Patent ID: 8276762
Filing Date: 2012-10-02
Classification: B01L,B03C,B25J,B65B,C12N,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for separating an analyte of interest from other components of a sample contained in a receptacle, said method comprising the automated steps of: a) inserting a receptacle into a receptacle holding station, wherein the receptacle contains magnetically-responsive solid supports dispersed in a fluid medium comprising a sample material; b) within the receptacle holding station, exposing the receptacle to a first magnetic field, thereby isolating the solid supports within the receptacle, wherein the solid supports are adapted to immobilize an analyte thereon, and wherein the contents of the receptacle are not removed while the receptacle is present in the receptacle holding station; c) after exposing the receptacle to the first magnetic field for a specified dwell period, effecting an automated transfer of the receptacle from the receptacle holding station to a magnetic separation station; d) within the magnetic separation station, performing the steps of: