Abstract: An apparatus for comminuting biological specimens includes a receiving component provided with a drive source, a sample retainer configured for retaining at least one biological specimen and for engagement in the receiving component, and a single use comminution mechanism in operational relationship with the sample retainer. The drive source is configured for driving the comminution mechanism. A collector is associated with the receiving component for receiving comminuted product generated by the comminution mechanism. A method for comminuting biological specimens is provided so that, upon comminution, the specimen is readily subject to rapid extraction and detection of drugs and their metabolites, compounds, chemicals, pesticides, steroids, growth enhancers, contaminants or other pharmacologic agents which may reside in the specimen.

Abstract: An apparatus for comminuting biological specimens includes a receiving component provided with a drive source, at least one sample retainer configured for accommodating at least one biological specimen and constructed and arranged for engagement in the receiving component. The sample retainer includes a first component configured for receiving a specimen prior to comminution and a second component for receiving the specimen after comminution. In addition, the sample retainer is insertable into the receiving component as a single piece.

Abstract: An apparatus for comminuting biological specimens includes a receiving component provided with a drive source, at least one sample retainer configured for accommodating at least one biological specimen and constructed and arranged for engagement in the receiving component. The sample retainer includes a first component configured for receiving a specimen prior to comminution and a second component for receiving the specimen after comminution. In addition, the sample retainer is insertable into the receiving component as a single piece.

Abstract: An apparatus for comminuting biological specimens includes a receiving component provided with a drive source, a sample retainer configured for retaining at least one biological specimen and for engagement in the receiving component, and a single use comminution mechanism in operational relationship with the sample retainer. The drive source is configured for driving the comminution mechanism. A collector is associated with the receiving component for receiving comminuted product generated by the comminution mechanism. A method for comminuting biological specimens is provided so that, upon comminution, the specimen is readily subject to rapid extraction and detection of drugs and their metabolites, compounds, chemicals, pesticides, steroids, growth enhancers, contaminants or other pharmacologic agents which may reside in the specimen.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a disposable specimen collection device comprising a specimen chamber, a closing element and a cutting element. The specimen is preferably hair or feathers and the device is preferably used for extracting analytes from the specimen.

Abstract: A transportable automated analyte extraction apparatus is provided which includes at least an extraction fluid supply in communication with an extraction chamber, and a collection vessel in communication with the extraction chamber, wherein the extraction chamber includes a sample cartridge. The analyte extraction apparatus preferably utilizes supercritical extraction fluids and a modifying reagent, collectively called the extraction solution, to extract analyte from a sample. The extracted analyte can then be subjected to subsequent testing.