Sample holders and methods of using them

摘要

Certain embodiments described herein are directed to sample holders that can be used to retain a sample support effective for use in direct sample analysis. In some embodiments, the sample support can include a first and a second plate with apertures to permit a sample to be analyzed using direct sample analysis.

主权项

1. A sample holder comprising:
a first plate comprising configured to permit a sample on a sample support to be contacted by fluid for direct sample analysis, the first plate comprising a retaining device and a plurality of apertures; and a second plate rotatably coupled to the first plate and comprising a same number of apertures as the plurality apertures of the first plate, the second plate configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the second plate to engage the first plate and retain the sample support between the first plate and the second plate, in which the retaining device of the first plate is configured to engage the second plate to the first plate in a first position to retain the sample support between the first plate and the second plate and to disengage the second plate from the first plate in a second position to permit removal of the sample support from the sample holder, and in which the apertures of the first plate and the second plate comprise a same size and geometry, and wherein when the first plate is engaged to the second plate in the first position the apertures of the first plate align with apertures of the second plate.