Pipette holders, including capillary pipette holders, and associated systems, devices, and methods

Abstract

Pipette holders and associated systems, devices, and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a pipette holder includes a body having a thickness, a base portion defining a horizontal plane, a sidewall extending from the base portion along a first axis away from the horizontal plane, an aperture along the sidewall, and a cavity extending from the aperture into the thickness of the body by a length. The cavity extends along a second axis such that the second axis and the horizontal plan form an angle between 1–80 degrees. The cavity is sized to at least partially receive a bulb of a pipette. The body is configured to support the pipette such that the pipette extends substantially along the second axis.

Description

PIPETTE HOLDERS, INCLUDING CAPILLARY PIPETTE HOLDERS,AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 614,502, filed December 22, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to pipettes. For example, several embodiments of the present technology are directed to devices for securely holding a pipette, such as a capillary pipette used to collect blood from a finger.BACKGROUND

[0003] Capillary pipettes are widely used in laboratories for precise liquid handling, such as transferring small volumes of liquids in chemistry’, biology, and medical research. They are also used to collect small amounts of blood from human patients, such as after a patient's finger has been pricked with a lancet.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings and images are not necessarily to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed on illustrating clearly the principles of the present disclosure. The drawings and images should not be taken to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments depicted, but are for explanation and understanding only.

[0005] FIGS. 1A-1D are various perspective views of a pipette holder configured in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a partially transparent isometric view of the pipette holder of FIGS. 1A- 1D.

[0007] FIGS. 3A-3I illustrate a method of using the pipette holder of FIGS. 1A-2 in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology.

[0008] FIGS. 4A-4H illustrate a method of collecting blood in a pipette held by the pipette holder of FIGS. 1 A-2 in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology.

[0009] FIGS. 5A-5D are various perspective views of a pipette holder configured in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology.

[0010] FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view of the pipette holder of FIG. 5 A.

[0011] FIGS. 7A-7F illustrate a method of operating the pipette holder of FIGS. 5A-6 in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology.

[0012] FIGS. 8A-8F illustrate a method of collecting blood in a pipette held by the pipette holder of FIGS. 5 A-6 in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology.

[0013] FIG. 9 is a partially schematic top perspective view of an automated modular physical health testing system configured in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology.

[0014] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of collecting blood from a human in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology7.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The following disclosure describes pipette holders, and associated systems, devices, and methods. For example, several embodiments of the present technology are directed to devices for securely holding a capillary pipette, such as while collecting blood in the capillary pipette from a finger stick in a user's finger. It should be noted that other embodiments and other applications in addition to those disclosed herein are within the scope of the present technology. For example, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the pipette holders of the present technology can be used to hold other (e g., non-capillary) pipettes or other equipment. As another example, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the pipette holders of the present technology can be used in other applications, such as in laboratories (e.g., when a pipette is used for precise liquid handling, such as for transferring small volumes of liquids in chemistry, biology, and medical research). Such other embodiments, uses, and applications are within the scope of the present technology.

[0016] Although specific details of several embodiments of the present technology are described herein with reference to the drawings and images included herein, embodiments of the present technology can have different configurations, components, and / or procedures than thoseshown or described herein. Moreover, a person of ordinary' skill in the art will understand that embodiments of the present technology can have configurations, components, and / or procedures in addition to those shown or described herein and that these and other embodiments can be without several of the configurations, components, and / or procedures shown or described herein without deviating from the present technology.

[0017] As used herein, the terms “user” and “operator” shall be understood to include any individual using a pipette holder of the present technology. For example, depending on context, the terms “user” and “operator” shall be understood to include a subject or patient who is using a pipette holder of the present technology' to assist with collecting his / her own blood in a pipette that can be held by the pipette holder. The terms “patient” and “subject” should be considered to include human and / or non-human (e.g., animal) patients / subjects. As another example, depending on context, the terms “user” and “operator” shall be understood to include a physician, doctor, clinician, technician (e.g., lab technician), nurse, or other individual (e.g., medical or otherwise) who is using a pipette holder of the present technology to assist with collecting blood from a patient or subject in a pipette that can be held by the pipette holder.A. Overview

[0018] Pipettes are commonly used to collect blood or other fluids. For example, a capillary' pipette is commonly used to collect blood from a subject's finger after the subject's finger has been stuck (e.g., pricked, stabbed) using a lancet. Continuing with this example, once an adequate amount of blood has been collected in the capillary' pipette, the capillary pipette can be used to transfer the blood to — and / or precisely expel the blood at — another location, such as on a test strip usable to test the subject’s blood.

[0019] When collecting one’s own blood from a finger stick, existing pipette usage requires an individual to hold the pipette in one hand while attempting to produce blood from his / her finger on a second hand by squeezing the finger having the finger stick, for example, with his / her thumb on the second hand. In the event an inadequate amount of blood is produced from his / her finger and / or collected in the pipette, the individual must often set down the pipette to free up his / her other hand to squeeze additional blood from the finger with the finger stick. Setting the pipette down, however, can cause air bubbles in the pipette, which can lead to one or more problems (e.g., a reduction in the amount of blood that can be collected in the pipette, inaccurate blood test readings on blood expelled from the pipette, and / or blood coagulation in the pipette). Additionally,or alternatively, setting the pipette down can prolong the blood collection process, which can lead to blood coagulation at the site of the finger stick that prevents further blood collection from that finger stick. These problems can require the individual to stick his / her finger(s) multiple times to, for example, collect enough blood from his / her finger(s), collect enough blood in the pipette, and / or obtain accurate blood test readings from blood collected in the pipette.

[0020] Similar problems can be encountered when a third person is attempting to collect blood from a patient or subject. For example, the third person must often set the pipette down in the process of collecting a sufficient amount of blood from the patient / subject or to otherwise free up the hand holding the pipette, which can lead to one or more of the problems discussed above. Or the third person must perform the entire blood collection process with one hand tied up with holding the pipette.

[0021] In addition, during the blood collection process, a bulb on the pipette remains exposed and actuatable. This can lead to several problems. For example, individuals may attempt to collect blood in the pipette by utilizing the pipette in a manner similar to how one uses a turkey baster. More specifically, an individual may be tempted to squeeze or compress the bulb of the pipette, move a tip of the pipette to the site of a finger stick while holding the bulb in a compressed state, and then release the bulb in an attempt to suck up blood into the body of the pipette from the site of the finger stick. Pipettes (e.g., capillary pipettes), however, can be structurally different from turkey basters in that they often include one or more apertures in the bulb that facilitate air escaping from the pipette as blood enters the body of the pipette at the tip. Such apertures can lessen the vacuum effect generated at the tip of the pipette when compressing and releasing the bulb, leading to inadequate collection of blood in the body of the pipette from the site of a finger stick when the bulb is used similar to a turkey baster. Proper use of the pipette instead includes merely introducing blood to the tip of the pipette. Such proper use of the pipette enables blood to flow into the body of the pipette while air is pushed out of the pipette via the aperture(s) in the bulb.

[0022] Unintentional expulsion of blood from the pipette is another example of the problems that can be encountered by leaving the bulb on the pipette exposed during the blood collection process. More specifically, because an individual must often extensively manipulate the pipette during the blood collection process (e.g., by holding the pipette to collect a first amount of blood, placing the pipette dow n to squeeze additional blood from his / her finger, pick up the pipette again to collect a second amount of blood, etc.), there is a risk that the user mayaccidentally compress or actuate the bulb prematurely during this process and thereby unintentionally expel blood from within the pipette, requiring additional collection of blood. Additionally, or alternatively, continuing with the turkey baster example discussed above, in the event a first attempt at using the pipette similar to a turkey baster results in an inadequate amount of blood collected in the body of the pipette, an individual may again attempt to use the pipette similar to a turkey baster by compressing or actuating the bulb, leading to some or all of the blood already collected in the pipette being expelled from within the pipette.

[0023] The present disclosure is therefore directed to pipette holders that can address several of the above concerns. For example, several embodiments of the present technology are directed to holders configured to hold a pipette (e.g., a capillary pipette) while a user collects his / her blood in the pipette. In some embodiments, a pipette holder can include a cavity or recess configured to receive at least a portion of a bulb of a pipette. The cavity or recess can be angled (e.g., relative to a zero-degree horizontal axis) such that a pipette, when positioned in the holder, is held at an angle (e.g., with the bulb of the pipette held above or below the tip of the pipette) that facilitates collecting blood in the pipette. Additionally, or alternatively, the cavity' or recess can be sized or dimensioned such that, when a pipette is positioned in the holder, air is permitted to escape from apertures in the bulb and / or the bulb is largely hidden or shielded from being compressed or actuated.

[0024] Pipette holders of the present technology are therefore expected to offer several advantages. For example, pipette holders of the present technology are expected to hold a pipette at a proper or appropriate angle for an entire blood collection process. Thus, pipette holders are expected to (i) reduce the occurrence and / or risk of air bubbles forming in the pipette, (ii) better facilitate the collection of an adequate amount of blood in the pipette, and / or (iii) better facilitate obtaining accurate blood test results. As another example, pipette holders of the present technology are expected to free up an individual’s (e.g., a patient’ s / subject’s and / or a third person's) second hand, such as for continually squeezing a patient' s / subject’s finger for faster production of blood at a finger site. In turn, pipette holders of the present technology are expected to speed up the blood collection process, which is expected to reduce the risk of blood coagulation at the site of the finger stick and / or reduce a number of times a patient’ s / subject’s finger(s) must be stuck with a lancet to collect an adequate amount of blood. As still another example, by hiding or shielding at least a part of the bulb of a pipette during the blood collection process, pipette holders of the present technology are expected to (a) dissuade attempts at using the pipette in a manner similar to a turkey baster, and / or (b) prevent, hinder, or otherwise reduce the risk of- -intentional and / or unintentional compression or actuation of the bulb during the blood collection process (thereby reducing the risk of accidental or premature expulsion of blood from the pipette).B. Selected Embodiments of Pipette Holders and Associated Systems. Devices, and Methods

[0025] FIGS. 1 A-1D are various perspective views of a pipette holder 100 (also referred to as a “pipette holder device,” a “blood collection support device,” and the like) configured in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology. As shown, the pipette holder 100 includes a body having a base portion or first portion 110 and a stem portion or second portion 120 that projects generally away from (e.g., vertically upwards from) the first portion 110. The first portion 110 can have a support surface 112 that is sized and shaped to rest on a surface (e.g., a table) while the pipette holder 100 is in use. In some embodiments, the first portion 110 is wider than the second portion 120 to provide stability for the second portion 120 and / or the support surface 112 can define a substantially horizontal plane. The second portion 120 has a sidewall extending from the first portion 110 along a first axis or direction away from (e.g., substantially perpendicular to) the support surface 112, an aperture 122 (also referred to as a hole or opening) along the sidewall, and a cavity (described further with reference to FIG. 2 below) extending from the aperture 122 into the thickness of the body. The aperture 122 is sized to receive a bulb portion of a pipette, such that the pipette holder 100 can support the pipette when it is inserted into the aperture 122.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the pipette holder 100 is a unitary device. In other embodiments, the pipette holder 100 can be a modular device. For example, the first portion 110 can be removably attached to the second portion 120. In some embodiments, the first portion 110 and / or the second portion 120 can be solid. In these and other embodiments, a portion of the first portion 110 and / or a portion of the second portion 120 can be hollow (e.g., to reduce a weight of the pipette holder 100 and / or to alter a center of gravity or center of mass of the pipette holder 100, such as to achieve a desired stability). The pipette holder 100 can be composed of plastics, metals, ceramics, and / or other suitable materials. The pipette holder 100 can be manufactured via injection molding, additive manufacturing (e.g.. 3D printing), and / or other suitable techniques.

[0027] In some embodiments, the pipette holder 100 can have the following general dimensions: approximately 82mm x approximately 63mm x approximately 63mm (e.g., 82.172 mm x 63.500 mm x 63.500 mm). Continuing with this example, the pipette holder 100 can have a total volume of approximately 124,215 mm3(e.g., 124,213.9 mm3). Of course, other dimensionsand / or other volumes for the pipette holder 100 are possible and within the scope of the present technology.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 110 is generally cylindrical, with circular cross-sections having a first radius. The second portion 120 is also generally cylindrical, with circular cross-sections having a second radius different from (e.g., smaller than) the first radius. The second portion 120 also includes a tapered or slanted top surface 130. In other embodiments, the first portion 110 and / or the second portion 120 can have different three- dimensional shapes (e.g., conical, cube, cuboid, triangular prism, etc.) and / or different sizing relative to one another. In these and other embodiments, the tapered or slanted top surface 130 can be omitted and / or arranged differently than shown in FIGS. 1 A-1D.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a partially transparent isometric view of the pipette holder 100 of FIGS. 1 A-1D configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. As shown in FIG. 2, the second portion 120 of the pipette holder 100 has a thickness (also referred to as a width), one or more outer surface(s) 224 (also referred to as a sidewall(s)) that define the thickness, and the aperture 122 on the outer surface 224 to serve as an orifice open to a cavity 226 (e.g., a recess, a void, a cutout, a channel) that extends from the aperture 122 into the thickness of the second portion 120 by a length. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 122 is generally circular, and the cavity 226 is generally cylindrical. In other embodiments, the aperture 122 can have other shapes (e.g.. triangle, rectangle, square, etc.), and / or the canty 226 can have other three- dimensional shapes (e g., cube, cuboid, triangular prism, etc.) and / or different two-dimensional cross-sections (e.g., non-circular cross-sections, such as square, rectangle, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, etc.). Additionally, or alternatively, although shown as extending only partially into / through the second portion 120 of the pipette holder 100, the cavity 226 can extend fully through the second portion 120 (e.g., from a first side of the second portion 120 to a second side of the second portion 120 opposite the first side) in other embodiments of the present technology. Furthermore, although shown with generally uniform cross-sections and generally uniform cross- sectional diameters along the entire length of the cavity 226, the cross-sections and / or the cross- sectional diameters of the cavity 226 can vary along the length of the cavity 226 in other embodiments of the present technology.

[0030] As shown, the cavity 226 extends along a second axis or direction such that the second axis and a horizontal axis H-H (e.g., parallel to the horizontal plane defined by the support surface 112) form an angle 0. Therefore, when the pipette is at least partially positioned within thecavity 226 and thereby supported by the pipette holder 100, the pipette can extend substantially along the second axis. The angle 0 can be selected to facilitate accurate and / or efficient collection of blood or another fluid in a pipette as the pipette is held within the cavity 226. For example, the angle 0 can be selected to facilitate blood entering the body of the pipette via a tip of the pipette while preventing, hindering, or reducing / minimizing the risk of air bubbles forming in the pipette. In some embodiments, the angle 0 can be selected such that the cavity extends downwardly into the thickness of the second portion 120 and, when a pipette is held in the pipette holder 100. at least a portion of a bulb of the pipette is positioned lower (e g., slightly lower) than a tip of the pipette. For example, the angle 0 can be selected such that, when a pipette is held in the pipette holder 100, the body of the pipette is held at an angle (relative to the horizontal axis H-H) that is within the range of zero degrees to 90 degrees (e.g., one degree, two degrees, three degrees, four degrees, five degrees, six degrees, ten degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 70 degrees, 80 degrees, 85 degrees). As a specific example, the angle 0 can be selected such that, when a pipette is held in the pipette holder 100, the body of the pipette is held at approximately a five-degree angle relative to the horizontal axis H-H with the bulb of the pipette positioned slightly lower than the tip of the pipette.

[0031] The aperture 122 and the cavity 226 can be shaped and / or dimensioned to receive at least part of a bulb of a pipette. For example, at least part of a bulb of a pipette can be introduced into the cavity 226 via the aperture 122. In some embodiments, the part of the bulb includes only a subset (e.g., less than all) of the bulb. In other embodiments, the part of the bulb includes all of the bulb. In these and still other embodiments, the aperture 122 and the cavity 226 can be shaped and / or dimensioned such that all of the bulb in addition to another portion of a pipette (e.g., a portion of the body of the pipette) can be introduced into and held within the cavity 226 via the aperture 122.

[0032] In this regard, the aperture 122 and / or the cavity 226 can have one or more cross- sectional dimensions (e.g., diameters) that are larger than a (e.g., largest) cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) of the bulb and / or another part of a pipette that is / are positionable within the cavity 226. In addition, the cavity 226 can have a length (or depth) that is large enough to accommodate all or a subset of the bulb and / or the other part of the pipette such that, when the pipette is seated in the pipette holder 100 with the bulb and / or the other part of the pipette positioned within the cavity 226. a user can release the pipette and the pipette holder 100 can hold the pipette at an angle relative to the horizontal axis H-H that corresponds to the angle 0 discussed above.

[0033] In some embodiments, the aperture 122 and / or the cavity 226 can be shaped and / or dimensioned to permit airflow to a bulb of a pipette when the pipette is seated in the pipette holder 100. For example, as discussed above, the aperture 122 and / or the cavity 226 can have one or more cross-sectional dimensions (e.g., diameters) that are larger than a (e.g., largest) cross- sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) of the bulb or another part of the pipette that is / are positionable within the cavity 226. Additionally, or alternatively, the aperture 122 and / or the cavity 226 can have a shape or two-dimensional cross-sections (e.g., triangle, square, rectangle, etc.) different from two-dimensional cross-sections of the bulb and / or another part of the pipette that is / are positionable within the cavity 226. Thus, the aperture 122 and / or the cavity 226 can be differently sized and / or shaped than the bulb and / or the other part of the pipette that is / are positionable within the cavity 226. The differences in the sizes and / or shapes can result in gaps between (a) sidewalls of the cavity' 226 and / or the aperture 122 and (b) at least part of the pipette positioned within the cavity 226, such that air can flow into, out of, and / or along the cavity7226 (e.g., via the aperture 122) when the pipette is seated in the pipette holder 100. The air flow can facilitate air escaping from within the pipette (e.g.. via one or more apertures in the bulb or another portion of the pipette) as blood or another fluid is introduced into the body of the pipette via the tip of the pipette.

[0034] In other embodiments of the present technology, the second portion 120 can include one or more vents and / or one or more secondary cavities that, for example, intersect with the cavity7226 that is configured to receive the pipette. Such vents and / or secondary cavities can be configured to allow air to flow to and / or from the capillary function of the pipette while the pipette is seated within the second portion 120 of the pipette holder 100.

[0035] As discussed above, the length (or depth) of the cavity 226 can be dimensioned to accommodate all or a subset of a bulb of a pipette. For example, the length of the cavity 226 can be dimensioned such that, when a pipette is seated in the pipette holder 100, at least a portion of the bulb is hidden or shielded from the user to prevent, hinder, or dissuade the user from prematurely engaging (e.g., compressing, actuating) the bulb, such as while collecting blood in the body of the pipette and / or while removing the pipette from the pipette holder 100. It is expected that such a configuration will also dissuade users from attempting to use a pipette as a turkey baster while collecting blood in the pipette. As such, it is expected that the present technology' will reduce the risk of prematurely expelling blood from within the pipette, reduce the duration of the blood collection process, and / or reduce a number of times a patient / subject must prick his / her finger(s) during the blood collection process.

[0036] In some embodiments, the cavity 226 can include a stop to prevent further movement of a pipette into the cavity 226. For example, as discussed above, the cavity 226 in the illustrated embodiment does not protrude fully through the second portion 120 of the pipette holder 100, but instead terminates within the second portion 120. Thus, in some embodiments, a back or end portion 228 of the cavity 226 can function as a stop for a bulb of a pipette inserted into the cavity 226. More specifically, as a user inserts a pipette into the cavity 226, the user can push the pipette deeper into the cavity 226 until the bulb contacts or abuts the back portion 228 of the cavity 226. At this point, the back portion 228 of the cavity 226 can prevent further insertion of the pipette into the second portion 120 of the pipette holder 100.

[0037] In these and other embodiments, the second portion 120 can include a stop included along the length of the cavity 226. The stop can be positioned at the back or end portion 228 of the cavity 226, or at another location along the length of the cavity 226. For example, the cavity 226 can include a portion with a narrowed cross-sectional diameter in comparison to other portions of the cavity 226 that are positioned closer to the aperture 122. As another example, the second portion 120 can include one or more protrusions that extend into the cavity 226 at a desired stop location. The narrowed portion of the cavity 226 and / or the protrusions can function as a stop to prevent further insertion of a pipette into the cavity 226.

[0038] In some embodiments, the cavity 226 can have a length (or depth) such that, when a pipette is seated within the pipette holder 100. one or more markings on the pipette remain visible to a user. For example, when a pipette is fully seated in the cavity 226 and / or abutting against a stop, a marking on (e.g., a body of) the pipette can be aligned with the aperture 122 and / or positioned external to the second portion 120 such that the marking remains visible to the user. As discussed in greater detail below, the marking can, for example, be a marking used to inform a user when enough blood or other fluid has been collected in the pipette and / or a marking used to inform the user that the pipette is properly or fully seated in the pipette holder 100. As another example, when a pipette is fully seated in the cavity 226 and / or abutting against a stop, only a part of the pipette that should be filled with blood or another liquid can remain visible to a user.

[0039] In other embodiments, the cavity 226 can have a length (or depth) such that, when a pipette is fully seated within the pipette holder 100 and / or abutting against a stop, one or more markings on the pipette can be at least partially positioned within the cavity 226. For example, a user may be required, when inserting a pipette into the cavity 226, to align a marking on the pipette with the aperture 122 in the second portion 120 such that (a) the marking remains visible to theuser and / or (b) the pipette is not inserted all the way into the cavity 226 and / or is not abutting against a stop. Such a feature can allow the pipette holder 100 to accommodate pipettes of different sizes and / or dimensions.

[0040] FIGS. 3A-3I illustrate a method of operating the pipette holder 100 in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology. The method can be a method for inserting or seating a pipette into the pipette holder. As shown in FIG. 3A, the method can begin by providing (i) a pipette 300 (e.g., a capillary pipette) for collecting blood and (ii) the pipette holder 100. The pipette 300 can include a bulb 310, a tip 314 opposite the bulb 310. a body 312 extending therebetween, and one or more markings (e.g., on the body 312 of the pipette 300). For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the pipette 300 includes a first marking 320 (FIG. 3A) on the body 312 of the pipette 300 approximately halfw ay between the bulb 310 and the tip 314 of the pipette 300, and a second marking 330 (FIG. 3D) located closer to the bulb 310. The first marking 320 can be used to inform a user when an adequate amount of blood has been collected in the pipette 300 (e.g., to obtain accurate blood test results). For example, a user can be instructed to continue to collect blood in the pipette 300 until a portion of the body 312 of the pipette 300 betw een the first marking 320 and the tip 314 is filled with blood. Additionally, or alternatively, the first marking 320 (or another marking) can be used to inform a user when the pipette 300 is properly or fully seated within the pipette holder 100. For example, a user can be instructed to use the first marking 320 or another marking (e.g., the second marking 330) on the pipette 300 to determine when the pipette 300 has been inserted an adequate depth into the cavity' 226 of the pipette holder 100.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, a user can grasp the pipette 300 and introduce (via the aperture 122) the bulb 310 into the cavity 226. As shown in FIGS. 3D-3I, the user can continue to slide the pipette 300 into the cavity 226 until the bulb 310 abuts against the back portion 228 of the cavity 226 (or another stop), and / or until a marking (e.g., the first marking 320 or the second marking 330) aligns with the aperture 122. At this point, the pipette holder 100 can hold the pipette 300 without the user engaging or grasping the pipette 300. The pipette 300 can be seated within the pipette holder 100 and held at desired angle relative to the horizontal axis H-H described above with reference to FIG. 2 (e.g., with the bulb 310 positioned slightly lower than the tip 314 of the pipette 300). Additionally, or alternatively, the pipette 300 can be seated in the pipette holder 100 such that the bulb 310 is at least partially shielded or hidden from the user (e.g., to reduce the risk of the user prematurely engaging the bulb 310 and expelling blood from the pipette 300).

[0042] FIGS. 4A-4H illustrate a method of collecting blood in the pipette 300 held by the pipette holder 100 in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology. The method can be a method for collecting blood from a patient / subject, such as from a finger stick in the patient’ s / subject’s finger. As shown in FIG. 4A, a finger stick site 400 can be formed in a human finger 402 (e g., using a lancet). Blood can then be squeezed out of the human finger 402 from the finger stick site 400. Because the pipette 300 is securely held by the pipette holder 100, a user (e.g.. the patient / subject and / or a third person) is free to use one or two hands to squeeze blood out of the human finger 402. The free use of two hands to squeeze blood out of the human finger 402 is expected to expediate the blood collection process.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4B, as blood begins to pool at the finger stick site 400, the human finger 402 can be brought proximate to the pipette 300 such that the tip 314 of the pipette 300 is placed in contact with the pool of blood. Air flow through the cavity 226 of the pipette holder 100 can allow air to be pushed out of the pipette 300 via one or more apertures in (e.g.. the bulb of) the pipette 300 as the blood is drawn into the body of the pipette 300 via capillary action. Additionally, or alternatively, the angle at which the pipette 300 is held by the pipette holder 100 can allow- blood to flow into the body of the pipette 300 (e.g.. via gravity and / or capillary- action) with little to no formation of air bubbles in the blood collected in the pipette 300.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 4C-4H. a user can repeat this process (e.g., squeezing blood from the human finger 402 to pool blood at the finger stick site 400 and bringing the human finger 402 proximate to the pipette 300 such that the tip 314 of the pipette 300 is placed in contact w ith the pool of blood) until an adequate amount of blood has been collected in the pipette 300. As discussed above with reference to FIGS. 3A-3I, a marking on the pipette 300 can be used to inform the user when an adequate amount of blood has been collected in the pipette 300. Thus, in such embodiments, the user can repeat the above process until a portion of the pipette 300 between the marking (e.g., the first marking 320) and the tip 314 of the pipette 300 is filled with blood. At this point, the blood collection process can be complete.

[0045] Thereafter, a user can grasp the body 312 of the pipette 300 and pull the pipette 300 out from within the cavity 226 of the pipette holder 100. An example of this step of the method is shown in FIGS. 8D and 8E, discussed further below. Because, in the illustrated embodiment, the bulb 310 of the pipette 300 is hidden within the cavity 226 of the pipette holder 100, when the user starts to remove the pipette 300 from the pipette holder 100, the present technology isexpected to reduce the risk of (i) engaging the bulb 310 of the pipette 300 and (ii) prematurely and / or accidentally expelling collected blood from within the pipette 300.

[0046] After the pipette 300 has been removed from the pipette holder 100, a user can use the pipette 300 to transfer the collected blood to another location (e.g., a site of a blood test strip). Continuing with this example, the user can then engage the bulb 310 of the pipette 300 to expel blood from within the pipette 300 and onto the blood test strip. Examples of these steps of the method are shown in FIGS. 8E and 8F, discussed further below. Thereafter, the user can use the blood test strip and / or a corresponding blood testing apparatus to test the blood.

[0047] FIGS. 5A-8F illustrate a pipette holder 500 configured in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology. More specifically, FIGS. 5A-5D are various perspective views of the pipette holder 500, FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view of the pipette holder 500, FIGS. 7A-7F illustrate a method of operating the pipette holder 500 in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology', and FIGS. 8A-8F illustrate a method of collecting blood in a pipette held by the pipette holder 500 in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology.

[0048] The pipette holder 500 illustrated in FIGS. 5A-8F includes various features at least generally similar to the pipette holder 100 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1A-4H. For example, referring to FIGS. 5A-5D, the pipette holder 500 can include a base or first portion 510, a stem or second portion 520 extending therefrom, and an aperture or hole 522 formed on an outer sidewall of the second portion 520. Thus, most of the discussion of the pipette holder 100 with reference to FIGS. 1A-4H also corresponds to the pipette holder 500 of FIGS. 5A-8F. For the sake of conciseness, the following discussion focuses on the differences. For example, the pipette holder 500 has a generally flat or horizontal top surface 530, rather than the tapered or slanted top surface 130 of the pipette holder 100 of FIGS. 1A-4H.

[0049] As best shown in FIG. 6, a cavity 626 in the pipette holder 500 extends generally upwardly (when the first portion 510 is placed on a substantially horizontal surface) into the thickness of the pipette holder 500 at an angle O' (as opposed to generally downwardly at an angle 0) relative to the horizontal axis H-H that is positioned in line with the hole 522. Similar to the angle 0 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1A-4H, the angle 0’ can be selected to facilitate accurate and / or efficient collection of blood or another fluid in a pipette as the pipette is held at least partially within the cavity 626. For example, the angle 0’ can be selected to facilitate blood entering the body of the pipette via a tip of the pipette while preventing, hindering, orreducing / minimizing the risk of air bubbles forming in the pipette. In some embodiments, the angle 0?can be selected such that, when a pipette is held in the pipette holder 500, at least a portion of a bulb of the pipette is positioned higher (e.g., slightly higher) than a tip of the pipette. For example, the angle 0’ can be selected such that, when a pipette is held in the pipette holder 500, the body of the pipette is held at an angle (relative to the horizontal axis) that is within the range of zero degrees to 90 degrees (e.g.. one degree, two degrees, three degrees, four degrees, five degrees, six degrees, ten degrees, 15 degrees. 20 degrees. 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 70 degrees, 80 degrees, 85 degrees). As a specific example, the angle 0’ can be selected such that, when a pipette is held in the pipette holder 500, the body of the pipette is held at approximately a five-degree angle relative to the horizontal axis with the bulb of the pipette positioned slightly higher than the tip of the pipette.

[0050] FIGS. 7A-7F illustrate a method of operating the pipette holder 500 in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology. The method is generally similar to the method discussed above with reference to FIGS. 3A-3I. For example, the method illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7F can be a method for inserting or seating a pipette into the cavity 626 via the hole 522 (FIGS. 5A-6) until, e g., the bulb of the pipette abuts against the back portion of the cavity 626 (or another stop) and / or a marking (e.g., the first marking 320 or the second marking 330) aligns with the hole 522.

[0051] FIGS. 8A-8F illustrate a method of collecting blood in the pipette 300 held by the pipette holder 500, in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology. The method is generally similar to the method discussed above with reference to FIGS. 4A-4H. For example, the method illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8F can be a method for collecting blood from a patient / subject. such as from the finger stick site 400 in the human finger 402.

[0052] FIG. 9 is a partially schematic top perspective view of an automated modular physical health testing system 900 (“the system 900”) configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The system 900 includes various medical testing equipment and can be a kit used for an at-home medical or physical exam. Accordingly, the system 900 may also be referred to as “the medical test kit 900” or “the kit 900.” The kit 900 can include a housing 901 configured to house / store. protect, and / or integrate a plurality of physical health testing devices (“testing devices”) and related objects. While the housing 901 illustrated in FIG. 9 has an octagonal shape and does not show a cover, in other embodiments, the housing 901 can have other shapes and / or include a cover to enclose the testing devices.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the kit 900 includes a pipette holder 902, a blood pressure / heart rate cuff and / or monitor 921, an electrocardiogram (ECG device) 923, a stethoscope 924, a glucose and / or cholesterol blood test device 925, a tape measure 926, and bandages 927 (e.g., Band-aids). The kit 900 further includes a communications hub 915, one or more glucose tests strips 925a, one or more lipids test strips 925b, one or more sterile wipes 931, one or more finger lancets 932, one or more capillary’ collectors 933 (e.g., the pipette 300), and a disposal bag or container 940. The communications hub 915 can include a receiver 915a. a transmitter 915b, and a controller / processor 915c, among other circuitry components. The pipette holder 902 can be an example of the pipette holders 100, 500 described with reference to FIGS. 1A-8F, and / or other embodiments of a pipette holder configured in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology’. The pipette holder 902 can provide hands-free support of the capillarycollector 933 such that an individual can use both hands to extract and delivery’ their blood to the capillary collector 933, which can then be provided to the blood test device 925, other testing device, and / or otherwise utilized. Thus, the pipette holder 902 can facilitate independent blood withdrawal, which can be especially helpful in non-clinical settings (e.g., at home) without the additional support of medical staff.

[0054] It is appreciated that the kit 900 is merely one example of a system or kit that can include a pipette holder configured in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology7. For example, the kit 900 can omit select components and / or include additional components not shown, such as a thermometer. Additional details regarding automated modular physical health testing systems and / or kits are provided in International Patent Application No. PCT / US20 / 58163, titled “MODULAR AUTOMATED PHYSICAL HEALTH TESTING SYSTEMS AND ASSOCIATED DEVICES AND METHODS,” and filed on October 30, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety-.

[0055] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method 1000 of collecting blood from a human finger in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. While the steps of the method 1000 are described below in a particular order, one or more of the steps can be performed in a different order or omitted, and the method 1000 can include additional and / or alternative steps. Additionally, although the method 1000 may be described below with reference to the embodiments of the present technology described herein, the method 1000 can be performed with other embodiments of the present technology.

[0056] The method 1000 begins at block 1002 by providing a pipette holder (e.g., the pipette holder 100 or 500) and a pipette (e.g., the pipette 300). The pipette holder can have a thickness, a base portion (e.g., the first portion 110) defining a horizontal plane, a sidewall extending from the base portion along a first direction away from the horizontal plane, an aperture (e.g., the aperture 122) along the sidewall, and a cavity7(e.g., the cavity 226) extending from the aperture into the thickness of the pipette holder by a length. The cavity7can extend along a second direction at an angle between 1—80 degrees, between 1-40 degrees, between 1-20 degrees, between 1—10 degrees, etc. relative to the horizontal plane.

[0057] At block 1004, the method 1000 continues by inserting a bulb (e.g., the bulb 310) of the pipette at least partially into the cavity such that the pipette holder supports the pipette and the pipette extends substantially along the second direction. In some embodiments, the pipette is inserted into the cavity until a marker (e.g., the marking 320 or 330) on the pipette aligns with the aperture of the pipette holder. In some embodiments, the pipette is inserted into the cavity until the bulb of the pipette contacts a back portion (e.g., the back portion 228) of the cavity. In some embodiments, the cavity7extends downwardly into the thickness of the pipette holder such that (i) the tip of the pipette is positioned higher than the bulb of the pipette and (ii) the blood from the finger stick site enters the pipette due to a combination of gravity and capillary action. In other embodiments, the cavity extends upwardly into the thickness of the pipette holder such that the tip of the pipette is positioned lower than the bulb of the pipette.

[0058] At block 1006, the method 1000 continues by positioning the human finger proximate to the pipette such that (i) a tip (e.g., the tip 314) of the pipette comes into contact with a finger stick site on the human finger and (ii) blood from the finger stick site is collected in the pipette via the tip while the pipette is supported by the pipette holder. In some embodiments, the method 1000 further includes compressing the human finger, using two hands and while the pipette is supported by the pipette holder, such that blood flows to the finger stick site. In some embodiments, the method 1000 continues by (i) removing the pipette from the cavity7of the pipette holder and (ii) transferring the blood collected in the pipette onto a blood test strip.C. Examples

[0059] The present technology is illustrated, for example, according to various aspects described below as numbered examples (1, 2, 3, etc.) for convenience. These are provided as examples and do not limit the present technology. It is noted that any of the dependent examplesmay be combined in any combination, and placed into a respective independent example. The other examples can be presented in a similar manner.1. A pipette holder for hands-free blood retrieval, the pipette holder comprising: a body having a thickness, a base portion defining a horizontal plane, a sidewall extending from the base portion along a first axis away from the horizontal plane, an aperture along the sidewall, and a cavity extending from the aperture into the thickness of the body by a length, wherein the cavity7extends along a second axis such that the second axis and the horizontal plane form an angle between 1-80 degrees, wherein the cavity is sized to at least partially receive a bulb of a pipette, and wherein the body is configured to support the pipette such that the pipette extends substantially along the second axis.2. The pipette holder of example 1. wherein the cavity extends downwardly into the thickness of the body such that, when the body supports the pipette, a tip of the pipette is positioned higher than the bulb of the pipette.3. The pipette holder of example 1, wherein the cavity extends upwardly into the thickness of body such that, when the body supports the pipette, a tip of the pipette is positioned lower than the bulb of the pipette.4. The pipette holder of any of examples 1-3, wherein the length of the cavity is less than the thickness of the body such that the cavity terminates within the body, and wherein a back portion of the cavity defines a maximum insertion depth of the pipette.5. The pipette holder of any of examples 1-4, wherein the body includes a stop positioned along the length of the cavity and configured to define a maximum insertion depth of the pipette.6. The pipette holder of any of examples 1-5, wherein the cavity has a constant, circular cross-section along the length of the cavity.7. The pipete holder of any of examples 1-6, wherein the body includes a stem portion defining the sidewall and removably atached to the base portion.8. The pipete holder of any of examples 1-7, wherein the pipete holder has a height of about 82 mm and a width of about 63 mm.9. The pipete holder of any of examples 1-8, wherein the body has a top surface extending substantially parallel to the second axis.10. The pipete holder of any of examples 1-9, wherein the body has a top surface extending substantially parallel to the horizontal plane.11. The pipete holder of claim any of examples 1-10, wherein the angle is between 1-10 degrees.12. A method of collecting blood from a human finger, the method comprising: providing a pipete holder and a pipete, wherein the pipete holder has a thickness, a base portion defining a horizontal plane, a sidewall extending from the base portion along a first direction away from the horizontal plane, an aperture along the sidewall, and a cavity extending from the aperture into the thickness of the pipete holder by a length, wherein the cavity extends along a second direction at an angle between 1-80 degrees relative to the horizontal plane; inserting a bulb of the pipete at least partially into the cavity such that the pipete holder supports the pipete and the pipete extends substantially along the second direction; and positioning the human finger proximate to the pipette such that (i) a tip of the pipette comes into contact with a finger stick site on the human finger and (ii) blood from the finger stick site is collected in the pipete via the tip while the pipete is supported by the pipete holder.13. The method of example 12, wherein inserting comprises inserting the pipete into the cavity until a marking on the pipete aligns with the aperture of the pipete holder.14. The method of example 12 or example 13, wherein inserting comprises inserting the pipette into the cavity- until the bulb of the pipette contacts a back portion of the cavity.15. The method of any of examples 12-14, further comprising compressing the human finger, using two hands and while the pipette is supported by the pipette holder, such that blood flows to the finger stick site.16. The method of any of examples 12-15, wherein the cavity- extends downwardly into the thickness of the pipette holder such that (i) the tip of the pipette is positioned higher than the bulb of the pipette and (ii) the blood from the finger stick site enters the pipette due to a combination of gravity and capillary action.17. The method of any of examples 12-16, further comprising: removing the pipette from the cavity of the pipette holder: and transferring the blood collected in the pipette onto a blood test strip.18. A medical test kit, comprising: a pipette holder having a thickness, a base portion defining a horizontal plane, a sidewall extending from the base portion along a first axis away from the horizontal plane, an aperture along the sidewall, and a cavity7extending from the aperture into the thickness of the pipette holder by a length, wherein the cavity- extends along a second axis such that the second axis and the horizontal plane form an angle between 1—80 degrees; and a pipette having a bulb and a tip opposite the bulb, wherein the cavity7of the pipette holder is sized to at least partially receive the bulb of the pipette, and wherein the pipette holder is configured to support the pipette at least partially in the cavity- such that the pipette extends substantially along the second axis.19. The medical test kit of example 18, wherein the bulb of the pipette has a maximum cross-sectional dimension, and wherein the cavity has a cavity cross-sectional dimension greater than the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the bulb of the pipette.20. The medical test kit of example 18 or example 19, wherein the pipette includes one or more vent holes, wherein the cavity- of the pipette holder is sized such that when the pipette is positioned at least partially in the cavity, a wall of the pipette holder around the cavity and the pipette form a gap therebetween, and wherein the one or more vent holes and the gap are configured to permit airflow out of the pipette and therethrough.D. Conclusion

[0060] The above detailed descriptions of embodiments of the technology are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise form disclosed above. Although specific embodiments of, and examples for, the technology are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the technology- as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, although steps are presented in a given order above, alternative embodiments may perform steps in a different order. Furthermore, the various embodiments described herein may also be combined to provide further embodiments.

[0061] To the extent any material incorporated herein by reference conflicts with the present disclosure, the present disclosure controls. From the foregoing, it w ill be appreciated that specific embodiments of the technology- have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but well- known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily- obscuring the description of the embodiments of the technology. Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or singular term, respectively. Moreover, unless the word “or” is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from the other items in reference to a list of tw o or more items, then the use of “or” in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of the items in the list. Furthermore, as used herein, the phrase “and / or” as in “A and / or B” refers to A alone, B alone, and both A and B. Additionally, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and “with” are used throughout to mean including at least the recited feature(s) such that any greater number of the same features and / or additional types of other features are not precluded.

[0062] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing numerical values used in the specification and claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present technology. At the very- least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numericalparameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. The terms '’about." “approximately,’7and “substantially” as used herein shall be interpreted to mean within ±10% of the stated value. Additionally, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass the endpoints, and any and all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of “1 to 10” includes any and all subranges between (and including) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10 (e.g., any and all subranges having a minimum value of equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10, such as 5.5 to 10).

[0063] From the foregoing, it will also be appreciated that various modifications may be made without deviating from the disclosure or the technology. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various components of the technology can be further divided into subcomponents, or that various components and functions of the technology may be combined and integrated. In addition, certain aspects of the technology described in the context of particular embodiments may also be combined or eliminated in other embodiments. Furthermore, although advantages associated with certain embodiments of the technology have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the technology. Accordingly, the disclosure and associated technology can encompass other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein.

[0064] Furthermore, although several aspects of the present technology are discussed with reference to — and set forth in examples of the present technology' directed to — systems, devices, and / or methods of the present technology, these aspects of the present technology can similarly be discussed with reference to — and be set forth in examples of the present technology directed to — any of systems, devices, and / or methods. As such, aspects of the present technology are not limited to the form (e.g., system, device, method) in which they are presented and described above.

Claims

CLAIMSI / 'W e claim:

1. A pipete holder for hands-free blood retn eval, the pipete holder comprising: a body having a thickness, a base portion defining a horizontal plane, a sidewall extending from the base portion along a first axis away from the horizontal plane, an aperture along the sidewall, and a cavity extending from the aperture into the thickness of the body by a length. wherein the cavity extends along a second axis such that the second axis and the horizontal plane form an angle between 1-80 degrees, wherein the cavity' is sized to at least partially receive a bulb of a pipete, and wherein the body is configured to support the pipete such that the pipete extends substantially along the second axis.

2. The pipette holder of claim 1. wherein the cavity' extends downwardly into the thickness of the body such that, when the body supports the pipete, a tip of the pipete is positioned higher than the bulb of the pipete.

3. The pipete holder of claim 1, wherein the cavity' extends upwardly into the thickness of body such that, when the body supports the pipette, a tip of the pipete is positioned lower than the bulb of the pipete.

4. The pipette holder of claim 1, wherein the length of the cavity is less than the thickness of the body such that the cavity terminates within the body, and wherein a back portion of the cavity defines a maximum insertion depth of the pipete.

5. The pipete holder of claim 1, wherein the body includes a stop positioned along the length of the cavity and configured to define a maximum insertion depth of the pipete.

6. The pipette holder of claim 1, wherein the cavity7has a constant, circular crosssection along the length of the cavity7.

7. The pipete holder of claim 1 , wherein the body includes a stem portion defining the sidewall and removably atached to the base portion.

8. The pipete holder of claim 1, wherein the pipete holder has a height of about 82 mm and a width of about 63 mm.

9. The pipete holder of claim 1, wherein the body has a top surface extending substantially parallel to the second axis.

10. The pipete holder of claim 1, wherein the body has a top surface extending substantially parallel to the horizontal plane.

11. The pipete holder of claim 1, wherein the angle is between 1-10 degrees.

12. A method of collecting blood from a human finger, the method comprising: providing a pipete holder and a pipete, wherein the pipete holder has a thickness, a base portion defining a horizontal plane, a sidewall extending from the base portion along a first direction away from the horizontal plane, an aperture along the sidewall, and a cavity extending from the aperture into the thickness of the pipete holder by a length, wherein the cavity extends along a second direction at an angle between 1-80 degrees relative to the horizontal plane; inserting a bulb of the pipete at least partially into the cavity such that the pipete holder supports the pipete and the pipete extends substantially along the second direction; and positioning the human finger proximate to the pipete such that (i) a tip of the pipete comes into contact with a finger stick site on the human finger and (ii) blood from the finger stick site is collected in the pipete via the tip while the pipete is supported by the pipete holder.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein inserting comprises inserting the pipette into the cavity until a marking on the pipete aligns with the aperture of the pipete holder.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein inserting comprises inserting the pipette into the cavity until the bulb of the pipette contacts a back portion of the cavity.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising compressing the human finger, using two hands and while the pipette is supported by the pipette holder, such that blood flows to the finger stick site.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the cavity extends dow nw ardly into the thickness of the pipette holder such that (i) the tip of the pipette is positioned higher than the bulb of the pipette and (ii) the blood from the finger stick site enters the pipette due to a combination of gravity and capillary action.

17. The method of claim 12, further comprising: removing the pipette from the cavity of the pipette holder: and transferring the blood collected in the pipette onto a blood test strip.

18. A medical test kit, comprising: a pipette holder having a thickness, a base portion defining a horizontal plane, a sidewall extending from the base portion along a first axis away from the horizontal plane, an aperture along the sidewall, and a cavity extending from the aperture into the thickness of the pipette holder by a length, wherein the cavity extends along a second axis such that the second axis and the horizontal plane form an angle between 1—80 degrees; and a pipette having a bulb and a tip opposite the bulb, wherein the cavity of the pipette holder is sized to at least partially receive the bulb of the pipette, and wherein the pipette holder is configured to support the pipette at least partially in the cavity- such that the pipette extends substantially along the second axis.

19. The medical test kit of claim 18. wherein the bulb of the pipette has a maximum cross-sectional dimension, and wherein the cavity has a cavity cross-sectional dimension greater than the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the bulb of the pipette.

20. The medical test kit of claim 18, wherein the pipette includes one or more vent holes, wherein the cavity of the pipette holder is sized such that when the pipette is positioned at least partially in the cavity, a wall of the pipette holder around the cavity and the pipette form a gap therebetween, and wherein the one or more vent holes and the gap are configured to permit airflow out of the pipette and therethrough.

Images