including calorie expenditure. Sensor readings are taken for at least two points during a period of physical activity. Changes in readings are used to determine total and rate of caloric expenditure for the time period. Readings may also be used to evaluate a user's wellness. By using measured changes in relative values complex calibration procedures can be eliminated, while reproducibility is much more easily achieved.

Abstract: A diagnostic analyzer system includes a linear track, at least one pipetting device, and at least one diagnostic module. The linear track includes a pre-treatment lane disposed parallel to at least one processing lane. The linear track moves reaction vessels, containing samples, held by the pre-treatment lane and by the at least one processing lane. The pre-treatment lane pre-treats the samples in the reaction vessels of the pre-treatment lane. The pre-treatment lane is not connected to any diagnostic module for testing the samples in the reaction vessels of the pre-treatment lane. The at least one pipetting device transfers the pre-treated samples from the reaction vessels in the pre-treatment lane to the reaction vessels in the at least one processing lane. The at least one diagnostic module is connected to the at least one processing lane for testing the pre-treated samples transferred into the reaction vessels in the at least one processing lane.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electronic pipette, which pipette comprises a piston actuated in a cylinder by a motor, which motor is controlled with a control system, which control system is controlled through a user interface for operating the pipette, wherein actual backlash affecting the movement of the piston of the electronic pipette is measured with a system located in the pipette, the measured backlash value is forwarded to the control system of the electronic pipette, and the movement of the piston is adjusted by the control system based on the measured backlash value.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cartridge assembly tray for conducting automated biochemical tests, such as immunoassay tests. The tray comprises a base member, a hinged frame and a locking mechanism. The base member includes a plurality of slots within the base member. Each of the plurality of slots is to receive a test cartridge. The hinged frame is coupled to the base member. The hinged frame is capable to rotate to an opened position or a closed position. The hinged frame includes a horizontal push bar configured to apply a downward force to test cartridges received in the plurality of slots when the hinged frame is in the closed position. The locking mechanism is to lock the hinged frame in the closed position when the hinged frame rotates to the closed position.

Abstract: An analytical system is disclosed. The analytical system includes a storage container configured to store a plurality of capillaries. It also includes a gripper configured to receive at least one of the plurality of capillaries, and move the at least one capillary so that an end of the capillary contacts a sample in a sample container and draws the sample in the capillary. The system also includes a reader configured to detect a signal from the sample in the capillary.

Abstract: An analytic device comprising a device housing, a dock to receive a camera enabled mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone and other smart devices, and a processing device to communicate with the mobile electronic device and to control a condition of the assay tube, such as temperature. In another example, the analytic device comprises a device housing and a circuit board. A processing device, a heating block defining a recess to support assay tube, and a resistive heater are surface mounted to the circuit board. A light source and a fan are also provided. A dock may be provided to support a mobile electronic device. The mobile electronic device communicates with the processing device to cause the application of reaction conditions to the assay tube, to perform a PCR procedure, for example. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sample rack conveying unit 30 includes a sliding rail plate 53, a presser 66, a first guide plate 55, and a second guide plate 56. The sliding rail plate 53 has a groove portion 71 formed along a track on which a sample rack 90 slides and along which the sample rack 90 is conveyed. The presser 66 passes through the groove portion 71 and presses the sample rack 90. The first guide plate 55 is arranged on an outer side of a curved portion in a radial direction. The second guide plate 56 is arranged on an inner side of the curved portion in the radial direction.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing queues of sample carriers in a bidirectional track allow queues to behave as linear FIFO queues while providing random access to samples by resorting samples in the queue. One or more storage positions to allow sample carriers to be selectively removed and reinserted into the queue, allowing the order of sample carriers to be resorted.

Abstract: A system for holding sample tubes used in immunoprecipitation and similar laboratory techniques. A rack comprises top and bottom plates spaced apart from each other and defining rows of holes to receive the sample tubes and hold the sample tubes in a pair of spaced-apart rows. A magnet holder is configured to slide between the top and bottom plates and between the two parallel rows of sample tubes such that when the magnet holder is fully inserted between the rows of sample tubes, magnets held by the magnet holder align with the sample tubes in the two parallel rows.