Systems and methods that enable automated processing of specimens carried on microscope slides are described herein. Aspects of the technology are directed, for example, to automated slide processing apparatuses capable of dispensing liquids onto microscope slides. Additional aspects of the technology are directed to methods of replacing a reagent pipette in automated slide processing apparatuses. The apparatus can include, for example, a reagent pipette assembly including a reagent pipette moveable between at least one loading position for obtaining reagent from a reagent container at a filling station and at least one dispense position. The apparatus can also include a retainer for releasably securing the reagent pipette. In some embodiments, the reagent pipette assembly includes a locking mechanism for transitioning the retainer from an open configuration for receiving a pipette and a closed configuration for securing a pipette, in e.g., an aligned position within the retainer.

A method for washing particles includes obtaining an array plate that includes an array of hydrophilic areas surrounded by one or more hydrophobic areas. A respective solution containing a sample is located on a respective hydrophilic area of the array of hydrophilic areas. The respective hydrophilic area includes one or more indentations from a respective surrounding hydrophobic area of the one or more hydrophobic areas. The respective hydrophilic area includes a first indented surface that is offset from a reference surface defined by the respective surrounding hydrophobic area. The method also includes placing an aspirator nozzle above the respective hydrophilic area at a predefined distance from the first indented surface, and aspirating the solution with the aspirator nozzle while the aspirator nozzle is located at the predefined distance from the first indented surface.

The present disclosure provides methods and devices for sample extraction.

Various embodiments of the teachings relate to a system or method for sample preparation or analysis in biochemical or molecular biology procedures. The sample preparation can involve small volume processed in discrete portions or segments or slugs, herein referred to as discrete volumes. A molecular biology procedure can be nucleic acid analysis. Nucleic acid analysis can be an integrated DNA amplification/DNA sequencing procedure.

Systems and methods that enable automated processing of specimens carried on microscope slides are described herein. Aspects of the technology are directed, for example, to automated slide processing apparatuses capable of dispensing liquids onto microscope slides. Additional aspects of the technology are directed to methods of replacing a reagent pipette in automated slide processing apparatuses. The apparatus can include, for example, a reagent pipette assembly including a reagent pipette moveable between at least one loading position for obtaining reagent from a reagent container at a filling station and at least one dispense position. The apparatus can also include a retainer for releasably securing the reagent pipette. In some embodiments, the reagent pipette assembly includes a locking mechanism for transitioning the retainer from an open configuration for receiving a pipette and a closed configuration for securing a pipette, in e.g., an aligned position within the retainer.

A microscope slide staining system has a chamber, a plurality of slide support elements, a plurality of spreading devices positionable in association with microscope slides supported on the slide support elements so the spreading devices define a gap between the spreading device and the microscope slide and so the spreading device and the microscope slide are movable relative to one another to spread at least one reagent on the microscope slide independent of the other spreading devices and microscope slides.

An extraction container includes a molded tubular body having openings at opposing first and second end thereof. A base cap is configured to obstruct a base opening disposed at the base of the tubular body. The base cap is integrally molded with the tubular body and connected thereto by a frangible connection. The base cap can be removed by breaking the frangible connection to de-obstruct the second opening. The first base cap and tubular body include integrally molded engagement features to permit the base cap to be reattached to the tubular body to re-obstruct the base opening. A removable foil or polymer seal obstructs a top opening disposed at the top end of the tubular body. A top cap and hinge are integrally molded with the tubular body and configured to re-obstruct the top opening following removal of the seal.

A system for collecting and separating biological material includes a centrifuge tube, a separation tube having an open bottom, a cap, a plug for temporarily sealing the open bottom of the separation tube, and a separation medium disposable within the centrifuge tube. The centrifuge tube and the separation tube sealingly and releasably couple to the cap, such that, when coupled, the separation tube is positioned within the centrifuge tube. The cap is configured to facilitate and/or regulate the introduction of air, gas, or other matter into the separation tube. When fully sealed, the separation tube may be placed under a vacuum condition, whereby a needle apparatus is used to facilitate introduction of matter into the separation tube. When the separation tube is positioned within the centrifuge tube, the bottom portion of the separation tube is submersed in the separation medium.

Method and devices are provided for assessing tissue samples from a plurality of tissue sites in a subject using molecular analysis. In certain aspects, devices of the embodiments allow for the collection of liquid tissue samples and delivery of the samples for mass spectrometry analysis.

The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for screening sample preparation conditions and, more specifically, high throughput screening of tissue sample preparation conditions.