Abstract: A method and analytical device for collecting a sample volume containing at least one analyte of interest from a liquid analytical sample having contaminants disposed at or near the sample surface. The liquid analytical sample is provided. A first pipetting device comprising a first pipetting needle aspirates from an upper region of the liquid analytical sample a portion comprising the contaminants and discards the portion. The first needle is washed with washing liquid. A second pipetting device comprising a second pipetting needle, or a disposable pipetting tip, aspirates the sample volume from the liquid analytical sample after the first pipetting device discards the aspirated portion and discharges the sample volume for analysis. The second needle is washed with washing liquid or disposed of.

Abstract: A method for collecting a sample volume containing at least one analyte of interest from a liquid analytical sample having undesired contaminants disposed at or near the sample surface, and an analytical device for performing the method are disclosed. The method comprises providing the sample, providing a first pipetting device comprising a first reusable pipetting needle which aspirates from an upper region of the liquid analytical sample a portion comprising the undesired contaminants and discards the portion, washing the first reusable needle with a washing liquid, providing a second pipetting device comprising a second reusable pipetting needle or a disposable pipetting tip which aspirates the sample volume from the liquid analytical sample after the first pipetting device discards the aspirated portion of the liquid analytical sample, and discharges the sample volume for analysis, and washing the second reusable needle with a washing liquid or disposing the disposable tip.

Abstract: A reagent kit adapted for being used in an automatic analytical apparatus. The reagent kit comprises at least a first reagent container and a second reagent container which have the same height, a kit cover for covering and for holding the upper parts of said at least two reagent containers together, a first tray for holding the bottom part of the first reagent container, and a second tray for holding the bottom part of the second reagent container. Reagent containers are so configured and dimensioned that when they are assembled together they fill the entire space comprised between kit cover and the trays with exception of a tubular volume which allows air circulation through said reagent kit. The sum of the height of the side walls of the kit cover and the height of the side walls of the trays is smaller than the height of the reagent containers.