Automated fluid handling cartridge, fluid processing system, and methods

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cartridge, system, and methods that can be used for automated handling of fluids, such as blood. The cartridge can be configured to obtain a fluid sample from a sealed container, e.g., a septum sealed container. In an embodiment, the cartridge can be in the form of a fluid receptacle. The fluid receptacle can be configured to obtain sample from sealed container. The fluid receptacle can include a piercing system, a reservoir, a vent system, and a filling system. The vent system can be configured to provide fluid communication between the container and surroundings. The vent system can be valved. The filling system can be configured to provide fluid transfer between the container and the reservoir. The filling system can include a piston. The piercing system can be configured to enter the sealed container. The fluid receptacle can be a component of an apparatus also including a support. The support can be configured to retain a plurality of fluid receptacles. In an embodiment, the present method can include a method for handling fluid samples with an automated system. The method can include removing sample fluid from a sample container into a fluid receptacle; venting the sample container with the fluid receptacle; and dispensing the sample fluid from the fluid receptacle into a second container.

Description

[0001] This application was filed on July 27, 2005 as a PCT International Patent Application of a U.S. state-owned corporation named Expert Services Group Inc. The applicant designates all countries except the United States. GershonGiter and Dmitry Volovik, both U.S. citizens, are designating only Applicant in the United States, and claims priority to U.S. Utility Model Application Serial No. 10. / 901,855, filed July 28, 2004. technical field [0002] The present invention relates to a cartridge, system and method that can be used for the automated treatment of fluids, such as blood. The cartridge is configured to obtain a fluid sample from a sealed container, such as a septum-sealed container. The system is configured to process cartridge operations such as acquiring and / or dispensing samples from the cartridge onto, for example, microtiter chips. The methods of the invention may use the cartridge or system of the invention. Background technique [0003] Liquid sample hand...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Any variation in these labor-intensive procedures can expose workers to dangerous substances or damage samples

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