Sample handling unit for centrifugation

Abstract

A sample handling unit for centrifugation apparatus, especially for cytocentrifugation to produce cell monolayers is disclosed. The sample handling unit is adapted for automated protective processing, e.g. fixation, of matter deposited on a slide during the centrifugation operation. For this purpose the unit has a body defining a deposition chamber, and a treatment fluid reservoir communicating with the deposition chamber via a buffer chamber and a flow path including a weir so arranged that in the position for centrifugation, treatment fluid such as fixative placed in the reservoir is retained therein until centrifugation produces an artificial gravitational field that causes the fluid to flow to the buffer chamber in which it is then retained by the weir for so long as the artificial gravitational field is maintained. Upon decay of that field the fluid flows over the weir towards the deposition chamber. There may be a series of such reservoirs and associated buffer chambers and weirs in respective flow paths or in an extended flow path through which flow path or paths a succession of treatment fluids are caused to progress in sequence by repeatedly applying the artificial gravitational field. There may also be a sample reservoir that communicates with the deposition chamber in a manner providing for transfer of sample material from this reservoir to the deposition chamber only when the artificial gravitational field is applied.