Adapter for sample preparation instrument

Abstract

An adapter for use in a sample preparation instrument. The adapter includes a wall extending between a top edge and a bottom edge and between a first end and a second end. The wall at least partially surrounds a central axis. The adapter includes a base extending from the bottom edge of the wall. The base and the wall forming a cavity for receiving a container. The cavity is configured to hold the container at an angle relative to the tray.

Description

ADAPTER FOR SAMPLE PREPARATION INSTRUMENTCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is being filed as a PCT International application and claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 680,340, filed August 7, 2024; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 707,818, filed October 16, 2024; the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.BACKGROUND

[0002] Sample preparation for flow cytometry typically involves several steps to ensure accurate and reliable analysis of cells or particles. For example, sample preparation may include processing a sample of cells obtained from tissue culture, blood, or other biological sources to isolate certain cells or particles of interest. This may involve techniques such as centrifugation, filtration, or cell sorting. In some instances, staining is performed where the cells or particles are labeled with fluorescent dyes or antibodies specific to target molecules. This step allows for the identification and quantification of different cell types or biomarkers.

[0003] Sample preparation can also include washing to remove excess unbound dyes or antibodies to reduce background noise and ensure accurate measurements. In some examples, the stained cells are suspended in a buffer suitable for flow cytometry analysis. The buffer should maintain cell viability and provide optimal conditions for laser interrogation. Generally, quality control is performed to assess the sample quality and staining efficiency using control samples or beads with known characteristics. This helps ensure the reliability and reproducibility of the flow cytometry data. By following these steps, researchers can prepare samples that yield precise and meaningful results when analyzed using flow cytometry.SUMMARY

[0004] In general terms, the present disclosure relates to an adapter for a tray used in a sample preparation instrument. In one possible configuration, the adapter is configured to hold a container at an angle relative to the tray. Various aspects are described in this disclosure, which include, but are not limited to, the following aspects.

[0005] One aspect relates to an adapter for a tray used in a sample preparation instrument, the adapter comprising: a wall extending between a top edge and a bottomedge and between a first end and a second end, the wall at least partially surrounding a central axis; and a base extending from the bottom edge of the wall, the base and the wall forming a cavity for receiving a container; and wherein the cavity is shaped to hold the container at an angle relative to the tray.

[0006] Another aspect relates to a tray for use in a sample preparation instrument, the tray comprising: a base including: one or more first locations each configured to hold a first type of container; and one or more second locations each configured to receive an adapter for holding a second type of container; and at least one adapter mounted on a second location of the base, the adapter including: a wall extending between a top edge and a bottom edge and between a first end and a second end, the wall at least partially surrounding a central axis; and a base extending from the bottom edge of the wall, the base and the wall forming a cavity configured to receive the second type of container; and wherein the cavity of the adapter is configured to hold the second type of container at an angle relative to the base.

[0007] A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The aspects can relate to individual features and to combination of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0008] The following drawing figures, which form a part of this application, are illustrative of the described technology and are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure in any manner.

[0009] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example of a sample preparation instrument that can be used to prepare samples for analysis and testing.

[0010] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an example of a prep reagent module included in the sample preparation instrument of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an example of a carousel and a tray that can be used in the prep reagent module of FIG. 2.

[0012] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the carousel and the tray of FIG. 3.

[0013] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a first half of the tray of FIG. 3.

[0014] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a second half of the tray of FIG. 3.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a top view of the first half of the tray of FIG. 3.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a top view of the second half of the tray of FIG. 3.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a side view of an adapter that can be mounted on the tray of FIG. 3.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a top view of the adapter of FIG. 9.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the adapter of FIG. 9.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter of FIG. 9.

[0021] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the adapter of FIG. 9.

[0022] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the second half of the tray of FIG. 3 with an adapter removed therefrom exposing a location on the second half of the tray.

[0023] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the tray of FIG. 3 with the adapters mounted thereon.

[0024] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an adapter mounted on the tray of FIG. 3.

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates an alternative example of a tray for use in the prep reagent module included in the sample preparation instrument of FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 18 schematically illustrates examples of different types of mixing that can be performed by the prep reagent module of FIG. 2.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example of a sample preparation instrument 100 that can be used to prepare samples for analysis and testing. The sample preparation instrument 100 shares similar aspects with the instrument described in U.S. Patent Application Number 17 / 127,439, fded on December 18, 2020, entitled SAMPLE PREPARATION INSTRUMENT, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0028] The sample preparation instrument 100 includes a specimen transport module 102 that receives an input cassette 104 that can be inserted into the sample preparation instrument 100 by a user. The input cassette 104 hold one or more specimen tubes 106. Each of the specimen tubes 106 can hold a different specimen (e.g., a specimen from a different patient).

[0029] Each of the specimen tubes 106 includes a unique machine-readable label that can be scanned to identify a specimen within the tube. For example, the user can use anexternal scanner 108 to scan the machine-readable label attached to each specimen tube 106. The specimen machine-readable labels can include a barcode, a QR code, RF ID, and the like.

[0030] As further shown in FIG. 1, the sample preparation instrument 100 includes a touchscreen display 110 that allows a user to enter inputs such as to select workflows for processing the specimens held in the one or more specimen tubes 106. Once entered, the sample preparation instrument 100 processes the specimens held in the one or more specimen tubes 106 according to the workflow entered on the touchscreen display 110.

[0031] The sample preparation instrument 100 includes a pod-arm module 112 for transferring the specimens, samples, and reagents from one location to another. The podarm module 112 moves one or more probes in three-dimensions (forward and backward, left and right, and up and down) above components inside the sample preparation instrument 100. The pod-arm module 112 can include a gantry powered by one or more electronic motors to move the probes above one or more stations or modules within the sample preparation instrument 100 including the specimen transport module 102, a cell wash module 114, dry reagent carousels 116, a liquid antibody module 118, a reaction plate module 120, a prep reagent module 122, and an output module 124. As further shown in FIG. 1, the sample preparation instrument 100 includes a syringe pump bank 126 and a cell wash buffer bottle 128.

[0032] The one or more probes of the pod-arm module 112 can aspirate, transport, and dispense various substances including samples of specimens from the specimen tubes 106 held in the specimen transport module 102, labeling reagents stored in the liquid antibody module 118 or the dry reagent carousels 116, lytic reagents stored in the prep reagent module 122, diluent reagents stored on a cart below the sample preparation instrument 100, buffers stored in the cell wash buffer bottle 128, and other substances for mixing with the samples of the specimens. The probes can pierce capped or sealed tubes, vials, cartridges, bottles, or other similar containers to aspirate the substances within, and / or to dispense the substances therein.

[0033] The probes can dispense the substances into reaction plate wells held in the reaction plate module 120. After a desired mixture is complete, the probes can be used to aspirate the mixture from a reaction plate well, and thereafter transfer and dispense themixture into an output tube held on a tray in the output module 124. The tray in the output module 124 is configured to hold a plurality of output tubes for processing a plurality of sample specimens.

[0034] The output module 124 includes a handle 132 that allows the user to pull a drawer 130 to bring the output module 124 outside the sample preparation instrument 100 to access the output tubes held on the tray in the output module 124. When the drawer 130 of the output module 124 is pulled out, the user can remove from the tray with the output tubes containing processed samples, or can add empty output tubes to the tray in the output module 124.

[0035] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an example of the prep reagent module 122 included in the sample preparation instrument 100. In this example, different types of containers are held on a tray 300 mounted on a carousel 200 in the prep reagent module 122. For example, a first type of container 150, a second type of container 152, and a third type of container 154 are shown as being held on the tray 300. FIG. 2 further shows adapters 400 mounted on the tray 300. The adapters 400 are used to hold the second type of containers 152 which are different in one or more of size, shape, and contents from the first and third types of containers 150, 154 held on the tray 300. In some examples, the second type of container 152 held by the adapter 400 contains flow counting beads. The adapter 400 is described in more detail further below.

[0036] The prep reagent module 122 can include an electric motor 140 connected to the carousel 200 such as via a drive shaft or similar type of mechanism. The electric motor 140 is controlled by the sample preparation instrument 100 to rotate the carousel 200 in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Accordingly, when the tray 300 with the containers held thereon is mounted on the carousel 200 by a user of the sample preparation instrument 100, the tray 300 and the containers similarly rotate in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

[0037] FIG. 18 schematically illustrates examples of different types of mixing that can be performed by the prep reagent module 122 to mix the contents of the containers held on the tray 300. In some examples, the electric motor 140 is configured to rotate the carousel 200 to agitate reagents, counting beads, and other solutions contained inside containers held on the tray 300. As an illustrative example, the electric motor 140 can perform vortexmixing 1802 by rotating the carousel 200 about 15 degrees in a first direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) and then rotating the carousel 200 in a second direction that is opposite the first direction before rotating the carousel back in the first direction to agitate the contents of the containers held on the tray 300 such as to keep the counting beads in suspension in the second type of container 152.

[0038] In some examples, the electric motor 140 rotates the carousel 200 in the first and second directions at an angular velocity of about 1,000 deg / s. In some examples, the electric motor 140 rotates the carousel 200 at an angular acceleration of about 6,500 deg / s2. In some examples, the electric motor 140 is configured to switch rotation between the first and second directions for about 40 cycles to mix the liquid contents of the containers held on the tray 300.

[0039] As further shown in FIG. 18, another example of a type of mixing that can be performed by the prep reagent module 122 includes rotary mixing 1804. The rotary mixing 1804 can include rotating the carousel 200 in the first direction or the second direction for several revolutions and then rotating the carousel 200 in an opposite direction for several revolutions. The rotary mixing 1804 can alternate rotating the carousel between the first and second directions to mix the liquid contents of the containers held on the tray 300.

[0040] Another example of a type of mixing that can be performed by the prep reagent module 122 includes magnetic stirring 1806. In this example, stir bars (e.g., magnetic beads) are inserted into the containers held on the tray 300 such as in the first type of container 150, in the second type of container 152, and / or in the third type of container 154 for immersion in the liquid contents of these containers. The prep reagent module 122 includes a rotating magnet or a stationary electromagnet that creates a rotating magnetic field. The magnet can be positioned under the tray 300 or elsewhere in the prep reagent module 122. The rotating magnetic field causes the stir bars to rotate inside the containers to mix the liquid contents of the containers.

[0041] Another example of a type of mixing that can be performed by the prep reagent module 122 includes vibration mixing 1808. In this example, the adapter 400 has freedom of movement relative to the tray 300. For example, a flexible coupling such as a spring element is positioned between the adapter 400 and the tray 300. An electrical motor injects a vibration frequency to the flexible coupling which causes the adapter 400 to vibrate,thereby causing the liquid contents of the second type of container 152 (which is held by the adapter 400) to agitate. The electrical motor can be integrated into the carousel 200 that supports the tray 300.

[0042] Another example of a type of mixing that can be performed by the prep reagent module 122 includes ultrasonic agitation 1810. In this example, piezoelectric elements are positioned on the tray 300 proximate to the locations where the containers are held. The piezoelectric elements vibrate when activated by an ultrasonic wave. The vibration from the piezoelectric elements causes the liquid contents of the containers on the tray 300 to agitate.

[0043] Another example of a type of mixing that can be performed by the prep reagent module 122 includes overhead stirring 1812. In this example, the pod-arm module 112 is configured to insert the probe into a container on the tray 300, and to thereafter rotate the probe to stir the liquid contents of the container. In some examples, the pod-arm module 112 can exchange the probe for a paddle, spoon, or other type of attachment that can more effectively stir the liquid contents of the containers held on the tray 300 in the prep reagent module 122.

[0044] In further examples, instead of configuring the prep reagent module 122 to mix the contents of the second type of container 152 held by the adapter 400 such as by using one or more of the mixing techniques shown in FIG. 18, a user can use dry down counting beads in the second type of container 152. The dry down counting beads are resuspended at time of use such that they do not need to be agitated when not being used in the prep reagent module 122.

[0045] As further shown in FIG. 2, the prep reagent module 122 can include a scanner 142 that can scan labels including machine-readable labels attached to the containers held on the tray 300. The scanner 142 can scan barcodes, quick-response (QR) codes, and other types of machine-readable labels attached to the first, second, and third types of containers.

[0046] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an example of the carousel 200 and the tray 300 used in the prep reagent module 122 of the sample preparation instrument 100. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the carousel 200 and the tray 300. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the tray 300 mounts on the carousel 200. Also, an adapter 400 mounts on the tray 300.

[0047] The tray 300 includes first and second halves 302a, 302b. In example illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first and second halves 302a, 302b each have a semi-circular shape and are symmetrical with respect to one another. The first and second halves 302a, 302b when mounted on the carousel 200 allow the tray 300 to surround a handle 202 of the carousel 200. For example, the first and second halves 302a, 302b each include a body 304 having a cut-out portion 318 that allow the first and second halves 302a, 302b to surround the handle 202 when mounted on the carousel 200. A user can grab a top portion of the handle 202 to load the carousel 200 with the tray 300 mounted thereon into the prep reagent module 122, and to remove the carousel 200 with the tray 300 mounted thereon from the prep reagent module 122.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 15, which will be described in more detail below, the first and second halves 302a, 302b each include one or more bores 308 on a bottom surface 306 of a body 304. Each bore 308 is configured to receive a post 204 projecting from the carousel 200 to align and mount the first and second halves 302a, 302b of the tray 300 on the carousel 200.

[0049] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the first half 302a of the tray 300. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the second half 302b of the tray 300. FIG. 7 is a top view of the first half 302a of the tray 300. FIG. 8 is a top view of the second half 302b of the tray 300. Referring now to FIGS. 3-8, the first and second halves 302a, 302b each include a body 304 having one or more first locations 310 each configured to hold the first type of container 150 and one or more second locations 312 each configured to receive the adapter 400 for holding the second type of container 152. In the example shown in the figures, the first half 302a can further include a third location 314 configured to hold the third type of container 154.

[0050] As described above, the first, second, and third types of containers 150, 152, 154 may differ in one or more of size, shape, and contents held within. For example, as shown in the figures, the third location 314 has a larger diameter than the first location 310 such that larger types of containers can be held inside the third location 314 than in the first location 310.

[0051] In the example illustrated in the figures, the first and second halves 302a, 302b each include two of the second locations 312 such that a maximum of four of the adapters 400 can be mounted on the tray 300, and fewer than four of the adapters 400 can bemounted as may be needed by a user of the sample preparation instrument 100. It is contemplated that in alternative examples the number of the second locations 312 may vary on the first and second halves 302a, 302b such that more than four of the adapters 400 can be mounted on the tray 300.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 5-8, the first and third locations 310, 314 each include an anti-rotation mechanism 316 that prevents rotation of the first and third types of containers when inserted inside the first and third locations 310, 314, respectively, and when the tray 300 rotates in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions when mounted on the carousel 200 inside the prep reagent module 122. Additionally, the anti-rotation mechanism 316 can prevent the first and third containers from lifting out of the first and third locations 310, 314, respectively.

[0053] In the example shown in the figures, the anti-rotation mechanisms 316 each include a flat spring. One end of the flat spring is secured to the body 304 by a fastener such as a screw, while an opposite end is cantilevered inside the first and third locations 310, 314. The flat spring applies a spring force against an exterior surface the first and third types of containers when inserted inside the first and third locations 310, 314, respectively, which prevents the containers from rotating and from lifting out of the first and third locations 310, 314 when the tray 300 rotates back and forth in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

[0054] Alternatively, the anti -rotation mechanisms 316 can have a gasket that applies a frictional force against the exterior surface of the first and third types of containers. The gasket can include rubber O-rings, washers, and the like. The frictional force against the exterior surface the first and third types of containers can similarly prevent the containers from rotating and from lifting out of the first and third locations 310, 314 when the tray 300 rotates back and forth in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions while mounted on the carousel 200.

[0055] FIG. 9 is a side view of the adapter 400. FIG. 10 is a top view of the adapter 400. FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the adapter 400. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter 400. FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the adapter 400. The adapter 400 mounts on the tray 300 for use in the prep reagent module 122. More specifically, the adapter 400mounts in the one or more second locations 312 on the tray 300, as is shown in the example of FIG. 4.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 13, the adapter 400 includes a wall 402 extending between a top edge 404 and a bottom edge 406 and between a first end 408 and a second end 410. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the wall 402 at least partially surrounds a central axis C.

[0057] The adapter 400 further includes a base 412 extending from the bottom edge 406 of the wall 402. The wall 402 and the base 412 form a cavity 414 that receives the second type of container 152. The cavity 414 substantially conforms to a shape and a size of the second type of container 152 such that the second type of container 152 can be inserted and held inside the cavity 414. The cavity 414 has an open cylindrical shape defined by a curvature of the wall 402, a flat surface of the base 412, and an opening defined by the top edge 404 of the wall 402.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 9-11 and 13, the first end 408 of the wall 402 is separated from the second end 410 of the wall 402 by a gap 416. The gap 416 can provide visibility of a label on the second type of container 152. In some examples, the label on the second type of container 152 is a machine readable label that can be scanned by the scanner 142 in the prep reagent module 122 (see FIG. 2). As an illustrative example, the tray 300 can rotate in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction relative to the scanner 142 which allows the scanner 142 to scan the machine readable label that is exposed and visible through the gap 416.

[0059] As further shown in FIGS. 9-11 and 13, the adapter 400 includes one or more members such as a first member 418 positioned at the first end 408 of the wall 402 and a second member 420 positioned at the second end 410 of the wall 402. The first and second members 418, 420 are configured to deform around the second type of container 152 when inserted inside the cavity 414 to grip the container when held inside the cavity.

[0060] The first and second members 418, 420 are continuous with the wall 402 and terminate at the first and second ends 408, 410, respectively. In some examples, the adapter 400 is a single piece of material that is molded or machined to have the wall 402, the base 412, and the first and second members 418, 420 made of a single, continuous material.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 10, the wall 402 has a first thickness T1 and the first and second members 418, 420 each have a second thickness T2. The second thickness T2 is less than the first thickness T1 to allow the first and second members 418, 420 to hinge or flex relative to the wall 402 such that the first and second members 418, 420 can flex around the second type of container 152 when the second type of container 152 is inserted inside the cavity 414.

[0062] By flexing around the second type of container 152, the first and second members 418, 420 apply a normal force that is perpendicular to an exterior surface of the second type of container 152 and a frictional force that is parallel to the exterior surface of the second type of container 152. The normal and frictional forces applied by the first and second members 418, 420 allow the first and second members 418, 420 to grip the exterior surface of the second type of container 152 to prevent the second type of container 152 from rotating relative to the adapter 400 when the adapter 400 is mounted on the tray 300, the tray 300 is mounted on the carousel 200, and the electric motor 140 rotates the carousel 200 and the tray 300 in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions inside the prep reagent module 122.

[0063] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the second half 302b of the tray 300 with an adapter 400 removed therefrom exposing a second location 312. FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the tray 300 with the adapters 400 mounted thereon. Referring now to FIGS. 11, 12, 14, and 15, the adapter 400 includes one or more bores 422 that receive one or more posts 320 projecting from the tray 300 for aligning the adapter 400 onto the second location 312 of the tray 300. For example, the posts 320 of the tray 300 are received in the bores 422 of the adapter 400, a hole 424 of the adapter 400 is aligned with a hole 322 on the tray 300. A fastener 426 such as a screw (see FIGS. 15 and 16) can then be inserted through the hole 322 of the tray 300 and into the hole 424 of the adapter 400 to affix or secure the adapter 400 to the tray 300. At least one of the bores 422 has an elongated or oval shape to provide a tolerance for inserting the one or more posts 320 projecting from the tray 300 into the one or more bores 422 of the adapter 400.

[0064] The adapter 400 is designed to be easily installed onto the tray 300 during assembly by the use of the fastener 426 and the posts 320 for proper alignment, as shown in the figures. In some implementations, the adapter 400 is designed not to be removeablefrom the tray 300 after final assembly of the tray 300 with the adapter 400 installed thereon.

[0065] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the adapter 400 mounted in a second location 312 of the tray 300. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 16, when the adapter 400 is mounted on the tray 300, the cavity 414 of the adapter 400 is orientated at an angle a relative to the tray 300. In some examples, the cavity 414 of the adapter 400 is orientated at an angle a of about 15 degrees. When the second type of container is inserted into the cavity 414, the container is also orientated at the angle a relative to the tray 300. The angle a allows a probe of the pod-arm module 112 to reach a lowest area of the second type of container 152 adjacent to a bottom corner 428 of the cavity 414 such that the probe can more easily aspirate the contents in the second type of container 152 to minimize the dead volume of the second type of container 152 and mitigate waste of the flow counting beads contained inside the second type of container 152. Thus, by holding the second type of container 152 at the angle a relative to the tray 300, the adapter 400 can improve the efficiency of the sample preparation instrument 100.

[0066] FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative example of a tray 300 for use in the prep reagent module 122 included in the sample preparation instrument 100. In this example, instead of using the adapters 400, the cavity 414 is formed in the second locations 312 of the tray 300 to hold the second type of container 152 at the angle a relative to the tray 300. Thus, the need for the adapters 400 is eliminated because the cavity 414 is incorporated into the tray 300 itself.

[0067] In further alternative examples, a separate, standalone module can be developed for use within the sample preparation instrument 100. Such separate, standalone module would be used solely for automatically adding the counting beads to the prepared samples.

[0068] The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to be limiting in any way. Various modifications can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An adapter for a tray used in a sample preparation instrument, the adapter comprising: a wall extending between a top edge and a bottom edge and between a first end and a second end, the wall at least partially surrounding a central axis; and a base extending from the bottom edge of the wall, the base and the wall forming a cavity for receiving a container; and wherein the cavity is shaped to hold the container at an angle relative to the tray.

2. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the adapter is configured to hold the container relative to the tray at an angle of about 15 degrees.

3. The adapter of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first end of the wall is separated from the second end of the wall by a gap to provide visibility of a label on the container.

4. The adapter of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising: a first member positioned at the first end of the wall; and a second member positioned at the second end of the wall, and wherein the first and second members are configured to flex around an exterior surface of the container to grip the container when held inside the cavity.

5. The adapter of claim 4, wherein the first and second members are continuous with the wall, and wherein the wall has a first thickness, the first and second members have a second thickness, and wherein the second thickness is less than the first thickness.

6. The adapter of any one of claims 1-5, further comprising: one or more bores in the wall, the one or more bores being configured to receive one or more posts on the tray for aligning the adapter onto a location of the tray.

7. The adapter of any one of claims 1-6, further comprising: a hole for receiving a fastener to secure the adapter to the tray.

8. The adapter of any one of claims claim 1-7, wherein the adapter is a single piece of material.

9. A tray for use in a sample preparation instrument, the tray comprising: a base including: one or more first locations each configured to hold a first type of container; and one or more second locations each configured to receive an adapter for holding a second type of container; and at least one adapter mounted on a second location of the base, the adapter including: a wall extending between a top edge and a bottom edge and between a first end and a second end, the wall at least partially surrounding a central axis; and a base extending from the bottom edge of the wall, the base and the wall forming a cavity configured to receive the second type of container; and wherein the cavity of the adapter is configured to hold the second type of container at an angle relative to the base.

10. The tray of claim 9, wherein the adapter is secured to the base by a fastener.

11. The tray of claim 9 or 10, wherein the adapter holds the second type of container relative to the base at an angle of about 15 degrees.

12. The tray of any one of claims 9-11, wherein the first end of the wall is separated from the second end of the wall by a gap to provide visibility of a label on the second type of container.

13. The tray of any one of claims 9-12, wherein the adapter further includes: a first member extending from the first end of the wall; anda second member extending from the second end of the wall, and wherein the first and second members configured to deform around the second type of container to grip the second type of container when held inside the cavity.

14. The tray of any one of claims 9-13, wherein the adapter further includes: one or more bores in the wall, the one or more bores receiving one or more posts on the tray for aligning the adapter onto the second location of the tray.

15. The tray of any one of claims 9-14, wherein the base has a semi-circular shape.

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