Abstract: A sample container may include an open end, a closure member, a cap, and an RFID tag. The RFID tag may be positioned near the open end and includes a code uniquely identifying an analytical sample contained in the container structure. A sample handling apparatus may operate with one or more sample containers. The sample handling apparatus may include a robotic assembly for moving a sample probe device and a sample probe supported by a guide of the sample probe device. An RF transceiver antenna may be mounted to the guide for communicating with the RFID tag of the sample container. The sample probe device is moved into proximity with a sample container to read a code stored by an RFID tag attached to the sample container, whereby a sample contained in the sample container can be uniquely identified. The code can be associated with additional information relating to the identified sample.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) reader may include a body including a proximal end region, an RF transceiver antenna mounted to the body at the proximal end region, and an RF shield mounted to the body and extending beyond the proximal end region. The RF shield defines an interior space between the body and an open end of the RF shield, and surrounds the antenna. Alternatively, or additionally, a holder of sample containers may provide an RF shield. The reader may be moved into position over a sample container to enable communication between the antenna and an RFID tag associated with the sample container. The RF shield provides isolation from neighboring sample containers.

Abstract: A sample container may include an open end, a closure member, a cap, and an RFID tag. The RFID tag may be positioned near the open end and includes a code uniquely identifying an analytical sample contained in the container structure. A sample handling apparatus may operate with one or more sample containers. The sample handling apparatus may include a robotic assembly for moving a sample probe device and a sample probe supported by a guide of the sample probe device. An RF transceiver antenna may be mounted to the guide for communicating with the RFID tag of the sample container. The sample probe device is moved into proximity with a sample container to read a code stored by an RFID tag attached to the sample container, whereby a sample contained in the sample container can be uniquely identified. The code can be associated with additional information relating to the identified sample.

Abstract: A method and system for chromatogram analysis is disclosed. An aspect of the invention is a method for reducing each chromatogram to a data set that can be compared to another such data set, producing a comparison result that indicates the similarity or dissimilarity of the two chromatograms. The present invention provides a system and method that can be used to identify DNA sequence variations through chromatogram analysis. The present invention also provides a user interface to display results of chromatogram analysis, which quickly and efficiently illustrates which samples are dissimilar or similar to reference chromatograms.

Abstract: A method and system for chromatogram analysis is disclosed. An aspect of the invention is a method for reducing each chromatogram to a data set that can be compared to another such data set, producing a comparison result that indicates the similarity or dissimilarity of the two chromatograms. The present invention provides a system and method that can be used to identify DNA sequence variations through chromatogram analysis. The present invention also provides a user interface to display results of chromatogram analysis, which quickly and efficiently illustrates which samples are dissimilar or similar to reference chromatograms.

Abstract: A method and system for chromatogram analysis is disclosed. An aspect of the invention is a method for reducing each chromatogram to a data set that can be compared to another such data set, producing a comparison result that indicates the similarity or dissimilarity of the two chromatograms. The present invention provides a system and method that can be used to identify DNA sequence variations through chromatogram analysis. The present invention also provides a user interface to display results of chromatogram analysis, which quickly and efficiently illustrates which samples are dissimilar or similar to reference chromatograms.