Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for automatic processing at least one biological sample accommodated on a carrier member, such as a slide by applying a predetermined amount of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, said apparatus comprising; a housing frame; at least one processing section for accommodating at least one slide, the at least one processing section is provided within the housing; a hood cover protecting the at least one processing section in said housing; wherein the hood cover completely encloses the processing section defining an interior space; and wherein the apparatus further comprises climate control device provided to control the environment within the interior space.

Abstract: Environmental containment methods (16) for a flow cytometer (21) which provide an adjustably controllable environment in which biological particles can be differentiated and droplets separated into collection containers (15).

Abstract: A sample carrier system (1) with spatially adjustable configuration provides variable positioning as to the relative location of a plurality of sample containment elements (1). In a preferred embodiment, a slidably reconfigurable sampling system in which a matrix type, row-by-row arrangement of receptacles or sample retention elements (1) for specimen carriers such as cuvettes, test tubes and beakers, or the like (40), or for samples (41), may be reconfigured into a substantially linear arrangement of individual specimen carriers along with the entrained material contents, providing more accurate testing processes and more reliable test results.