A handling system for high throughput processing of a large volume of biological samples is provided herein. Such systems can include an array support assembly that supports multiple diagnostic assay modules in an array having at least two dimensions, a loader that loads multiple diagnostic assay cartridges within the multiple diagnostic assay modules. The array support assembly can be movable relative the loader to facilitate loading and unloading so as to provide more efficient processing.

Method and apparatus to agitate a liquid are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a carrier having a base that includes a ridge extending from the base and a collar extending from the base. The example apparatus also includes a container supported on the base, the container movable between (A) a locked positon in which the ridge fixedly engages the container to non-rotatably couple the container to the base and (B) an unlocked position in which the container is disengaged from the ridge and the container is rotatable about the collar.

A low temperature storage system, a transport mechanism, and a low temperature storage vessel are provided, which enable downsizing and simplification of the transport mechanism, as well as stable transport of stored objects. A low temperature storage system (1) includes a low temperature storage vessel (10) and a transport mechanism (20). The transport mechanism (20) includes a reciprocating part (30) that has a holding part (35) and that is capable of reciprocating along a transfer direction, and guide unit (40). The guide unit (40) include an in-vessel guide (50) fixedly placed inside the low temperature storage vessel (10), and a telescopic guide (60) configured to be able to extend and contract along the transfer direction. The telescopic guide (60) is provided independently of the in-vessel guide (50) so as to be connectable to the in-vessel guide (50).

Method and apparatus to agitate a liquid are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a carrier having a base that includes a ridge extending from the base and a collar extending from the base. The example apparatus also includes a container supported on the base, the container movable between (A) a locked positon in which the ridge fixedly engages the container to non-rotatably couple the container to the base and (B) an unlocked position in which the container is disengaged from the ridge and the container is rotatable about the collar.

A fluidic centripetal apparatus for testing components of a biological material in a fluid is presented. The fluidic centripetal device is adapted to be received within a rotatable holder. The apparatus comprises a fluidic component layer having fluidic features on at least a front face and a bottom component layer bonded to a rear of the fluidic component layer thereby creating a fluidic network through which the fluid flows under centripetal force. In one embodiment, the fluidic feature may be a bottom-Tillable chamber coupled to an entry channel for receiving the fluid, the chamber inlet being provided at an outer side of the bottom-fillable chamber. In another embodiment, the fluidic feature may be a retention chamber coupled to an entry channel for receiving the fluid, a container wholly provided in the retention chamber and containing a liquid diluent, the container maintaining the liquid diluent in the container until it releases it in the retention chamber upon application of an external force to the container, thereby restoring the fluidic connection between the liquid diluent and the fluid in the retention chamber. Additionally, the retention chamber can have a flow decoupling receptacle for receiving the fluid, located at the outer side of the retention chamber and interrupting a fluidic connection between the entry and exit of the retention chamber. A test apparatus and a testing method using a fluidic centripetal device for testing components of a biological material in a fluid are also provided.

A fluidic centripetal apparatus for testing components of a biological material in a fluid is presented. The fluidic centripetal device is adapted to be received within a rotatable holder. The apparatus comprises a fluidic component layer having fluidic features on at least a front face and a bottom component layer bonded to a rear of the fluidic component layer thereby creating a fluidic network through which the fluid flows under centripetal force. In one embodiment, the fluidic feature may be a bottom-fillable chamber coupled to an entry channel for receiving the fluid, the chamber inlet being provided at an outer side of the bottom-fillable chamber. In another embodiment, the fluidic feature may be a retention chamber coupled to an entry channel for receiving the fluid, a container wholly provided in the retention chamber and containing a liquid diluent, the container maintaining the liquid diluent in the container until it releases it in the retention chamber upon application of an external force to the container, thereby restoring the fluidic connection between the liquid diluent and the fluid in the retention chamber. Additionally, the retention chamber can have a flow decoupling receptacle for receiving the fluid, located at the outer side of the retention chamber and interrupting a fluidic connection between the entry and exit of the retention chamber. A test apparatus and a testing method using a fluidic centripetal device for testing components of a biological material in a fluid are also provided.

Method for attaching a sample vessel rack (1, 1) in an apparatus (2, 2, 23), which apparatus comprises a slot (4, 24) into which the sample vessel rack is inserted, wherein magnetic attraction force is utilized in the attachment and correct positioning of the sample vessel rack (1, 1) into the slot (4, 24), where in the slot (4, 24) comprises a movable member (9, 9, 28, 35), which movable member is moved to a locking position with a magnetic attraction force when the sample vessel rack (1, 1) is in a correct position in the slot, and which movable member comprises at least one protrusion (11, 33) which protrusion sets itself in a notch (37) formed in the sample vessel rack in the locking position of the movable member. The invention also relates to such a sample vessel rack and an apparatus, and to a use of such a sample vessel rack.