Method and system for sample aliquot storage

摘要

A method and system of sample aliquot storage for automated immunochemistry or chemistry instruments are provided. The method and system provide a sample aliquot storage unit having a sample storage wheel for storing sample vessels containing sample aliquots in a chilled enclosed environment, which are accessible by both a sample pipettor of a sample aliquoting station and a pick-and-place gripper. The pick-and-place gripper transports the sample vessels containing sample aliquots to multiple independent reagent pipetting stations respectively for sample aspiration of subsequent assay, and thereafter transports the sample vessels containing remaining sample aliquots back to the sample storage wheel to be stored in the chilled environment for reflex testing. When all the tests are completed, the pick-and-place gripper transports the sample vessels to a waste storage area.

主权项

1. An apparatus for automated immunochemistry or chemistry analysis, comprising:
a. a sample aliquot storage unit having a sample storage wheel; b. a pick-and-place mechanism for transporting empty sample vessels from a bulk vessel feeder to said sample storage wheel; c. a sample aliquoting station having a sample pipettor for aspirating samples from sample tubes loaded, and aliquoting samples to said empty sample vessels on said sample storage wheel; d. said sample aliquot storage unit further having a chiller assembly for keeping said sample vessels containing sample aliquots in a chilled environment on said sample storage wheel; e. said sample aliquot storage unit further having means for driving and controlling said sample storage wheel to position said sample vessels for access by said pipettor of said sample aliquoting station and said pick-and-place mechanism; f. said pick-and-place mechanism transporting said sample vessels containing said sample aliquots to a multiplicity of independent reagent pipetting stations respectively for sample aspiration of subsequent assay; and g. said pick-and-place mechanism also transporting said sample vessels containing remaining sample aliquots back to said sample storage wheel to be stored in said chilled environment for reflex testing.