Abbott Molecular Inc.

Abbott Laboratories Corporation

Brett W Johnson

Jason E Bryant

Mark A Talmer

Kenneth E Pawlak

Joseph P Skinner

Sonal Sadaria Nana

Frank Pawlowski

Timothy J Patno

Daniel J Harris

Daniel P Casazza

David M Peters

Bryan K Pawlak

Richard J Schoon

Mark Talmer

Aspects of the present disclosure include sample analysis methods and systems. According to certain embodiments, provided are methods of analyzing samples in an automated sample analysis system. The methods include introducing samples and sample preparation cartridges into the system, isolating and purifying an analyte (e.g., nucleic acids and/or proteins) present in the samples at a sample preparation station, and performing analyte detection assays in assay mixtures that include the purified analyte. Also provided are automated sample analysis systems that find use, e.g., in performing the methods of the present disclosure. In certain aspects, the methods and systems provide for continuous operator access during replenishment or removal of one or any combination of samples, bulk fluids, reagents, commodities, waste, and/or the like.

Systems and methods for automated analysis

Provided are methods for the automated loading and/or automatic processing of one or more samples in an automated sample processing device. Also provided are automated sample loading systems and devices that include automated sample loading systems or devices that are utilized in such systems.

Methods of automatized sample loading and processing and devices and systems related thereto

Sample tube racks having retention bars to retain sample tubes in the racks during processing of the contents of the sample tubes are described. An example rack for holding sample tubes includes a tube holder to hold the sample tubes in a substantially vertical orientation. A retention cover pivotally engages the tube holder at a first end and locks against the tube holder at a second end. The second end of the retention cover pivots relative to the tube holder about an axis that is non-parallel relative to a longitudinal axis of the retention cover while the first end of the retention cover is pivotally captured by the tube holder.

Sample tube racks having retention bars

Sample tube racks having retention bars to retain sample tubes in the racks during processing of the contents of the sample tubes are described. An example rack for holding sample tubes includes a sample tube carrier having an elongated body and walls defining apertures. Each of the apertures is configured to receive a respective one of the sample tubes. The walls define elongated openings, each of which corresponds to a respective one of the sample tubes and extends along at least a portion of a length of the respective sample tube, and the elongated openings enable viewing of information on the outer surfaces of the sample tubes. The example rack also includes an elongated retention bar to be pivotally coupled to one end of the sample tube carrier. The retention bar has openings, each of which is positioned over a respective one of the apertures, and the openings are dimensioned to prevent removal of the sample tubes from the sample tube carrier through the retention bar.

Growing community of inventors

Naperville, IL, United States of America

Brett W Johnson