Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a fixed magnet assembly that can be implemented into automated platforms for performing polynucleotide extraction from biological samples and preparing the polynucleotides into an amplification-ready form. The fixed magnet assembly can be used to provide magnetic energy to a container containing magnetic particles and a reaction mixture of polynucleotides, in order to bring about a separation of the magnetic particles from the reaction mixture. This can prevent or reduce magnetic particle carryover in the prepared amplification-ready sample, thereby improving amplification results.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated methods of use for a controlled combination of reagents is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vessel 400, a vessel insert 220, and a cap element 200. The vessel 400 has a body portion 410 for receiving a biological sample. The vessel insert 220 receives at least one reagent therein. Preferably, the vessel insert 220 is received in a portion 420 of the vessel 400. The cap element 200 is attached to the vessel 400 to secure the vessel insert 220 in the vessel 400. During use, the vessel insert 220 is adapted to release its contents when the biological sample is introduced into the body portion 410 of the vessel 400 upon application of an intermixing force to the vessel insert 220. A variety of intermixing forces may be applied, depending upon the embodiment of the present invention and its associated methods of use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for access and retrieval of screw-top containers. In one embodiment, the system includes a tray with a plurality of apertures, the tray adapted to receive containers having a cap and a body such that each cap of each container pressed into the tray rests above a respective aperture in the tray and each body is suspended below the tray. The system also includes a rotary tool having a cavity extending from an opening at one end, the cavity defined by an interior surface that includes engagement features. The engagement features on the interior surface of the rotary tool are adapted to engage onto at least a portion of the body of the container surface defined by complementary engagement features when the rotary tool is inserted over the body of the container from below the tray.

Abstract: An automated pre-analytical processing method and an apparatus for pre-analytical processing of samples to be forwarded to an adjacent analyzer for analysis. Rack label information is read and communicated to a processor. From the rack label information, the processor determines where to route the rack. The pre-analytical system has a rack robot that conveys racks to discrete locations depending upon the routing information assigned to the rack by the processor. The pre-analytical system has an automated station that reads the labels of individual sample containers in the rack that are brought to the automated station on instructions from the processor. Depending on the type of sample container and the type of sample disposed therein, the samples are either prepared for analysis by the automated station or the sample containers are directly passed through the automated station. Prepared samples and passed through samples are passed individually to a batching rack.

Abstract: A pierceable cap may be used for containing sample specimens. The pierceable cap may prevent escape of sample specimens before transfer with a transfer device. The pierceable cap may fit over a vessel. An access port in the shell of the pierceable cap may allow passage of a transfer device through the pierceable cap. The shell receives a septum that has four half dome indentations, each indentation defining a quadrant of the septum interior. The indentations are separated by the septum floor which extends along respective first and second diameters of the septum and intersect at approximately ninety degrees. The half dome indentations guide a transfer device to the partially slitted portion of the septum floor.

Abstract: An automated pre-analytical processing method and an apparatus for pre-analytical processing of samples to be forwarded to an adjacent analyzer for analysis. Rack label information is read and communicated to a processor. From the rack label information, the processor determines where to route the rack. The pre-analytical system has a rack robot that conveys racks to discrete locations depending upon the routing information assigned to the rack by the processor. The pre-analytical system has an automated station that reads the labels of individual sample containers in the rack that are brought to the automated station on instructions from the processor. Depending on the type of sample container and the type of sample disposed therein, the samples are either prepared for analysis by the automated station or the sample containers are directly passed through the automated station. Prepared samples and passed through samples are passed individually to a batching rack.

Abstract: A device for collecting a biological sample from a semi-solid surface. The device has a shaft with a proximate end and a distal end and a tip integrated with the shaft at the proximate end. The tip has a surface adapted to collect microorganisms thereon or release microorganism from, or both, wherein the adapted surface comprises at least one feature of a recess or extension to increase surface area of the tip and collect microorganisms thereon. Examples of such features include microfeatures with dimensions of about 1000 ?m or less. Other examples include a pipette tip.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a fixed magnet assembly that can be implemented into automated platforms for performing polynucleotide extraction from biological samples and preparing the polynucleotides into an amplification-ready form. The fixed magnet assembly can be used to provide magnetic energy to a container containing magnetic particles and a reaction mixture of polynucleotides, in order to bring about a separation of the magnetic particles from the reaction mixture. This can prevent or reduce magnetic particle carryover in the prepared amplification-ready sample, thereby improving amplification results.