Patent ID: 6350412
Filing Date: 2002-02-26
Classification: B01L,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of sampling micro-volumes of fluid from a micro-sample tube comprising:positioning a polymeric micro-sample tube in a position for sampling within an automated analyzer, said micro-sample tube having an outer wall defining a central axis of the micro-sample tube, a first end having an opening at one axial end of the micro-sample tube, and a closed end at the other axial end of the micro-sample tube, and an inner wall made of a polymer material defining an interior of the micro-sample tube, the inner wall having in at least a portion thereof, a slope towards the central axis of the micro-sample tube in the direction of the closed end, the slope of the inner wall in cross-section, defining a convex curve in relation to the interior of the tube; automatically moving an automated probe to a position above the micro-sample tube; automatically lowering the automated probe a distance into the micro-sample tube, wherein said polymer inner wall of said micro-sample tube having a convex curve in cross-section deflects said automated probe so as to avoid gouging of the inner wall of the micro-sample tube by the automated probe should the automated probe impact the inner wall of the micro-sample tube; aspirating a volume of fluid sample from the micro-sample tube; and moving the automated probe from the micro-sample tube and subsequently dispensing the fluid sample from the automated probe.