Reagent transfer device

Abstract

A device for transferring reagents in solid or liquid form from one place to another on an apparatus, said device comprising an upper portion, adapted to be held, and a lower portion adapted to hold reagents in solid or liquid form, in an available manner. For example, the reagents may be held within a cage structure or retained on an outer surface of the lower portion. Methods for using the device, as well as apparatus for use in conjunction with the device are also described and claimed.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to devices for mobilizing reagents used in chemical and biochemical assays and methods of using these devices. Background technique [0002] During the performance of chemical or biochemical assays it is often necessary to transfer small amounts of reagents in solid or liquid form from one vessel to another. Increasingly, these assays are performed using automated processes and procedures, thus requiring automated devices that can pick up and transfer large quantities of reagents. [0003] Examples of specific reagents that can be used in solid form are those necessary to carry out amplification reactions, especially the polymerase chain reaction (or PCR). PCR ready-to-go beads for performing DNA amplification are commercially available, such as those sold by Amersham BioSciences, UK. [0004] They contain all the components necessary to perform standard PCR, including buffer reagents, salts or polymerase in lyophilized ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

These are also relatively difficult to use and tend to drip during transfers, especially if done automatically

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