Reagent container

摘要

Apparatus and a method for orienting a reagent container in a rack so that the label on the container always points towards the user is provided. The container has an external surface at least a portion of which has an asymmetric perimeter which has mirror symmetry about at most one axis, said perimeter lying in a plane substantially parallel to the base of the container. The rack has an aperture having essentially the same asymmetric perimeter as the container and a size which permits the container to be received in the aperture in only one orientation. In certain preferred embodiments, the asymmetric perimeter is D-shaped, the container has a cavity with inwardly sloping sides and the container includes an integral sight glass by which its contents can be viewed.