SAMPLE PREPARATION APPARATUS

摘要

Apparatus for preparing a biological sample for PCR analysis has an inlet (4) for receiving the sample (15) and a sieve (13) through which the sample is forced by screwing down an inlet cap (16). A lysis solution between two rupturable seals (11 and 12) is effective to disrupt the cells of the sample and release nucleic acid. The apparatus is mounted releasably on a PCR machine (2) having a motor (2′) releasably coupled with a drive mechanism (3, 36,40) in the apparatus to effect a rotary and a vertical up and down movement of its components (30, 31, 32, 42). The apparatus has a transparent cuvette (5) and a needle (71) extending to the lower end of the cuvette, by which the prepared sample is dispensed to the cuvette for PCR analysis.