Patent ID: 8870059
Filing Date: 2014-10-28
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. In a sample preparation machine coupled to a computerized control, a method for sample preparation and maintaining chain of custody throughout a processing sequence, the method comprising: introducing a sample vial into a first station of an operation platform, the first station comprising a standard vial staging area having an automated lid-opening and closing device adapted to open and close a vial lid of a standard vial, and a non-standard vial staging area; opening the vial lid of the sample vial; translating a robot to a tip station and acquiring a sterile tip, the robot comprising an operation head adapted to aspirate one or more samples, reagents, or diluents about one or more containers, and a verification head adapted to perform a data acquisition read about one or more identification members, the sterile tip being affixed to the operation head; translating the robot to one of the standard vial staging area or the non-standard vial staging area where the sample vial is located; translating the verification head to a position suitable for reading a first identification member positioned on the sample vial; recording data associated with the first identification member in memory coupled to the computerized control, and retracting the verification head; translating the operation head to a position sufficient to perform an aspiration about the sample contained in the sample vial; aspirating a volume from the sample and retracting the operation head; translating the robot to a second station of the operation platform comprising a test rack and one or more testing vials disposed therein; translating the verification head to a position suitable for reading a second identification member positioned on a first testing vial contained within the test rack; recording data associated with the second identification member in said memory coupled to the computerized control and retracting the verification head; translating the operation head to a position sufficient to dispense a volume of the sample into the first testing vial; dispensing a volume of the sample and retracting the operation head; translating the robot to a third station comprising a waste receptacle, purging residual sample and ejecting the tip; closing the vial lid of the sample vial; and ejecting the sample vial.