Abstract: An automated sample aspirating method in which a magnetic force is applied to a collection tube containing a sample carrier to move at least the top of the carrier to a location off the center axis of the collection tube. An aspirator is inserted into the tube at a vertical position along the sample carrier, and a fluid is aspirated from the tube. Also provided are a sample collector having a tip adapted to obtain a sample from a sample source, and a handle that extends from the tip and is magnetic at a location remote from the tip. Also provided is a sample processing system having a sample collector such as described above, a collection tube adapted to hold the sample collector with the tip at a closed lower end of the tube and the handle extending towards an open upper end of the tube, and a cap that seals the sample collector tip and at least a portion of the handle inside the tube.

Abstract: A reagent cabinet for an automated processing apparatus. The reagent cabinet has a housing, and a drawer slidably mounted in the housing. The drawer has a lower deck adapted to receive a fluid reservoir, and an upper deck located above the lower deck and adapted to receive a fluid supply container. A supply connection hose is provided to selectively connect the fluid supply container to the fluid reservoir. A reservoir connection hose is provided to selectively connect to the fluid reservoir and to convey fluid from the fluid reservoir to a downstream location outside the cabinet. A pump is mounted on the drawer. The pump is adapted to convey fluid through either the supply connection hose or the reservoir connection hose.

Abstract: A reagent cabinet for an automated processing apparatus. The reagent cabinet has a housing, and a drawer slidably mounted in the housing. The drawer has a lower deck adapted to receive a fluid reservoir, and an upper deck located above the lower deck and adapted to receive a fluid supply container. A supply connection hose is provided to selectively connect the fluid supply container to the fluid reservoir. A reservoir connection hose is provided to selectively connect to the fluid reservoir and to convey fluid from the fluid reservoir to a downstream location outside the cabinet. A pump is mounted on the drawer. The pump is adapted to convey fluid through either the supply connection hose or the reservoir connection hose.

Abstract: An automated sample aspirating method in which a magnetic force is applied to a collection tube containing a sample carrier to move at least the top of the carrier to a location off the center axis of the collection tube. An aspirator is inserted into the tube at a vertical position along the sample carrier, and a fluid is aspirated from the tube. Also provided are a sample collector having a tip adapted to obtain a sample from a sample source, and a handle that extends from the tip and is magnetic at a location remote from the tip. Also provided is a sample processing system having a sample collector such as described above, a collection tube adapted to hold the sample collector with the tip at a closed lower end of the tube and the handle extending towards an open upper end of the tube, and a cap that seals the sample collector tip and at least a potion of the handle inside the tube.