System for performing a magnetic separation procedure

摘要

Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for automated isolation of selected analytes, to which magnetically-responsive solid supports are bound, from other components of a sample. An apparatus for performing an automated magnetic separation procedure includes a mechanism for effecting linear movement of a magnet between operative and non-operative positions with respect to a receptacle device. A receptacle holding station within which a receptacle device may be temporarily stored prior to moving the receptacle to the apparatus for performing magnetic separation includes magnets for applying a magnetic field to the receptacle device held therein, thereby drawing at least a proton of the magnetically-responsive solid supports out of suspension before the receptacle device is moved to the magnetic separation station. An automated receptacle transport mechanism moves the receptacle devices between the apparatus for performing magnetic separation and the receptacle holding station.

主权项

1. A system for separating an analyte of interest from other components of a sample contained in a receptacle, the system comprising:
a receptacle holding station configured to receive and hold a receptacle delivered to the receptacle holding station by an automated receptacle transport, the receptacle holding station comprising at least one magnet subassembly, each magnet subassembly being attached to at least one wall of a pair of walls defining a receptacle slot, and each magnet subassembly including one or more stationary magnets positioned to apply a magnetic field to the contents of the receptacle held in the receptacle holding station, the receptacle holding station being configured to hold the receptacle stationary relative to the one or more stationary magnets when present in the receptacle holding station; and a magnetic separation station comprising one or more magnets, the magnetic separation station being constructed and arranged to perform a magnetic separation procedure on the contents of a receptacle transported from the receptacle holding station to the magnetic separation station by an automated receptacle transport by magnetically isolating an analyte immobilized on a magnetically-responsive solid support and removing other components of the sample from the receptacle wherein the magnetic separation station is configured to provide relative movement between the receptacle and the one or more magnets after the receptacle is transported to the magnetic separation station.