Patent ID: 9588026
Date: 2017-03-07
CPC Classifications: G01N

Claim:
1. A method of handling a sample, the method comprising: receiving a sample container containing a volume of a sample; removing a sample from the sample container using an extraction device; dispensing the sample into a sample vessel with the extraction device; washing the extraction device by dispensing a fluid through the extraction device; moving the sample vessel containing the sample to a sample application position; removing a portion of the sample from the sample vessel using a sample applicator; dispensing the sample portion from the sample applicator to directly contact a surface of a sample carrier, wherein the sample portion is dispensed onto the surface in at least one of a serpentine pattern, a raster pattern, a spiral pattern, a pattern of concentric circles, and a pattern of multiple lines; rinsing the sample applicator by dispensing fluid through the sample applicator; and washing the sample vessel to remove any residual sample.