Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for separating magnetic particles in suspension in a liquid contained in a reaction vessel of the type used in an automatic apparatus for processing biological samples. The apparatus comprises a rotatable carrier holding an array of magnet elements positioned on the carrier at different distances from the rotation axis of the carrier and at different azimuth angles. The carrier and the array of magnet elements can be positioned at a plurality of predetermined angular positions and heights.

Abstract: A method for transferring a liquid using a device having a waste chamber, a pipette tip parking chamber and at least one process chamber is disclosed. The liquid may be transferred between process chambers, or from one process chamber to the waste chamber, or from a primary sample tube external to the device to one process chamber, or from one process chamber to a specimen container external to said device, and wherein said transfer of the liquid is effected by means of pipetting operations carried out with said pipette tip. The method is particularly suitable for contamination-free processing of biological samples.

Abstract: An automatic sample processing system containing:a) a sample vessel,b) a sample vessel carrier having a chamber to receive the sample vessel, andc) a sample identification component which carries a readable identification of a sample. The sample identification component is removably attachable to the sample vessel and to the sample vessel carrier.

Abstract: A disposable device for carrying out a process in which a biological sample is processed with one or more reagents is described. Contamination-free processing of biological samples is also disclosed.