Abstract: A microcircle system designed to replace a conventional microtitration plate of the type having a plurality of microwells. A generally rectangular base formed of a frame of height ad length substantially equal to the height and length, respectively, of the conventional microtitration plate. The width of the frame is no greater than the width of the conventional microtitration plate; and in one embodiment, the width is equal to a submultiple of the width of the conventional microtitration plate. A pair of support ledges extends towards the interior of the frame from opposite sides thereof, these ledges serving to support at least one tile which is formed as a thin sheet of material having an array of retaining elements that retain drops of liquid samples.

Abstract: A carrier for use with a microsample holder is described for use in horizontal beam spectrophotometers in place of conventional cuvette supports that normally are used with such spectrophotometers and that carry a plurality of cuvettes and include one or more windows through which the beam passes to samples in the cuvettes. The carrier is formed with a generally rectangular base having a slotted top wall to which a pair of slotted arms is secured at its opposite ends. The arms extend upward from the top wall of the base such that the height of the carrier is substantially equal to the height of the conventional cuvette support, and the slots in the arms and top wall are aligned to provide a guide for a microsample holder. The microsample holder is formed as a plate having a number of retaining elements preferably in the form of a circular perforated area for retaining drops of samples to be analyzed by the spectrophotometer.