Abstract: The invention discloses a disposable reaction device, a tracer synthesizer and a method for producing a tracer. The disposable reaction device comprises: (1) a disposable reagent bottle, which is used for loading the substances required for reaction, including radioisotopes, solvents, reagents, and reactants; the load can be filled directly or through a disposable liquid pipeline into the disposable reactor; (2) disposable reactors, which are used to contain radioisotopes and at least one reagent for reaction, and can be sealed with pierceable materials; (3) disposable liquid pipelines, including evaporation elements, filling elements, retraction elements, and mass transfer pipelines. The beneficial advantages brought by the present invention are: First, there is no need to wait for 10 half-lives of radioactive decay before proceeding to the next tracer production. Secondly, the disposable reaction device enables the synthesis of the same or different tracers to be repeated in a short time.

Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, systems, and devices for detecting and/or identifying one or more specific microorganisms in a culture sample. Indicator particles, such as surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-active nanoparticles, each having associated therewith one or more specific binding members having an affinity for the one or more microorganisms of interest, can form a complex with specific microorganisms in the culture sample. Further, agitating magnetic capture particles also having associated therewith one or more specific binding members having an affinity for the one or more microorganisms of interest can be used to capture the microorganism-indicator particle complex and concentrate the complex in a localized area of an assay vessel for subsequent detection and identification. The complex can be dispersed, pelleted, and redispersed so that the culture sample can be retested a number of times during incubation so as to allow for real-time monitoring of the culture sample.

Abstract: A sample analysis apparatus configured to automatically press a start button upon installation of a sample tube is provided. The sample analysis apparatus includes: a body of the sample analysis apparatus; a door housing which may be provided in an opened state or a closed state, and configured to be coupled to the body of the sample analysis apparatus by a hinge; a tube accommodating unit included in the door housing and configured to accommodate the sample tube; a start button included in the body of the sample analysis apparatus and configured to start analysis of the sample; and an operating member positioned at a first position which is distant from the start button the sample tube is not installed in the tube accommodating unit, and a second position which is configured to operate the start button when a sample tube is installed and the door housing is closed.

Abstract: A device for transferring and containing liquid and a mixing method are provided. The device includes a vial having at least two storage lumens extending axially along a vial body, a transfer channel coupled to a distal end of each of the storage lumens, and a common chamber in fluid communication with the storage lumens via the transfer channels. The mixing method includes providing the device for transferring and containing liquid material; providing a fluid subunit in each of the storage lumens, a distal gasket sealing each of the fluid subunits from a distal end of the vial; providing a plunger assembly coupled to a proximal end of the vial; and depressing the plunger assembly. Depressing the plunger assembly forces the distal gaskets into the gasket seats and transfers the fluid subunits into the common chamber via the transfer channels.

Abstract: A kit comprising a carrier and vessels arranged on the carrier, wherein different reagents are contained in different vessels, the vessels are arranged with an openable closing device on top of the carrier, the carrier has a footprint on the bottom side for being placed on a base, and the carrier has bottom positioning means for being positioned on at least one workplace of an automated laboratory system for microtiter plates according to the SBS standard.

Abstract: A sample vial [24] is disclosed, having a generally tubular body [32]. The vial [24] has a generally round lip [34] defining an opening [36] at the top of the body [32]. The vial [24] has a foot [38] at the base of the body [32], having asymmetric first and second sides [40, 42]. A rack [28] is disclosed for supporting such a sample vial [24]. The rack [28] supports the sample vial [24] in a generally upright position in a single orientation. The rack [28] has an asymmetric recess [50] adapted to receive the asymmetric foot [38] in a single orientation. The rack [28] also has an orientation abutment [82] adapted to interfere with a projecting abutment [46] of a vial [24] to prevent insertion of a vial [24] into the asymmetric recess [50] in an orientation other than the single orientation. The orientation abutment [82] also allows insertion of a vial [24] into the asymmetric recess [50] in the single orientation.

Abstract: Provided is a biomaterial detecting device for confirming or detecting a biomaterial reaction, and more particularly to a biomaterial detecting device, which is formed in a stick type to thereby be immersed in a tube containing a biomaterial solution to be tested; has an upper portion with a cap structure to thereby induce reaction with a biomaterial, and thus facilitate confirmation and detection of the biomaterial; and is formed in a cap structure to thereby prevent evaporation of a sample and infiltration of an external material at the time of a biomaterial reaction in the tube, and thus improve reliability in analysis.

Abstract: Vials for loading a fluid system are provided. The illustrative vials are configured to minimize air bubbles from being transferred into the fluid system. Certain vial embodiments are provided with filters to allow microbes to pass into the fluidic system, while retaining larger particulate matter.

Abstract: An apparatus for synthesizing polymer chains includes a controller, a plurality of precision fit vials circularly arranged in multiple banks on a cartridge, a drain corresponding to each bank of vials, a chamber bowl, a plurality of valves for delivering reagents to selective vials, and a waste tube system for purging material from the vials. A purging operation can be selectively performed on one or more of the banks of vials. The plurality of vials are stored in the cartridge and are divided among individual banks wherein each bank of vials has a corresponding drain. There is at least one waste tube system for expelling the reagent solution from vials within a particular bank of vials when the waste tube system is coupled to the corresponding drain. The cartridge holding the plurality of vials rotates relative to the stationary banks of valves and the waste tube system.

Abstract: The present invention provides reaction cells capable of maintaining stable analytical performance by preventing bubble adhesion and reducing sample carryover even if the amount of sample liquid for a single test is further reduced in the future. The invention further provides an automatic analyzer that uses the reaction cells and a method for enhancing the hydrophilicity of the inner surfaces of the reaction cells. According to the invention, a reaction cell has a first electrode inserted thereinto and a second electrode disposed on the bottom side of the reaction cell. A voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode to cause electric discharge between the electrodes. This allows for enhancing only the hydrophilicity of the bottom inner surface and the four bottom corners of the reaction cell to which large bubbles adhere easily.

Abstract: A cap configured for use with a specimen container includes a cap body having a top surface defining an opening therethrough, a torque pattern disposed on the top surface of the cap body, and a pierceable and self-resealing membrane disposed across the opening, where, when the membrane is intact or resealed, the membrane forms a fluid-tight seal across the opening.

Abstract: A control solution packet for calibrating a bodily fluid sampling device includes a container, a control solution pressurized within the container, and a membrane for covering and sealing the container. The control solution can be pressurized before or during calibration so as to ensure the appropriate amount of control solution is delivered to the bodily fluid sampling device. The control solution is manufactured to have a viscosity that controls delivery of the control solution to the device. The membrane is permeable by a piercing device of the bodily fluid sampling device and seals around the piercing device during calibration. In another aspect, the container is in the form of a capsule or dosing attachment that contains the control solution along with a sponge-like material.

Abstract: An apparatus for synthesizing polymer chains includes a controller, a plurality of precision fit vials circularly arranged in multiple banks on a cartridge, a drain corresponding to each bank of vials, a chamber bowl, a plurality of valves for delivering reagents to selective vials, and a waste tube system for purging material from the vials. A purging operation can be selectively performed on one or more of the banks of vials. The plurality of vials are stored in the cartridge and are divided among individual banks wherein each bank of vials has a corresponding drain. There is at least one waste tube system for expelling the reagent solution from vials within a particular bank of vials when the waste tube system is coupled to the corresponding drain. The cartridge holding the plurality of vials rotates relative to the stationary banks of valves and the waste tube system.

Abstract: A biotip according to an embodiment of the invention moves a reaction mixture along a longitudinal direction under the force of gravity. The biotip includes a chamber formed of a transparent material and filled with a liquid having a smaller specific gravity than the reaction mixture and immiscible with the reaction mixture, and a seal that seals the chamber. The liquid has a volume resistivity of greater than 0 ?·cm and 5×1013 ?·cm or less.

Abstract: A device and method for headspace sampling is disclosed herein. The headspace sampling device comprises a sample holding device configured to be sealed in a vial. The sample holding device has a pair of electrodes gap spaced from one another and a basket extending between the electrodes configured to hold a sample. The basket is configured to heat a sample held therewith and volatize at least a portion of the sample upon an electrical current being passed through the electrodes and the basket.

Abstract: A device (1) is provided for orientating a plurality of laboratory sample cassettes (2) each having a marking surface (3) disposed on a main body (4) of the cassette (2). A cassette (2) is held by a clamp so that a printer can print on the marking surface (3) of the cassette (2). When the cassette (2) is released from the clamp, it is moved via a belt (13) to an opening (20) of a rotatable structure (15) in a cassette receiving position. When the cassette (2) has been received in the opening (20), the rotatable structure (15) is rotated so that the opening (20) is moved to a cassette releasing position. A rack (23) is positioned beneath the rotatable structure (15) in order to receive the cassette (2) from the rotatable structure opening (20) when the opening (20) is in its cassette releasing position. The cassette (2) is received into a rack slot (24) so that the marking surface (3) of the cassette (2) is at the top of the cassette (2).

Abstract: A chromatography vial is disclosed comprising a thermoplastic wall and a coating on the wall. The coating comprises a PECVD barrier coating or layer of SiOx, where x is from 1.5 to 2.9, on the interior surface of the vial wall. Also disclosed is a method of applying the barrier coating of SiOx, in which x is from about 1.5 to about 2.9, on a chromatography vial as identified above. Other functional layers, such as a pH protective layer and a tie layer, can also be included as part of the coating on the wall.

Abstract: A micro vial assembly for performing microwave-assisted chemical reactions on small reaction mixture volumes is disclosed, wherein a reaction vessel (10) is sealed through a diaphragm (30) that is capped over an open end of the reaction vessel. The reaction vessel mouths in an end plane of a sleeve (20) surrounding the reaction vessel, the diaphragm being clamped for sealing the open end of the vessel by means of a cap (40) which is secured to the sleeve. The sleeve provides a radial extension of the reaction vessel in order to bridge the radial distance between a wall of the reaction vessel and other components in a system for performing microwave-assisted chemical reactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a container, made of an inorganic additive containing plastic material, for reducing physical/chemical interaction between the container and an oil, fat and/or wax containing formulation contained therein.

Abstract: An automated staining system and a reagent container designed for use with the automated staining apparatus. The reagent container includes a reagent containment section capable of containing a volume of a reagent. The reagent containment section includes an upper wall and a base wall that are spaced apart along an axis. The base wall includes a well having a nadir that is aligned axially with an access opening in the upper wall so that a reagent probe entering the opening parallel to the axis will travel toward the nadir. In another aspect of the invention, the reagent container may include a two-dimensional data element containing reagent information. The staining apparatus may include one removable drawer for holding reagent containers and another removable drawer holding slides.

Abstract: A compact and flexible apparatus that may be used to carry out multistep chemical or radiochemical synthesis is disclosed. Radiochemical tracers may be synthesized through a spatial temperature manipulation approach. The reaction vessel and the reagent vials can be removed after a single use, suggesting the apparatus can be used multiple times a day.

Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.

Abstract: A test tube insert includes a flange having a width greater than a width of a mouth of a larger test tube into which the insert is to be inserted. The flange defines a first central opening. An annulus extends integrally downward from the flange. The annulus includes a fenestrated wall and a floor defining a second central opening. A small test tube body, smaller than the larger test tube, extends integrally downward from the floor of the annulus with the second central opening forming a mouth of the small test tube body. The test tube insert is disposed in the mouth of the larger test tube. Fluid is transferred through the central opening and the fluid fills the small test tube body of the test tube insert and flows through the fenestrated wall once the small test tube body is full into the larger test tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for synthesizing polymer chains includes a controller, a plurality of precision fit vials circularly arranged in multiple banks on a cartridge, a drain corresponding to each bank of vials, a chamber bowl, a plurality of valves for delivering reagents to selective vials, and a waste tube system for purging material from the vials. A purging operation can be selectively performed on one or more of the banks of vials. The plurality of vials are stored in the cartridge and are divided among individual banks wherein each bank of vials has a corresponding drain. There is at least one waste tube system for expelling the reagent solution from vials within a particular bank of vials when the waste tube system is coupled to the corresponding drain. The cartridge holding the plurality of vials rotates relative to the stationary banks of valves and the waste tube system.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting oral fluid, comprising a vial formed with an inner specimen receptacle for receiving the oral fluid. The open top of the vial is cylindrical and formed with threads on a portion of its outer surface adjacent its open top. The specimen receptacle is disposed within the vial, spaced along its length from the inner surface of the vial and has a closed bottom end and an open top end. The entire periphery of the receptacle top end is sealingly secured to the inner surface of the vial proximal to but spaced from the vial's open threaded end. The bottom end of the vial can be open and flat and extend beyond the closed end of the specimen receptacle to enable the vial to be set on a horizontal surface. A funnel is removably placed in the open top end of the vial and narrows to an inner neck fits within the open top end of the vial.

Abstract: An apparatus for synthesizing polymer chains includes a controller, a plurality of precision fit vials circularly arranged in multiple banks on a cartridge, a drain corresponding to each bank of vials, a chamber bowl, a plurality of valves for delivering reagents to selective vials, and a waste tube system for purging material from the vials. A purging operation can be selectively performed on one or more of the banks of vials. The plurality of vials are stored in the cartridge and are divided among individual banks wherein each bank of vials has a corresponding drain. There is at least one waste tube system for expelling the reagent solution from vials within a particular bank of vials when the waste tube system is coupled to the corresponding drain. The cartridge holding the plurality of vials rotates relative to the stationary banks of valves and the waste tube system.

Abstract: An embodiment of a chemical detector has at least one detection window and at least first and second ampoules selectively communicatively coupled to the at least one detection window. The first ampoule contains a first substance that can hydrolyze a nerve agent. The second ampoule contains a second substance that can react with a hydrolyzed nerve agent to produce a color change.

Abstract: An indicator for enabling an analytical instrument to positively detect the presence of a vial in respective vial-receiving rack position regardless of whether the vial is oriented in a manner necessary for a code reader to read a code printed on the vial. Translation of a leaf spring upon insertion of a vial into a rack position causes a flag to obscure a code provided adjacent the rack position. An instrument into which the rack is installed interprets the failure of the code reader to detect this code as positive indication that a vial is disposed within the respective rack position.

Abstract: A vial and closure assembly including a vial and a closure configured to be threadably coupled to the vial. The vial has an opening end that is defined by a vial rim and at least one thread located proximate to the open end of the vial. The closure includes a top wall with a skirt wall depending from the top wall. A septum pocket is provided in the top wall and is configured to receive a septum positioned therein. A protrusion depends from the top wall, extends into the septum pocket, and is configured to engage the septum so that the septum creates an essentially vapor-tight seal with the vial rim when the closure is threadably coupled to the vial.

Abstract: An over-torque resistant vial and closure assembly includes a vial having an outwardly projecting rib that cooperates with a stop surface provided on a closure. When the closure is threadably coupled to the vial, the stop surface of the closure engages the outwardly projecting rib of the vial so as to prevent over-torquing of the closure onto the vial.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for selectively delivering one or more liquid reagents into a reaction or test chamber (2), especially of an assay apparatus, the apparatus comprising: one or more respective storage chambers (5,6) for containing the one or more liquid reagents and arranged generally above the reaction or test chamber (2); and a plunger element (4) arranged and operable for insertion into the mouth of a selected storage chamber so as to displace a selected reagent from therewithin into the reaction or test chamber (2) generally therebelow by gravitational liquid overflow from the mouth of the chamber. The apparatus may conveniently be provided as a discrete delivery unit, with the storage chambers (5,6) pretilled with the selected reagents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container system for releasably storing a substance. The container system includes a vial having a sample storage chamber and a piercing member for piercing a membrane in the lid, which membrane seals a substance within a reservoir in the lid until the membrane is pierced by the piercing member. The container system optionally includes a funnel. There is also provided a method and kit for use of such a container system.

Abstract: A container for use in processing a biopsy sample. Biopsy sample and materials are received within a sample processing area of the container. A semi-permeable barrier is positioned at a downstream portion of the sample processing area and prevents the prevent passage of the biopsy sample. A cap is positioned at the downstream side of the barrier, and holds fluids within the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting oral fluid, comprising a vial formed with an inner specimen receptacle for receiving the oral fluid. The open top of the vial is cylindrical and formed with threads on a portion of its outer surface adjacent its open top. The specimen receptacle is disposed within the vial, spaced along its length from the inner surface of the vial and has a closed bottom end and an open top end. The entire periphery of the receptacle top end is sealingly secured to the inner surface of the vial proximal to but spaced from the vial's open threaded end. The bottom end of the vial can be open and flat and extend beyond the closed end of the specimen receptacle to enable the vial to be set on a horizontal surface. A funnel is removably placed in the open top end of the vial and narrows to an inner neck fits within the open top end of the vial.

Abstract: Polymer compositions and articles formed therefrom are described herein. The compositions include a random copolymer and a radiation additive, wherein the random copolymer includes propylene and less than 2 wt. % ethylene and exhibits a melt flow rate of from about 30 to 100 dg/min., the polymer composition exhibits a flexural modulus of from about 160 kpsi to about 200 kpsi and the polymer composition is adapted to produce a polymer article exhibiting low plate out, a haze at 20 mils of no greater than 15%, radiation stability and autoclavability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing reagent usage, comprising the steps of providing a retainer, at least one group of loopholes being provided on the sidewalls of the retainer; providing a colorimetric glass, adapted to be inserted into the retainer, for receiving the first reagent to be observed through said loopholes; providing a cap, for capping the colorimetric glass and the retainer into a whole, after the colorimetric glass being inserted into the retainer. The present invention mainly uses a reagent tube with a retainer having a new structure, a colorimetric glass and a cap, storing the first reagent only in the colorimetric glass, and the volume of the colorimetric glass is far less than that of the current reagent tube, thus the usage of the reagents can be reduced effectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for synthesizing polymer chains includes a controller, a plurality of precision fit vials circularly arranged in multiple banks on a cartridge, a drain corresponding to each bank of vials, a chamber bowl, a plurality of valves for delivering reagents to selective vials, and a waste tube system for purging material from the vials. A purging operation can be selectively performed on one or more of the banks of vials. The plurality of vials are stored in the cartridge and are divided among individual banks wherein each bank of vials has a corresponding drain. There is at least one waste tube system for expelling the reagent solution from vials within a particular bank of vials when the waste tube system is coupled to the corresponding drain. The cartridge holding the plurality of vials rotates relative to the stationary banks of valves and the waste tube system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for separating radioisotope thallium-201. The device includes an evaporation unit for a solution vial, a first glass vial connected to a first valve and a second valve, an ion exchange column connected to a third valve, a second glass vial connected to a fourth valve and a fifth valve, a collection vial for receiving solution from the fifth valve, a product vial with a membrane filter and a vacuum unit connected to the first valve, the fourth valve and a sixth valve. This device can separate out high-concentration thallium-201 solution from which radioisotope thallium-201 can be obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus for synthesizing polymer chains includes a controller, a plurality of precision fit vials circularly arranged in multiple banks on a cartridge, a drain corresponding to each bank of vials, a chamber bowl, a plurality of valves for delivering reagents to selective vials, and a waste tube system for purging material from the vials. A purging operation can be selectively performed on one or more of the banks of vials. The multiple banks of valves provide an additional number of reagent choices while operating in a serial mode and faster reagent distribution while operating in a parallel mode. The plurality of vials are stored in the cartridge and are divided among individual banks wherein each bank of vials has a corresponding drain. There is at least one waste tube system for expelling the reagent solution from vials within a particular bank of vials when the waste tube system is coupled to the corresponding drain.

Abstract: An apparatus for synthesizing polymer chains includes a controller, a plurality of precision fit vials circularly arranged in multiple banks on a cartridge, a drain corresponding to each bank of vials, a chamber bowl, a plurality of valves for delivering reagents to selective vials, and a waste tube system for purging material from the vials. A purging operation can be selectively performed on one or more of the banks of vials. The multiple banks of valves provide an additional number of reagent choices while operating in a serial mode and faster reagent distribution while operating in a parallel mode. The plurality of vials are stored in the cartridge and are divided among individual banks wherein each bank of vials has a corresponding drain. There is at least one waste tube system for expelling the reagent solution from vials within a particular bank of vials when the waste tube system is coupled to the corresponding drain.

Abstract: An automated staining system and a reagent container designed for use with the automated staining apparatus. The reagent container includes a reagent containment section capable of containing a volume of a reagent. The reagent containment section includes an upper wall and a base wall that are spaced apart along an axis. The base wall includes a well having a nadir that is aligned axially with an access opening in the upper wall so that a reagent probe entering the opening parallel to said axis will travel toward the nadir. In another aspect of the invention, the reagent container may include a two-dimensional data element containing reagent information. The staining apparatus may include one removable drawer for holding reagent containers and another removable drawer holding slides.

Abstract: A method is taught for the accurate determination of the premature rupture of membranes (PROM), defined as spontaneous rupture of membranes before the onset of uterine contractions. More specifically, a lateral flow assay strip tests for at least two antigens to greatly limit or eliminate the possibility of false negatives. A built in timer in the cassette holding the lateral flow assay further increases the accuracy of the test. A collection buffer vial with self-contained shipping and dropper caps and built in stand is also taught.

Abstract: A reagent microvial for a reagent dispensing apparatus, the microvial having a container for holding a volume of reagent, an integrated circuit with digital memory storing reagent data relating to specifications characterizing the reagent, and, electrical contacts for connection to a control processor in the reagent dispensing apparatus to provide the data to the control processor for download into devices supplied with the reagent.

Abstract: An oligonucleotide microvial for an oligonucleotide dispensing apparatus, the microvial having a container for holding a volume of reagent, an integrated circuit with digital memory storing oligonucleotide data relating to specifications characterizing the oligonucleotides, and, electrical contacts for connection to a control processor in the reagent dispensing apparatus to provide the data to the control processor for download into devices supplied with the oligonucleotides.

Abstract: A control solution packet for calibrating a bodily fluid sampling device includes a container, a control solution pressurized within the container, and a membrane for covering and sealing the container. The control solution can be pressurized before or during calibration so as to ensure the appropriate amount of control solution is delivered to the bodily fluid sampling device. The control solution is manufactured to have a viscosity that controls delivery of the control solution to the device. The membrane is permeable by a piercing device of the bodily fluid sampling device and seals around the piercing device during calibration. In another aspect, the container is in the form of a capsule or dosing attachment that contains the control solution along with a sponge-like material.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a nucleic acid component of a sample for amplification includes a porous support having an agent that deactivates a nucleic acid amplification inhibitor component of the sample. The apparatus further includes a housing with an opening and defining an interior. The interior of the housing is in fluid communication with the porous support, and at least a portion of a fluid directed through the opening is directed through at least a portion of the porous support. The apparatus also includes a magnetic substrate for separating nucleic acid from a sample.

Abstract: An embodiment of a chemical detector has at least one detection window and at least first and second ampoules selectively communicatively coupled to the at least one detection window. The first ampoule contains a first substance that can hydrolyze a nerve agent. The second ampoule contains a second substance that can react with a hydrolyzed nerve agent to produce a color change.

Abstract: A vessel for collecting biological particulate matter suspended in fluid includes a body having first and second ends and a fluid passageway there between. A filter member is disposed at one of the first and second ends of the body, the filter member having a porosity that permits passage of fluid but retains at least a portion of the biological particular matter. The exterior surface of the body portion includes at least one agitation member. The agitation member may be formed, for instance, as a blade, fin, projection, helical ring, or other protuberance.

Abstract: A sample vial [24] is disclosed, having a generally tubular body [32]. The vial [24] has a generally round lip [34] defining an opening [36] at the top of the body [32]. The vial [24] has a foot [38] at the base of the body [32], having asymmetric first and second sides [40, 42]. A rack [28] is disclosed for supporting such a sample vial [24]. The rack [28] supports the sample vial [24] in a generally upright position in a single orientation. The rack [28] has an asymmetric recess [50] adapted to receive the asymmetric foot [38] in a single orientation. The rack [28] also has an orientation abutment [82] adapted to interfere with a projecting abutment [46] of a vial [24] to prevent insertion of a vial [24] into the asymmetric recess [50] in an orientation other than the single orientation. The orientation abutment [82] also allows insertion of a vial [24] into the asymmetric recess [50] in the single orientation.