Device for automatic laboratory and method of processing specimen

Abstract

To provide a device for automatic laboratory and a method of processing a specimen.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a device for automatic laboratory for processing a specimen that comprises: a processing chamber (10) for receiving the specimen; a moving device (4) which is arranged movably in at least one first spatial direction (x) of the processing chamber (10); an analytic unit (5) which is arranged within the processing chamber (10) so as to analyze the specimen, the analytic unit (5) being received by the moving device (4) and movable to the specimen by the moving device (4); and an electronic controller (3) which has signal connection with the moving device (4) and the analytic unit (5).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated laboratory device for processing samples and a method for processing samples according to the preambles of the independent claims. [Background technology]

[0002] When multiple samples are processed, multiple processing steps must be performed, and for this purpose automated laboratory equipment is typically used, as accurate pipetting of reagents into and out of receptacles such as microwell plates must be ensured.

[0003] Here, prior art automated laboratory equipment typically comprises a processing chamber in which samples are introduced into a microwell plate (or other container), a pipetting device for performing the processing steps, a movement device for moving the pipetting device within the processing chamber, and an electronic controller for controlling and directing the pipetting device and other parts of the automated laboratory equipment for performing the processing steps.

[0004] Therefore, the use of automated laboratory equipment ensures an automated sample preparation process with increased efficiency and increased throughput.

[0005] Automated laboratory instruments also often have an integrated optical detection device for analyzing samples, which is fixedly positioned within the automated laboratory instrument and the samples are transported by a gripper to the detection device where they are analyzed, thereby limiting the flexibility of known instruments.

[0006] Particularly preferred automated laboratory devices are used in biochemistry for processing biological samples such as biomolecules (eg DNA, RNA...).

[0007] Particularly for biomolecules, luminescence spectroscopy is an important analytical method that evaluates the light emission generated upon photon absorption of biomolecules.

[0008] For this purpose, fluorescent chemical groups can be attached to large biomolecules by means of a fluorescent label, which then serves as a marker for this biomolecule.

[0009] Fluorescence is understood to be the brief spontaneous emission of light that occurs when an electronically excited system returns to a lower energy state. Fluorescence is therefore a form of luminescence (photoluminescence) in which excitation occurs through the absorption of a photon. Formally, fluorescence therefore represents the inverse of light absorption, which involves deactivation of an excited electronic state by re-emission of the excitation energy as radiation.

[0010] In many processes, the concentration of a fluid sample (i.e., a molecule of interest in solution) can be easily determined, especially by fluorescence spectroscopy, and is particularly useful for further processing.

[0011] In summary, the main drawback of the prior art is the lack of flexibility of the system. Summary of the Invention

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an automated laboratory apparatus and a method for processing samples, which avoids the adverse effects known from the prior art, and in particular to provide a highly flexible automated laboratory apparatus with independent components.

[0013] This object is achieved by an automated laboratory device for processing samples and a method for processing samples having the features of the independent claims.

[0014] The dependent claims relate to particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0015] According to the present invention, an automated laboratory device for processing samples is proposed, comprising a processing chamber for receiving a sample, a transfer device arranged to be movable in at least one first spatial direction of the processing chamber, an analysis unit arranged in the processing chamber for analyzing the sample, the analysis unit being received by the transfer device and being able to be moved to the sample by the transfer device, and an electronic control device signal-connected to the transfer device and the analysis unit.

[0016] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a sample processing device for performing at least one processing step on the sample is further arranged in the processing chamber. The sample processing device is included in the transfer device, and in particular arranged on the transfer device. In this way, the sample processing device can be moved in a first spatial direction through the processing chamber by the transfer device. The sample processing device in particular comprises a receiving element for receiving an analysis unit, so that the analysis unit can be moved to the sample by the transfer device in an operating state. The sample processing device is also signal-connected to the control device.

[0017] The analytical unit can be designed as a wireless analytical unit equipped with an energy storage device, and the automated laboratory device can include a charging station arranged in the processing chamber for storing the analytical unit and for charging the energy storage device, which allows the analytical unit to operate without a power cable.

[0018] The present invention further proposes a method for processing a sample in an automated laboratory device according to the present invention, wherein the sample is introduced into a processing chamber, an analysis unit is received by a transfer device and moved by the transfer device through the processing chamber to the sample, and the sample is then analyzed by the analysis unit.

[0019] Preferably, the analysis unit can be designed as a detection device (particularly also wireless) comprising a radiation source for irradiating the sample with primary radiation and a detector for receiving secondary radiation arising from the sample.

[0020] If the analysis unit is designed as a wireless detection device, it is received from the charging station by a receiving element of the sample processing device and moved in (at least) a first spatial direction by a moving device through the processing chamber from the charging station to the sample, which is then analyzed by the detection device.

[0021] In practice, a container is usually placed in the processing chamber to receive the sample. In particular, the container can be a microwell plate with multiple wells for receiving the sample (or different samples).

[0022] Within the framework of the present invention, the term "sample" can be understood to mean in particular a sample comprising a fluid containing substances such as biomolecules (especially DNA, RNA, nucleic acids, proteins, cells and cell components, monomers) or other chemicals. Within the framework of the present invention, the liquid can be, for example, a suitable solvent.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the detection device may comprise a radiation source for irradiating the sample with primary radiation and a detector for receiving secondary radiation arising from the sample. The radiation source thus generates electromagnetic radiation (primary radiation). The secondary radiation is in particular electromagnetic secondary radiation emitted by the sample, which is induced by the interaction of the primary radiation with the sample.

[0024] Here, UV / Vis radiation, in particular in the wavelength range of 190 to 800 nm, in particular 365 to 720 nm, is particularly preferably used as primary radiation. Diodes, in particular silicon photodiodes or vacuum photodiodes, are particularly suitable as detectors here. As radiation sources, lasers, deuterium lamps, tungsten lamps, halogen lamps or LEDs (light-emitting diodes) can be used.

[0025] In practice, the detection device can also include multiple detectors and / or radiation sources. The radiation sources can emit different wavelengths or wavelength ranges as primary radiation. Here, the use of two radiation sources, designed as a first radiation source (preferably a first LED) with a first wavelength (e.g., 350-400 nm) and a second radiation source (preferably a second LED) with a second wavelength (e.g., 700-750 nm), is particularly preferred. When multiple radiation sources are present, the analysis can be performed confocally. Thus, the beam paths of the primary radiation from the different radiation sources are directed to a common focal point within the fluid sample.

[0026] The detection device may therefore be a photometer, in particular a spectrometer, in particular a fluorometer / fluorometer, which measures the parameters of the fluorescence of the fluid sample, i.e. the intensity and wavelength distribution of the emission spectrum (of the secondary radiation) after excitation by the primary radiation.

[0027] Within the framework of the present invention, fluorescence spectroscopy is particularly preferably used as the measurement principle, whereby a radiation source generates primary radiation in the UV / Vis range and the fluorescence emission of the fluid sample is captured by a detector.

[0028] In principle, sample adsorption can also be measured by a radiation source that is located on the container rather than being part of the detection device. Since such an arrangement complicates the setup of the device, it is preferred to analyze luminescence, especially fluorescence, so that the radiation source and detector can be integrated into the detection device.

[0029] Alternatively, the analysis unit can be designed as an infrared photometer for optical temperature measurement, and / or a pH meter, and / or a camera, and / or an ultrasonic sensor, and / or a laser, and / or a laser interferometer, and / or a UVC unit (preferably a 260-280 nm LED) for local decontamination of the processing chamber. The objectives of the present invention will be explained in more detail based on the preferred embodiment of optical analysis, but are not limited thereto. For example, a camera can be used to scan barcodes in the processing chamber or to inventory the work decks in the processing chamber.

[0030] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sample processing device may be designed as a pipetting device for receiving and dispensing fluids, and the receiving element may be designed to receive a pipette tip.

[0031] In particular, the receiving element may include a head for receiving a pipette tip, and the detection device may include a port corresponding to the shape of the head, such that the detection device can be received in an operational state by the sample processing device by inserting the head into the corresponding port.

[0032] The head may be designed as a pointed cone for receiving a pipette tip, and the shape of the port corresponds to the shape of the pointed cone (i.e., in particular, a simply round opening). Of course, the head can also have another suitable shape, such as, for example, the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. However, since pipette tips usually have round openings, the head is preferably designed as a pointed cone that tapers in the direction of the pipette tip (or detection device) to be received, so that the pipette tip (or detection device) can be received more easily.

[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the receiving element may comprise a core to which a pointed cone (or head, if of unspecified shape) is attached, and a sleeve is arranged around the core movably along the conical axis of the pointed cone, such that the detection device can be pushed out in the operative state by moving the sleeve along the conical axis towards the pointed cone, and it can be pushed out by pressure exerted by the sleeve on the detection device (or pipette tip) during this movement.

[0034] Alternatively, a robotic arm with a gripper can be arranged on the transfer device, which is able, inter alia, to receive and transport the analysis unit.

[0035] Of course, the receiving element can also be provided with a further pushing device which, in the operative state, can act on the detection device received in the receiving element so that the detection device can be pushed into the charging station.

[0036] In principle, the energy storage device can be a capacitor and / or a battery. The energy storage device ensures that the detection device can be used "wirelessly," i.e., can operate at least temporarily without an external power connection. In this way, the detection device can be flexibly moved within an automated laboratory device without a power cable to analyze fluid samples at different points in a processing chamber or at different process steps, and then transported to a charging station where it can be stored and the energy storage device can be charged for further analysis.

[0037] In principle, an automated laboratory device can also be equipped with several (wireless) detection devices according to the invention, so that, for example, detection devices with different radiation sources can be used as required.

[0038] The electronic controller is in signal communication with the sample processing device, the movement device, and the detection device, meaning that in operation the controller sends control signals to the sample processing device, the movement device, and the detection device to perform processing steps, and can also receive signals from the sample processing device, the movement device, and the detection device.

[0039] In the case of the detection device and / or the sample processing device and / or the transfer device, the signal connection can be via a cable connection or wirelessly. However, in the case of the detection device, the signal connection is preferably wireless. In the case of a wireless signal connection, data / signal transmission occurs via free space (air or vacuum) as the transmitting device. Transmission can be performed by directional or omnidirectional electromagnetic waves, and the frequency band used can range from a few hertz (low frequency) to several hundred terahertz (visible light) depending on the application and the technology used. Preferably, Bluetooth or WLAN is used for this. Thus, not only can the detection device be controlled by the control device, but after the fluid sample is analyzed, the measurement data can be transmitted to the control device for evaluation, for example, to determine the concentration of the fluid sample before further processing.

[0040] Of course, the moving device is preferably movable in a second spatial direction of the processing chamber perpendicular to the first spatial direction and in a third spatial direction of the processing chamber perpendicular to the first and second spatial directions, so that the detection device can be flexibly moved throughout the automated laboratory apparatus. The moving device is preferably driven by an electric motor, such as a servo motor, and can move, for example, as a freely movable arm or via a rail.

[0041] Thus, in the method (or operating state) according to the invention, the detection device can be moved by the movement device through the processing chamber in all spatial directions (first, second, and third spatial directions within the framework of the present application). In particular, after analyzing a sample, there can be movement of the detection device from the sample to the charging station, movement of the detection device from the first sample to the second sample, and movement of the detection device from the charging station to the sample. If the sample processing device is a pipetting device, not only can the movement of the detection device be performed by the pipetting device and the movement device, but also different fluids (such as fluid samples) can be transported through the processing chamber, for which pipette tips are particularly applied to the pipetting device. In this way, fluids can be pipetted in different processing steps. However, within the framework of the present application, analysis by the detection device is also a processing step.

[0042] Here, the advantage lies in the fact that known automated laboratory devices can be easily converted into automated laboratory devices according to the invention, since existing pipetting devices can be used as sample processing devices with corresponding transfer devices. Existing systems can therefore be converted by integrating the detection device with the charging station according to the invention.

[0043] Above we have described many different approaches to the design of automated laboratory equipment. In fact, in preferred embodiments, these approaches may be combined as follows:

[0044] The fluid sample contains biomolecules, and the microwell plate is placed in the processing chamber to receive the fluid sample. The detection device includes two radiation sources for irradiating the fluid sample with primary radiation and a detector (preferably a silicon photodiode) for receiving secondary radiation generated from the fluid sample. The primary radiation is generated as UV / Vis radiation by two radiation sources (preferably LEDs) of two different wavelengths (e.g., 360 nm and 720 nm). The detection device is designed as a fluorometer. Therefore, the secondary radiation (detectable by the detector) corresponds to the fluorescent emission of the fluid sample. The sample processing device is designed as a pipette device for receiving and dispensing the fluid (and the fluid sample), where the receiving element includes a pointed cone and the detection device includes a port corresponding to the shape of the pointed cone. The movement device can move in all spatial directions in the processing chamber.

[0045] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail based on embodiments with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an automated laboratory apparatus according to the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of an automated laboratory apparatus according to the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of the use of a detection device according to the invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of illumination of a fluid sample. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of a receptor element according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a further schematic view of the pointed cone according to FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an automated laboratory apparatus 1 according to the invention.

[0048] The automated laboratory apparatus 1 for processing fluid samples comprises a processing chamber 10 for receiving the fluid sample and a sample processing device 6 arranged within the processing chamber 10 for performing at least one processing step on the fluid sample (at least analysis of the fluid sample).

[0049] Additionally, a transfer device 4 is disposed within the processing chamber 10. The transfer device 4 is movable in at least a first spatial direction x of the processing chamber 10. The transfer device 4 is connected to the sample processing device 6 (i.e., the sample processing device 6 is thus contained within the transfer device 4) such that the sample processing device 6 can be moved by the transfer device 4 through the processing chamber 10 in the first spatial direction x.

[0050] A detection device 5 with an integrated energy storage device for analyzing the fluid sample is reversibly attached to the sample processing device 6. Here, the detection device 5 is a wireless detection device 5.

[0051] Additionally, a charging station 2 is disposed within the processing chamber to accommodate the detection device 5 and to charge the energy storage device. Thus, after analyzing the fluid sample, the detection device 5 can be removed from the sample processing device 6 and inserted into the charging station 2.

[0052] The energy storage device is preferably a capacitor and / or a battery that can be charged within the charging station 2. The energy storage device allows the detection device 5 to operate at least temporarily without an external power connection, thus ensuring wireless use of the detection device 5.

[0053] This has the advantage that the detection device 5 can be flexibly moved within the processing chamber 10 of the automated laboratory device without any connecting cables getting in the way.

[0054] Furthermore, the automated laboratory device 1 comprises an electronic control device 3 which is signal-connected to a sample processing device 6, a transfer device 4 and a detection device 5. Here, the signal connections are shown by dashed lines.

[0055] Thus, in operation, the control device 3 can send control signals to the sample processing device 6, the movement device 4, and the detection device 5 to perform various processing steps. Of course, the control device 3 can also receive signals from the sample processing device 6, the movement device 4, and the detection device 5.

[0056] In the case of the sample processing device 6 and / or the transfer device 4, the signal connection is via a cable connection to the control unit 3. In the case of the detection device 5, the signal connection is wireless. Thus, the data / signal transmission is via free space (air or vacuum) as the transmitting device. Electromagnetic radiation such as Bluetooth or WLAN is used for transmission.

[0057] The detection device 5 is controlled by the control device 3 to perform an analysis on a predetermined well 70 of a container 7 located in the processing chamber 10. After analyzing the fluid sample, measurement data is transmitted from the detection device 5 to the control device 3 for evaluation.

[0058] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of an automated laboratory device 1 according to the invention, which has a structure equivalent to that of the automated laboratory device 1 according to FIG.

[0059] However, the moving device 4 can further move in a second spatial direction y of the processing chamber perpendicular to the first spatial direction x, and in a third spatial direction z of the processing chamber perpendicular to the first spatial direction x and the second spatial direction y, so that the detection device 5 can be flexibly moved to different wells 70 of the container 7 designed as a microwell plate.

[0060] Thus, in operation, the detection device 5 can be moved by the movement device 4 in all spatial directions x, y, z through the processing chamber 10. In particular, after analyzing the fluid sample, a movement of the detection device 5 from the fluid sample to the charging station can be performed. Furthermore, a movement of the detection device 5 from a first fluid sample to a second fluid sample and a movement of the detection device 5 from the charging station to the fluid sample can be performed.

[0061] If the sample processing device 6 is a pipetting device 6, not only is the movement of the detection device 5 performed by the pipetting device 6 and the movement device 4, but various fluids (such as on the fluid sample) can also be transported through the processing chamber 10.

[0062] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the use of a detection device 5 according to the invention in an automated laboratory device 1 according to the invention. The automated laboratory device 1 according to Figure 3 has a structure equivalent to that of the automated laboratory device 1 according to Figure 1, but the mobile device 4 is movable in all spatial directions. Furthermore, the sample processing device 6 is integrated into the mobile device 4 and the charging station 2 is integrated into the control unit 3.

[0063] The sample processing device 6 comprises a receiving element 60 for receiving the detection device 5 .

[0064] In state A, the detection device 5 is located in the charging station 2 and the energy storage device of the detection device 5 is charged.

[0065] In state B, the sample processing device 6 together with its receiving element 60 moves along the third spatial direction z towards the detection device 5 so that the detection device 5 is received from the sample processing device 6 by the receiving element 60 .

[0066] In state C, the detection device 5 is transported by the moving device 4 in the first spatial direction x from the charging station 2 to the fluid sample 71 located in the well 70 of the container 7, which fluid sample 71 is analyzed by the detection device 5. The fluid sample 71 is particularly advantageously analyzed / irradiated through the opening of the well 70, without the need to guide the primary radiation 51 from the radiation source through the material of the container 7 to reach the fluid sample 71.

[0067] For this purpose, the detection device 5 comprises an integrated radiation source for irradiating the fluid sample with primary radiation 51 and an integrated detector for receiving secondary radiation arising from the fluid sample.

[0068] The radiation source thus generates primary radiation as electromagnetic radiation in the UV / Vis range, in particular in the wavelength range of 190-800 nm, in particular 365-720 nm, and secondary radiation is in particular electromagnetic secondary radiation emitted by the fluid sample, the secondary radiation being induced by the interaction of the primary radiation with the fluid sample.

[0069] The detector is preferably designed as a silicon photodiode and the radiation source as an LED (light emitting diode).

[0070] The detection device 5 is designed as a fluorometer for measuring the fluorescence intensity. The fluorometer 5 measures the intensity and wavelength distribution of the emission spectrum (secondary radiation) of the fluid sample 71 after excitation by the primary radiation 51.

[0071] Preferably, the fluid sample 71 contains biomolecules and a solvent. The fluorescence intensity can be used to determine the concentration of the biomolecules. Here, fluorescent markers of the biomolecules can be used.

[0072] 4 shows a schematic diagram of the illumination of a fluid sample 71. For this purpose, a fluorometer 5 is used as the detection device 5, as described with respect to FIG.

[0073] The primary radiation 51 is directed from above through the opening of the container 7 onto the fluid sample 71 .

[0074] The secondary radiation 52 is received by a detector incorporated in the detection device. The secondary radiation 52 is electromagnetic secondary radiation 52 emitted from the fluid sample 71, and the secondary radiation 52 is induced by the interaction of the primary radiation 51 with the fluid sample. The secondary radiation 52 corresponds to the fluorescent emission of the fluid sample 71.

[0075] The detection device 5 can include two radiation sources for irradiating the fluid sample with primary radiation of two different wavelengths in the UV / Vis range. By using two radiation sources, a first primary radiation 511 having a first wavelength (e.g., 350-400 nm) is generated by the first radiation source, and a second primary radiation 512 having a second wavelength (e.g., 700-750 nm) is generated by the second radiation source (preferably a second LED). Analysis of the fluid sample is confocal, with the beam paths of the primary radiation 511, 512 from the various radiation sources directed to a common focal point within the fluid sample 71.

[0076] FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a receptor element 60 according to the present invention.

[0077] The sample processing device 6 is configured as a pipette device 6 for receiving and dispensing fluids, the receiving member 60 has a head 61 for receiving a pipette tip 8, and the detection device 5 has a port corresponding to the shape of the head 61, so that the detection device 5 can be received by the sample processing device 6 in an operational state by inserting the head 61 into the corresponding port.

[0078] The head 61 is designed as a pointed cone 61 for receiving the pipette tip 8 , and the shape of the port corresponds to the shape of the pointed cone 61 .

[0079] FIG. 6 shows a further schematic view of the pointed cone according to FIG.

[0080] The pointed cone 61 is designed to taper towards the port 65 so that it can more easily receive the detection device 5 .

[0081] The receiving element 60 comprises a core 63, on which a pointed cone 61 is attached, and a sleeve 62 arranged around the core so as to be movable along the cone axis of the pointed cone, such that the detection device can be pushed out in the operative state by movement of the sleeve along the cone axis K in the direction of the pointed cone 61 (spatial direction z). During this movement, the pressure exerted by the sleeve 63 on the detection device 5 allows it to be pushed out, so that the detection device 5 can be reinserted into the charging station.

Claims

1. An automated laboratory apparatus for processing a sample (71), A processing chamber (10) for receiving the sample (71), A moving device (4) is arranged to be movable in at least one first spatial direction (x) of the processing chamber (10), An analysis unit (5) is positioned within the processing chamber (10) for analyzing the sample (71), and is detachably attached to the mobile device (4) and can be moved to the sample (71) by the mobile device (4), The electronic control device (3) is signal-connected to the aforementioned mobile device (4) and the aforementioned analysis unit (5), Equipped with, The moving device (4) comprises a sample processing device (6) for performing at least one processing step on the sample (71), the sample processing device (6) comprises a receiving element (60) for receiving the analysis unit (5), the analysis unit (5) is detachably connected to the receiving element (60), and thereby the moving device (4) can move the analysis unit (5) to the sample (71) in an operating state. An automated laboratory apparatus wherein the sample processing device (6) is designed as a pipette device (6) for receiving and dispensing a fluid, and the receiving element (60) is designed to receive a pipette tip.

2. The automated laboratory apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the analysis unit (5) is designed as a wireless analysis unit (5) equipped with an energy storage device, and the automated laboratory apparatus (1) comprises a charging station (2) located in the processing chamber (10) for housing the analysis unit (5) and for charging the energy storage device.

3. The automated laboratory apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the analysis unit (5) is designed as a detection device (5) comprising a radiation source for irradiating the sample (71) with primary radiation (51) and a detector for receiving secondary radiation (52) generated from the sample (71).

4. The automated laboratory apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the detector is a diode.

5. The automated laboratory apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the radiation source is a deuterium lamp, a tungsten lamp, a halogen lamp, or an LED.

6. The automated laboratory apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the detection device (5) comprises a plurality of detectors and / or radiation sources.

7. The automated laboratory apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the analysis unit is designed as an infrared photometer for optical temperature measurement, and / or a pH meter, and / or a camera, and / or an ultrasonic sensor, and / or a laser, and / or a laser interferometer, and / or a UVC unit for local decontamination of the processing chamber (10).

8. The automated laboratory apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the energy storage device is a capacitor and / or a battery and / or a storage battery.

9. The automated laboratory apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the detection device (5) is a photometer.

10. The automated laboratory apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the moving device (4) is movable in a second spatial direction (y) of the processing chamber (10) that is perpendicular to the first spatial direction, and in a third spatial direction (z) of the processing chamber (10) that is perpendicular to the first spatial direction (x) and the second spatial direction (y).

11. A method for processing a sample (71) using an automated laboratory apparatus (1), a) To provide an automated laboratory apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, b) Introducing the sample (71) into the processing chamber (10), c) The mobile device (4) receives the analysis unit (5), d) Moving the analysis unit (5) through the processing chamber (10) to the sample (71) using the moving device (4), e) Analyzing the sample (71) with the analysis unit (5) and Methods that include...

12. The method according to claim 11, referencing claims 1 and 2, wherein the analysis unit (5) is designed as a wireless detection device (5), the mobile device (4) comprises the sample processing device (6), the automated laboratory apparatus (1) comprises the charging station (2), the wireless detection device (5) is received by the receiving element (60) of the sample processing device (6), and the mobile device (4) transports the sample (71) from the charging station (2) through the processing chamber (10).

13. The method according to claim 11, incorporating claims 2 and 3, wherein, after analyzing the sample (71), the moving device (4) moves the detection device (5) from the sample (71) through the processing chamber (10) to the charging station (2).

14. The method according to claim 12 or claim 13, which references claim 3, comprising irradiating the sample (71) with primary radiation (51) using the radiation source of the detection device (5), and receiving secondary radiation (52) generated from the sample (71) with the detector (51) of the detection device (5).

15. The method according to claim 14, comprising determining the concentration of the sample (71) based on the secondary radiation (52).

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