Abstract: An assembly for storing sample processing consumables that includes a cover and a tray. The cover includes a flexible panel and a cover wall that extends downward from the perimeter of the panel, where the panel and the cover wall define a cavity. The tray has a top surface that defines a plurality of wells and a side surface that extends downward from the perimeter of the top surface. The panel is situated adjacent the top surface of the tray, where a first portion of the tray is received within the cover cavity, such that a press fit is formed between the side surface of the tray and an inner surface of the cover wall, thereby releasably coupling the cover to the tray. At least a portion of the wells contain a sample processing consumable, and the cover is configured to be decoupled from the tray by applying a force to the panel to overcome the press fit.

Abstract: Provided in part herein are pipette tip rack assemblies having one or more of the following features: (i) having a plurality of pipette tip receptacle plates, each plate having an array of pipette tips, stacked upon one another supported by a rack base; (ii) each plate having one or more projections from the proximal or distal surface and, optionally, orifices that oppose the projections of the next plate in the stack, and (iii) the rack base having a proximal surface with one or more orifices or projections that oppose the projections or orifices of the plate in the stack. Also provided are methods of dispensing pipette tips from pipette tip rack assemblies and manufacturing pipette tip rack assembly components.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.

Abstract: Provided herein are anti-static pipette trays that reduce the amount of static charge accumulated on or in pipette tips and allow for discharge of any accumulated static charge.

Abstract: A method of pipetting comprises (a) providing a pipette tip holder having a plurality of segregated compartments and a tip support member for supporting a plurality of pipette tips in the pipette tip holder, the tip support member configured to support a single pipette in tip each segregated compartment; (b providing a plurality of pipette tips in the tip support member; (c) removing a first pipette tip from a first segregated compartment; (d) using the first pipette tip to complete a pipetting operation and placing the first pipette tip into a segregated compartment that has not contained a used pipette tip; (e) subsequently removing the first pipette tip from the segregated compartment and using the first pipette tip to complete another pipetting operation; and, (f) replacing the first pipette tip into the pipette tip holder, whereby the first pipette tip, when placed in the segregated compartment, is segregated in the pipette tip holder to reduce the possibility of a fluid from the first pipette tip contac