Patent Publication Number: US-2022219163-A1

Title: Cap having a ribbed inner surface

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/238,239, filed Jan. 2, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/127,837, filed Sep. 11, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/992,663, filed Jan. 11, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,159,981, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/210,163, filed Mar. 13, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,248,449, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/782,320, filed Mar. 14, 2013, each of which applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to systems and apparatuses for performing automated reagent-based biochemical assays. 
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     Automated molecular assay instrumentation offers numerous advantages, however most automated instruments suffer from a limited set of assay capabilities. These limited capabilities complicate or inhibit parallel processing of multiple assays and, as a result, reduce sample throughput and flexibility in assay choices. This is particularly true for sensitive assays such as those involving nucleic acid detection and/or an amplification procedure. There are many procedures in use for amplifying nucleic acids, including the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), (see, e.g., Mullis, “Process for Amplifying, Detecting, and/or Cloning Nucleic Acid Sequences,” U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,195), transcription-mediated amplification (TMA), (see, e.g., Kacian et al., “Nucleic Acid Sequence Amplification Methods,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,491), ligase chain reaction (LCR), (see, e.g., Birkenmeyer, “Amplification of Target Nucleic Acids Using Gap Filling Ligase Chain Reaction,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,930), strand displacement amplification (SDA), (see, e.g., Walker, “Strand Displacement Amplification,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,455,166), and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (see, e.g., Notomi et al., “Process for Synthesizing Nucleic Acid,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,410,278). A review of several amplification procedures currently in use, including PCR and TMA, is provided in HELEN H. LEE ET AL., NUCLEIC ACID AMPLIFICATION TECHNOLOGIES (1997). 
     Automated molecular assays incorporate the use of consumable components, which may or may not hold reagents utilized in the molecular assay to be performed, which can be manually loaded onto automated instrumentation. Providing such consumable components that are configured to limit contamination, enhance target detection, simplify loading into and transport within the system, enhance the operability of mechanical components within the automated system while lowering cost, and providing high performance in connection with the assay to be performed is desirable. 
     The present disclosure addresses these and other needs in the art. 
     All documents referred to herein, or the indicated portions, are hereby incorporated by reference herein. No document, however, is admitted to be prior art to the claimed subject matter. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and apparatuses for performing automated reagent-based biochemical assays. 
     Accordingly, in an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a single-piece receptacle. The receptacle includes a body having a generally cylindrical upper portion and a tapered lower portion, the upper portion having an open end and the lower portion being closed-ended, an annular ring formed on an outer surface of the body, the annular ring separating the upper and lower portions of the body, a lip circumscribing the open end of the upper portion, the lip being adapted for inter-locking engagement with a mated cap, and a plurality of longitudinally oriented grooves formed in an inner surface of the upper portion of the body and situated between the open end and the annular ring. In various embodiments, the closed end of the lower portion may be flat or curved. The number of grooves disposed on the inner surface of the upper portion is selected from the group consisting of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. The lip may radially-extend from an exterior surface of the upper portion and tapers towards the open end thereof. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure provides a cap securable to the single-piece receptacle. The cap includes a lower portion having an outer surface for sealing engagement of an inner surface of the open upper end of the body, the outer surface including one or more annular ring(s), an upper portion having a length, an inner surface, an outer surface, and an open end configured for engagement with an automated pipettor, and further including one or more recess(es), which can be concave in shape, disposed on the outer surface thereof extending along at least part of the length of the upper portion, and one or more linear rib(s) disposed on the inner surface of the upper portion, each linear rib having a length corresponding to the length of at least one of the recesses, and wherein each of the one or more linear ribs is positioned on the inner surface of the cap in a manner that corresponds to at least one of the recesses such that at least one linear rib lies on an inner surface of the cap that directly opposes the position of at least one recess on the outer surface of the cap, and a lip positioned between, and extending radially away from, the upper and lower portions, the lip including a plurality of locking arms extending toward the lower portion of the cap for securely engaging the lip of the receptacle. In various embodiments, the number of linear ribs corresponds to the number of recesses in a one-to-one relationship, and the number of recesses disposed on the outer surface of the cap is selected from the group consisting of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. The lower portion of the cap may include 1, 2, or 3 annular rings for sealing engagement of the inner surface of the body of the receptacle. 
     In certain embodiments, the locking arms comprise a snap fit attachment for securely engaging the lip of the receptacle. The number of locking arms may be selected from the group consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. In addition, the number of linear ribs disposed on the inner surface of the upper portion of the cap may be selected from the group consisting of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. The distal portion of the cap may further include a bottom separating the upper portion of the cap from the proximal lower portion of the cap. In certain embodiments, the bottom is scored for piercing. The at least one of the linear rib includes a portion that gradually tapers radially inward toward the center of the upper portion, or increases in size (e.g., an increase in thickness or radial geometry) as the at least one of the linear ribs approaches the bottom separating the upper portion of the cap from the proximal lower of the cap. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method for the automated removal of a cap from a capped reaction receptacle. The method includes providing a single-piece receptacle comprising a body having a generally cylindrical upper portion and a tapered lower portion, the upper portion having an open end and the lower portion being closed-ended; an annular ring formed on an outer surface of the body, the annular ring separating the upper and lower portions of the body; a lip circumscribing the open end of the upper portion, the lip being adapted for inter-locking engagement with a mated cap; and a plurality of longitudinally oriented grooves formed in an inner surface of the upper portion of the body and situated between the open end and the annular ring; and a cap securable to the single-piece receptacle, comprising: a lower portion having an outer surface for sealing engagement of an inner surface of the open upper end of the body, the outer surface including one or more annular ring(s); an upper portion having a length, an inner surface, an outer surface, and an open end configured for engagement with an automated pipettor, and further including one or more recess(es) disposed on the outer surface thereof extending along at least part of the length of the upper portion, and one or more linear rib(s) disposed on the inner surface of the upper portion, each linear rib having a length corresponding to the length of at least one of the recesses, and wherein each of the one or more linear ribs is positioned on the inner surface of the cap in a manner that corresponds to at least one of the recesses such that at least one linear rib lies on an inner surface of the cap that directly opposes the position of at least one recess on the outer surface of the cap; and a lip positioned between, and extending radially away from, the upper and lower portions, the lip including a plurality of locking arms extending toward the lower portion of the cap for securely engaging the lip of the receptacle. The cap is securely engaged to the single piece receptacle. The method further includes performing an automated motion of contacting an inner portion of at least one of the plurality of locking arms with a raised annular ridge defined around a receptacle slot, wherein said contacting urges the locking arms away from the lip of the receptacle thereby disengaging the cap from the receptacle, and while the cap is disengaged from the receptacle, performing an automated motion of lifting the cap away from the receptacle, thereby removing the cap from the capped reaction receptacle. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure provides a multi-well tray for use in an automated process. The multi-well tray includes a base having a top surface, a card insert having a first surface, the card insert configured for removable attachment to the base, wherein when attached to the base, the first surface of the card insert is substantially parallel to and flush with the top surface of the base, and a plurality of sets of wells. Each set of wells includes a first well disposed in an opening of the top surface of the base, the first well being configured to receive a receptacle cap, second well disposed in an opening of the top surface of the base, the second well being configured to receive a receptacle, wherein the receptacle cap and the receptacle are configured for secure engagement with each other, and a third well disposed in an opening of the first surface of the card insert, the third well containing a lyophilized reagent. The wells of each set of wells are disposed in alignment with each other, and the third well is sealed with a frangible seal. In certain embodiments the third well may include one or more retention features for retaining a lyophilized reagent at the bottom thereof. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure provides a reagent-containing multi-well tray for use in an automated process. The multi-well tray includes a base having a top surface and a plurality of wells disposed therein. Each of the wells may be defined by a cylindrical or conical wall, an open upper end, and a bottom. The wells may be disposed in alignment with each other and sealed with a frangible seal. In certain embodiments each of the wells may include at least one retention feature to retain a lyophilized reagent therein. The multi-well tray may further include a lyophilized reagent disposed within each well, positioned at, or adjacent to, the bottom. Exemplary retention features include, but are not limited to, an annular ridge formed on the well wall and positioned above the lyophilized reagent, a spiral channel formed along a length of the well wall and positioned above the lyophilized reagent, a tapered ring attached to the well wall and positioned above the lyophilized reagent, a capillary insert attached to the well wall, and a collar attached to the well wall at or proximal to the open upper end. The collar may further include one or more fingers formed on a bottom surface thereof that protrude along a radius of curvature toward an axial center of the well. The capillary insert may include an open upper end that tapers toward the bottom of the well, and a capillary channel formed between the open upper end and the bottom of the well. In certain embodiments, the lyophilized reagent is held in position at, or adjacent to, the bottom through the use of electrostatic force. 
     In various aspects, any of the multi-well trays may also include machine-readable indicia positioned on the base or card insert containing identifying information regarding the multi-well tray or card insert, including reagents contained therein. The machine-readable indicia may be a barcode, 2D barcode, or a radio frequency identification (RFID). In addition, the multi-well tray may include one or more locking arms disposed on the card insert for locking engagement with the base. The first well may be defined by a first side wall and a bottom surface, and include a protrusion extending from a center of the bottom surface of the well toward the top surface of the base for frictional engagement with a hollow portion in the lower portion of the receptacle cap. The first well may also include a plurality of tabs protruding from the first side wall for securely engaging the receptacle cap. The second well may be defined by a second side wall and a second bottom, the second bottom including a through-hole extending from an inner surface of the second well to an outer surface of the base. An annular ledge may then be formed within the second well at the circumference of the through-hole. The second well may also include a plurality of legs protruding from the second side wall for securely engaging the distal portion of the cap. The third well may be defined by a third side wall and a third bottom and include one or more features selected from the group consisting of a convex groove, a concave groove, and a set of grooves comprising a criss-cross pattern disposed in the third bottom. The third side wall may be conical, tapering toward the bottom thereof. The third well may also include a plurality of rigid guides radially protruding from the third wall toward a center thereof. The base may be spatially indexed such that an automated pipettor can accurately identify and/or access any of the plurality of wells when the multi-well tray is placed in an automated system. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure provides a cartridge with communicating wells for use in an automated process. The cartridge includes a casing having a top surface, a fluid chamber disposed within the casing, and wherein a first opening is provided in the top surface of the casing having at least one side wall surface extending to, or optionally forming at least a portion of, the fluid chamber, and a fluid reservoir disposed within the casing adjacent to and in fluid communication with the fluid chamber. In certain embodiments, the cartridge also includes an oil reservoir disposed within the casing and adjacent to the fluid chamber. The fluid communication between the fluid chamber and the fluid reservoir may be both liquid and gaseous communication and may be provided by the same or different means. The cartridge may also include a second opening that is provided in the top surface of the casing having at least one side wall surface extending to, or optionally forming at least a portion of, the fluid reservoir. Each of the first and second openings may be sealed from exposure to the ambient atmosphere with a frangible seal. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure provides a cartridge rack for use in an automated process. The cartridge rack includes a chassis having a top surface and a first and a second opposing end, the chassis being configured for releasable attachment to one or more multi-well trays(s) as set forth herein, a plurality of machine-readable indicia including data disposed on the chassis, and a handle disposed on the first end surface of the chassis. The chassis is configured for releasable attachment to a plurality (e.g., two or more, or up to five) multi-well trays. In various embodiments, the chassis is configured for releasable attachment to a cartridge with communicating wells. As discussed above, the cartridge includes a casing having a top surface; a fluid chamber disposed within the casing, and wherein a first opening is provided in the top surface of the casing having at least one side wall surface extending to, or optionally forming at least a portion of, the fluid chamber; and a fluid reservoir disposed within the casing adjacent to and in fluid communication with the fluid chamber. The machine-readable indicia may include identifying information regarding the multi-well tray attached thereto, and may be in the form of a barcode, 2D barcode, QR code, or an RFID. The machine-readable indicia may be readable through a direct contact connection, a wired connection, or wirelessly. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure provides a system for conducting an automated reagent-based assay. The system includes a multi-well tray, a cartridge with communicating wells, and an automated pipettor positioned on a robot arm. The multi-well tray may include a plurality of wells, each of the wells containing a lyophilized reagent, wherein the plurality of wells are disposed in alignment with each other and sealed with a frangible seal, wherein the lyophilized reagent includes a target-specific reagent. The cartridge with communicating wells includes a casing having a top surface; a fluid chamber disposed within the casing, and wherein a first opening is provided in the top surface of the casing having at least one side wall surface extending to, or optionally forming at least a portion of, the fluid chamber; a fluid reservoir disposed within the casing in fluid communication with the fluid chamber; and a diluent contained within the fluid chamber. The automated pipettor is adapted to execute a retrieval and dispense protocol that includes a retrieval of a portion of the reagent from the cartridge and a dispense of the portion of the reagent in one of the plurality of wells, and wherein the retrieval and dispense protocol is repeated for each of the plurality of wells. In various embodiments, the multi-well tray, the cartridge with communicating wells, and the automated pipettor are contained within a housing, such as an automated biochemical analyzer. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method for providing a stabilized reagent for a molecular assay. The method includes introducing a fluid molecular assay reagent to a well, the well including a tapered opening and a capillary insert having a capillary channel, wherein the tapered opening and capillary channel are in fluid communication. Thereafter, subjecting the well containing the reagent to conditions suitable for lyophilizing the fluid molecular assay reagent to prepare a lyophilized reagent. Thereafter, reconstituting the lyophilized reagent by introducing a reconstitution solution to the tapered opening of the well to prepare a reconstituted reagent. Then withdrawing the reconstituted reagent using a fluid transfer device that is introduced into the tapered opening of the well. In various embodiments, the fluid transfer device is a pipettor. The molecular assay may be a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a side view of a receptacle of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1B  is a cross-sectional view of the receptacle taken along the line  1 B- 1 B in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1C  top view of the receptacle. 
         FIG. 1D  is a perspective view of the receptacle. 
         FIG. 2A  is a side view of a cap of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional view of the cap taken along the line  2 B- 2 B in  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2C  top view of the cap. 
         FIG. 2D  is a bottom view of the cap. 
         FIG. 2E  is a top perspective view of the cap. 
         FIG. 2F  is a bottom perspective view of the cap. 
         FIG. 3A  is an exploded perspective view of the receptacle, the cap, and a portion of a receptacle transport mechanism configured to be inserted into the cap. 
         FIG. 3B  is a side cross-sectional view of the cap installed in the receptacle. 
         FIG. 3C  is a longitudinal cross section of a cap and receptacle assembly embodying aspects of the present disclosure comprising an alternative embodiment of the cap. 
         FIG. 3D  is a longitudinal cross section of the cap and receptacle assembly of  FIG. 3C , with the tip of a receptacle transport mechanism inserted into the cap. 
         FIG. 3E  is a perspective view, in longitudinal cross section, of a cap and receptacle assembly embodying aspects of the present disclosure and comprising an alternative embodiment of the cap with the tip of a receptacle transport mechanism inserted into the cap. 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a multi-well tray for use in an automated reagent-based analyzer. 
         FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of the multi-well tray with a card insert exploded from the multi-well tray. 
         FIG. 5A  is a top perspective view of a multi-well card insert of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5B  is a top perspective view of the multi-well card insert. 
         FIG. 5C  is a top plan view of the multi-well card insert. 
         FIG. 5D  shows two wells of the multi-well card insert in cross-section. 
         FIG. 5E  shows one well of the multi-well card insert in cross-section with a probe of a pipettor inserted into the well. 
         FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the multi-well card insert attached to the base of the multi-well tray. 
         FIG. 6B  is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the multi-well card insert attached to the base of the multi-well tray. 
         FIG. 7A  is a side cross-sectional view showing a cap and receptacle contained within respective wells of the multi-well tray. 
         FIG. 7B  is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the cap and receptacle contained within the respective wells of the multi-well tray. 
         FIG. 8  is a side a cross-sectional view of an automated pipettor reconstituting a lyophilized reagent contained in a well of a multi-well tray. 
         FIG. 9A  is a top perspective view of an alternative configuration of a multi-well tray. 
         FIG. 9B  is a bottom perspective view of the alternative configuration of the multi-well tray. 
         FIGS. 9C and 9D  are transverse cross-sectional views of the alternative configuration of the multi-well tray showing various exemplary embodiments of inner surfaces of the wells therein. 
         FIG. 9E  is a transverse cross-sectional view of the alternative configuration of the multi-well tray showing heat stakes inserted into the wells to form annular ridges therein. 
         FIG. 10A  is a top perspective view of a cartridge with communicating wells. 
         FIG. 10B  is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cartridge with communicating wells. 
         FIG. 11A  is a top perspective view of a cartridge rack with a plurality of multi-well trays supported thereon. 
         FIG. 11B  is a top perspective view of the cartridge rack without any multi-well trays supported thereon. 
         FIG. 11C  is a side view of the cartridge rack with the plurality of multi-well trays supported thereon. 
         FIG. 11D  is a top perspective view of the cartridge rack with the plurality of multi-well trays and a fluid cartridge supported thereon. 
         FIG. 12  is a partial top perspective view of a receptacle tray including features for separating an interlocked receptacle and cap, shown with a single receptacle-cap assembly held therein. 
         FIG. 13  is a partial bottom perspective view of the tray of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C  show a sequence whereby a cap and receptacle, shown in cross section, are separated from one another using the tray of  FIGS. 12 and 13 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure relates to a system, apparatus, and method for automated processing of a sample receptacle holder that is adapted for use in an automated instrument capable of performing nucleic acid-based amplification assays. Also provided are methods for conducting automated, random-access temperature cycling processes using the same. 
     Before the present systems, methods, and apparatuses are described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods and experimental conditions described, as such methods and conditions may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purposes of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only in the appended claims. 
     As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, references to “the method” includes one or more methods, and/or steps of the type described herein which will become apparent to those persons skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and so forth. 
     The term “comprising,” which is used interchangeably with “including,” “containing,” “having,” or “characterized by,” is inclusive or open-ended language and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. The phrase “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. The phrase “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the disclosed subject matter. The present disclosure contemplates exemplary embodiments of an apparatus and methods of use thereof corresponding to the scope of each of these phrases. Thus, an apparatus or method comprising recited elements or steps contemplates particular embodiments in which the apparatus or method consists essentially of or consists of those elements or steps. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing disclosed herein, the preferred methods and materials are now described. 
     As used herein, a “reaction mixture” refers to a volume of fluid comprising one or more of a target-specific reagent, diluent for reconstituting a lyophilized reagent, one or more nucleotides, an enzyme, and a sample containing or suspected of containing a nucleic acid. 
     As used herein, a “sample” or a “test sample” refers to any substance suspected of containing a target organism or biological molecule, such as nucleic acid. The substance may be, for example, an unprocessed clinical specimen, a buffered medium containing the specimen, a medium containing the specimen and lytic agents for releasing nucleic acid belonging to the target organism, or a medium containing nucleic acid derived from a target organism which has been isolated and/or purified in a reaction receptacle or on a reaction material or device. In some instances, a sample or test sample may comprise a product of a biological specimen, such as an amplified nucleic acid to be detected. 
     As used herein, the term “biochemical assay” refers to a scientific investigative procedure for qualitatively assessing or quantitatively measuring the presence or amount or the functional activity of a target entity, such as, but not limited to, a biochemical substance, a cell, organic sample, or target nucleic acid sequence. Included in the term “biochemical assay” are nucleic acid amplification and heat denaturation (i.e., melting). Nucleic acid melting typically involves precise warming of a double stranded nucleic acid molecule to a temperature at which the two strands separate or “melt” apart. The melting process typically occurs at a temperature of about 50° C. to about 95° C. 
     As used herein, the term “lyophilization” refers to a dehydration process that is typically used to preserve a perishable material and/or facilitate transport thereof. Thus, “conditions for lyophilization” refer to subjecting a liquid material and/or a vessel containing the liquid material to freezing conditions while reducing the surrounding pressure to allow the frozen water within the material to sublimate directly from the solid phase to the gas phase. Such freezing conditions may include cooling the material below the lowest temperature at which the solid and liquid phases thereof can coexist (known in the art as the “triple point”). Usually, the freezing temperatures are between −50° C. and −80° C., however, one of skill in the art can determine the appropriate freezing temperature to lyophilize the reagent for use in the automated biochemical assay. 
     As used herein, the term “reconstituting” refers to the act of returning a lyophilized material to its liquid form. Thus, the term encompasses contacting a fluid, e.g., water or other suitable diluent, with a lyophilized reagent for sufficient time to allow the lyophilized reagent to absorb water, thereby forming a stabilized liquid reagent. 
     Receptacle &amp; Cap 
     Accordingly, in an exemplary aspect, there is provided a receptacle  100  to receive and store fluid test samples for subsequent analysis, including analysis with nucleic acid-based assays or immunoassays diagnostic for a particular pathogenic organism. As shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D , the receptacle  100  is a single-piece receptacle that includes a body  105  having a generally cylindrical upper portion  110  and a tapered lower portion  120 . Formed on an outer surface of the body  105  is a laterally-extending flange, which, in the illustrated embodiment, comprises an annular ring  125 , which separates the upper and lower portions of the body, and which, in the illustrated embodiment, has a flat bottom surface  126 . The upper portion  110  of the body  105  has an open end  145  through which fluid samples are deposited or removed from the receptacle  100 . The tapered lower portion  120  has a closed end  150  that may either be flat or rounded to provide optical communication with an optical system, for example, one or more optical fibers (not shown) of a biochemical analyzer. In various embodiments, the bottom surface of the closed-ended lower portion may be flat or curved. 
     The receptacle  100  optionally containing a sample or reaction mixture is configured for insertion into a receptacle holder of an automated biochemical analyzer (not shown). As used herein, a receptacle that is “configured for insertion” refers to the exterior surface of the body  105  of the receptacle  100  being sized and shaped to maximize contact between the receptacle and a receptacle well of a receptacle holder. In certain embodiments, this maximal contact refers to physical contact of the receptacle well with at least a portion of the receptacle  100 . Also in certain embodiments, this maximal contact refers to physical contact of the receptacle well with the tapered lower portion  120  of the receptacle  100 , or at least a portion the tapered lower portion  120  of the receptacle  100 . 
     Formed in the inner surface  140  of the upper portion  110  of the body  105  is one or more longitudinally oriented grooves  135  to facilitate the venting of air displaced from the interior upon deposit of the test sample or attachment of a cap  200  to the receptacle  100 . In various embodiments, a plurality (i.e., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8) of longitudinally oriented grooves may be formed in the inner surface  140  of the upper portion  110 , and the grooves  135  may be equally spaced apart from one another around the entire circumference of the body  105 . 
     Circumscribing the open end  145  of the upper portion  110  of the body  105  is a lip  155  extending radially outward from a central axis thereof. In various embodiments, the lip  155  tapers from the outer-most portion of the radially-extended lip towards the open end of the body, and is configured for securable attachment to a cap  200  ( FIGS. 2A-2D ). 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 2A-2D , the securable cap  200  includes a lower portion  220  having an outer surface for sealing engagement of the inner surface  140  of the upper portion  110  of the receptacle  100  and an upper portion  210 . To ensure an essentially leak-proof seal when the cap  200  is securely attached to the open end  145  of the upper portion  110  of the receptacle  100 , the outer surface of the lower portion  220  of the cap  200  is formed with one or more annular ribs  230  for contacting the inner surface  140  of the upper portion  110  thereof. In various embodiments, the lower portion  220  of the cap  200  is formed with 1, 2, or 3 annular ribs  230  for contacting the inner surface  140  of the upper portion  110  of the receptacle  100 . 
     The upper portion  210  of the cap  200  includes an open end  215  for frictional attachment to a portion of a receptacle transport mechanism  300  ( FIG. 3A ), such as a tubular probe of a pipettor or pick-and-place robot. Guiding insertion of the receptacle transport mechanism  300  into the open end  215  of the upper portion  210  of the cap  200  are one or more linear ribs  260  formed in the inner surface  270  of the upper portion  210 . The linear ribs  260  protrude towards an axial center of the cap  200 , thereby decreasing the inner fitment diameter of the upper portion  210  of the cap  200 . Each linear rib  260  may be beveled (as at  262 ) at an upper, or proximal, end thereof. These linear ribs  260  can, among other things, enhance the frictional attachment to the receptacle transport mechanism  300 . In various embodiments, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 linear ribs  260  are formed in the inner surface  270  of the cap  200  and extend at least a portion of the way down the length of the upper portion  210  thereof. 
     At least one of the linear ribs  260  may be formed with a portion  265  thereof, e.g., at a lower, or distal, end, that gradually tapers radially inward toward a central axis of the upper portion  210  of the cap. In other words, the amount of protrusion of the linear rib  260  may gradually increase in size as the linear rib  260  approaches the bottom  245  of the upper portion  210  of the cap  200 . Alternatively, or in addition thereto, in certain embodiments, the linear rib  260  may gradually increase in overall thickness as it approaches the bottom  245  of the upper portion  210  of the cap  200 . Thus, gradual increase in thickness or radial geometry is contemplated for the gradual tapering of the one or more linear ribs  260 , which serves to stabilize and center the receptacle transport mechanism  300  as it is lowered into the cap  200  for transport. 
     Corresponding with each linear rib  260  and disposed on the exterior surface of the upper portion  210  of the cap  200  are one or more indentations, or recesses,  234  that extend along at least part of the length thereof. The recesses may be formed in any shape such as, for example, concave, notched, squared, etc. Thus, at least one recess  234  is formed in the exterior surface of the upper portion  210  of the cap  200 . In various embodiments, the length of the recess  234  is the same as the length of the corresponding linear rib  260 , and each linear rib  260  is positioned such that it lies on the inner surface  270  of the cap  200  in a location that directly opposes the position of the at least one recess  234  formed on the outer surface of the cap  200  in a one-to-one relationship. The coupling of a linear rib  260  with an recess  234  in this manner enhances the predictability of the frictional attachment of the cap  200  to a receptacle transport mechanism  300 . In certain embodiments, as the receptacle transport mechanism  300  is lowered into the open end  215  of the cap  200 , it contacts the one or more linear ribs  260 , thereby pressing against the one or more linear ribs  260 . Such pressing against the linear ribs  260  causes the cap  200 , and recesses  234  to flex and/or expand radially outward with respect to the axial center thereof to accommodate the receptacle transport mechanism  300  and thus enhance frictional attachment of the cap  300  to the receptacle transport mechanism  300 . Accordingly, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 recesses  234  may be formed on the exterior surface of the upper portion  210  of the cap  200 . 
     Circumscribing the open end  215  of the upper portion  210  of the cap  200  is a lip  225  extending radially outward from a central axis thereof. In various embodiments, the lip  225  tapers from the open end  215  towards the lower portion  220 . Protruding from the taper of the lip  225  are a plurality of protrusions  235 . The protrusions  235  may be equally spaced apart from one another and facilitate stacking and/or docking within a well of a multi-well tray  400  ( FIG. 4A ) for use in an automated biochemical analyzer. In various embodiments, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 protrusions  235  are formed in the taper of the lip  225 . 
     In various embodiments, the cap  200  is removed from the receptacle transport mechanism  300  by means of a sleeve  306  coaxially disposed over a tip of the receptacle transport mechanism  300  and axially movable with respect to thereto. The sleeve  306  moves axially with respect to the tip toward a distal end of the tip and contacts the lip  225  of the cap, thereby pushing the cap off the tip of the receptacle transport mechanism  300 . 
     Separating the upper portion  210  from the lower portion  220  of the cap  200  is a flange  240  that extends radially away from an axial center thereof. The flange  240  includes a plurality of locking arms  250  that extend from the flange  240  toward the lower portion  220  of the cap  200 . The locking arms  250  are shaped for securely engaging the lip  155  of the receptacle  100  and may be disposed to allow for removable attachment of the cap  200  to the receptacle  100 , while maintaining a leak-proof seal of the contents thereof. In various embodiments, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 locking arms  250  are formed in the cap  200 . 
     The flange  240  of the cap  200  additionally serves to form a bottom  245  to separate the upper portion  210  from the lower portion  220 , thereby closing the interior of the receptacle  100  from the environment. However, in certain embodiments, the bottom  245  is scored  255  for piercing by a mechanism for collecting and/or adding reagents to the test sample within the receptacle  100 . Such piercing avoids the need to remove the secured cap  200  from engagement with the receptacle  100 , while providing access to the contents therein. 
     The receptacle  100  and cap  200  of the present disclosure may be prepared from a number of different polymer and heteropolymer resins, including, but not limited to, polyolefins (e.g., high density polyethylene (“HDPE”), low density polyethylene (“LDPE”), a mixture of HDPE and LDPE, or polypropylene), polystyrene, high impact polystyrene and polycarbonate. An example of an HDPE is sold under the trade name Alathon M5370 and is available from Polymerland of Huntsville, N.C.; an example of an LDPE is sold under the trade name  722  and is available from The Dow Chemical Company of Midland, Mich.; and an example of a polypropylene is sold under the trade name Rexene 13T10ACS279 and is available from the Huntsman Corporation of Salt Lake City, Utah. Although LDPE is a softer, more malleable material than HDPE, the softness of LDPE provides flexibility in the locking arms  250  of the cap  200  to securably engage the lip  155  of the receptacle  100 . And, while a cap made of HDPE is more rigid than one made of LDPE, this rigidity tends to make an HDPE cap more difficult to penetrate than one made of LDPE. It should be understood that the receptacle  100  and cap  200  may be comprised of a combination of resins, including, for example, a mixture of LDPE and HDPE, preferably in a mixture range of about 20% LDPE:80% HDPE to about 50% LDPE:50% HDPE by volume. In addition, the amounts of LDPE and HDPE used to form each of the receptacle  100  and cap  200  may be the same or different. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the cap  200  is formed from an opaque material having low to no autofluorescence characteristics. Also, in certain embodiments, the portion of the cap  200  formed from an opaque material having low to no autofluorescence characteristics is at least the lower portion  220  thereof, including the inner surface  232  of the lower portion  220  of the cap  200 . 
     Regardless of the type or mixture of resins chosen, the receptacle  100  and cap  200  are preferably injection molded as unitary pieces using procedures well-known to those skilled in the art of injection molding, including a multi-gate process for facilitating uniform resin flow into the receptacle and cap cavities used to form the shapes thereof. Uniform resin flow is desirable for achieving consistency in thickness, which is important for a variety of reasons, including for the penetrable bottom  245  of the cap  200 ; to ensure a secure, such as an air-tight, engagement of the cap  200  and receptacle  100 ; to ensure a predictable engagement of the cap  200  with the receptacle transport mechanism  300 ; and to ensure maximal contact of the receptacle  100  with a receptacle well of a receptacle holder. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3A , the tip of a receptacle transport mechanism  300 , (e.g., an automated pipettor or other pick and place apparatus) may include one or more annular ribs, as indicated at  302  and  304 , for enhancing a frictional, interference fit between the tip  300  and a component into which the tip  300  is inserted, such as the cap  200  or a pipette tip (not shown). In the case of a cap, such as cap  200 , the tip  300  may be inserted into the cap and removed from the cap several times during the course of a process that is performed using the cap and a receptacle to which it is attached, such as a diagnostic assay. As the cap may be made of a plastic material, such repeated insertion and removal of the tip  300  into and out of the cap may result in creep in the plastic material (permanent or semi-permanent deformation) that can result in a poor frictional connection between the tip  300  and the cap  200 . 
     Thus, in various embodiments, the cap may be provided with internal relief structures, or detents, that cooperatively engage one or both of the annular ribs  302 ,  304  to enhance the securement of the cap to the tip. 
     An embodiment of a cap having such a relief or detent feature is indicated by reference number  900  in  FIG. 3C . Cap  900  includes an upper portion  910 , a lower portion  920 , an annular flange  940  with locking arms  950  extending axially therefrom, and an opening  915  that defines an inner-surface  970 . In various embodiments, cap  900 , like cap  200  described above, is configured to engage a receptacle  100  by means of the locking arms  950  engaging the lip  155  surrounding the opening of the upper portion  110  of the receptacle  100 . The cap  900  further includes a number of longitudinal ribs  960  extending axially along the inner surface  970 . In various embodiments, the ribs  960  are equiangularly spaced about the inner surface  970 . In one embodiment, each rib  960  has associated therewith a longitudinally-extending indention, or recess,  934  formed on an exterior surface of the upper portion  910  opposite the rib  960 . The recess  934  may be in the form of a longitudinally extending, concave groove, which, in various embodiments, may be the same length as the rib  960 . Each rib  960  includes an enlarged portion  965  at a lower distal end thereof. In one embodiment, the rib  960  incudes a tapered transition between the upper narrower portion of the rib  960  and the larger lower portion  965 . Larger portion  965  may extend through a transition between the generally cylindrical inner surface  970  of the upper portion  910  and a tapered, e.g., conical, surface  972 . 
     As discussed elsewhere in this disclosure, in various embodiments each rib  960  and associated recess  934  cooperate to allow radial flexure of the rib  960  that enables the rib to conform to the general shape of a portion of a receptacle transfer mechanism inserted into the cap  900 . 
     One or more of the longitudinal ribs  960  further includes a relief, or detent,  964  defined as a portion of the enlarged section  965  of the rib  960  that is removed or scalloped out, as shown in  FIG. 3C  to define a concave recess or cavity in the lower end of the rib  960 . As shown in  FIG. 3D , each relief  964  receives the lower annular rib  302  of the receptacle transport mechanism  300 . The inter engagement of the annular rib  302  with the relief  964  enhances the frictional securing of the cap  900  to the receptacle transport mechanism  300 . 
     In various embodiments, a detent  964  is formed in every one of the longitudinal ribs  960 . 
     An alternate embodiment of a cap having a relief, or detent, feature for securing the cap to a receptacle transport mechanism is indicated by reference number  1000  in  FIG. 3E . Cap  1000  includes an upper portion  1010  and a lower portion  1020 . An annular flange  1040  extends radially from the cap  1000  and has a plurality of locking arms  1050  extending axially therefrom. In various embodiments, cap  1000  is configured to interlock with a receptacle  100  by means of the locking arms  1050  engaging a lip  155  surrounding an opening at the upper end  110  of the receptacle  100 . 
     Cap  1000  has a number of longitudinal ribs  1060  extending axially along an inner surface of the upper portion  1010 . In various embodiments, the ribs  1060  are equiangularly spaced about the inner surface of the upper portion. In one embodiment, each rib  1060  has associated therewith a longitudinally-extending indention or recess  1034  formed on an exterior surface of the upper portion  1010  opposite the rib  1060 . The recess  1034  may be in the form of a longitudinally extending, concave groove, which, in various embodiments, may be the same length as the rib  1060 . 
     In various embodiments, each rib  1060  transitions into an enlarged, portion  1065  near a lower, distal end thereof. Various embodiments may include a tapered transition between the enlarged portion  1065  and a non-enlarged portion of the rib  1060 . 
     As discussed elsewhere in this disclosure, in various embodiments each rib  1060  and associated recess  1034  cooperate to allow radial flexure of the rib  1060  that enables the rib to conform to the general shape of a portion of a receptacle transfer mechanism inserted into the cap  1000 . 
     A relief, or detent, is provided in one or more of the ribs  1060  by a window, or opening,  1064  cutout of the cap  1000  near the transition between the upper, relatively straight-sided surface  1070  and the lower, tapered portion  1072  of the upper portion  1010 . As shown in  FIG. 3E , each opening  1064 , combined with the enlarged portion  1065  of the rib  1060  located directly above each opening  1064 , forms a relief or detent that receives the lower annular rib  302  of the receptacle transport mechanism  300 . In various embodiments, an opening  1064  is provided in each of at least two ribs  960 . In various embodiments, two openings  1064  are provided at diametrically opposed positions. 
     The relief, or detent structure, provided by the opening  1064  of cap  1000  or the relief  964  or detent of cap  900  physically engages a portion of the tip  300 , such as the annular rib  302 , to frictionally secure the cap  900 ,  1000  on to the receptacle transport mechanism  300  with minimal or no deformation of the plastic material in the vicinity of the relief, thereby avoiding or limiting creep of the plastic material in the vicinity of the detent. 
     Method for Automated Removal of a Cap 
     Occasionally, after process is performed on the cap-receptacle assembly and its contents, such as, for example, centrifugation or incubation under isothermal or thermocycling conditions, it is necessary to access the interior of the receptacle to remove substances therefrom and/or to add substances thereto. Accordingly, in such instances, it becomes necessary to remove the cap  200  (or  900  or  1000 ), from the receptacle  100  to which it is lockingly attached. 
     In another aspect, disclosed herein is a method for automated removal of a cap from a capped reaction receptacle. The method includes providing a cap  200  securably engaging the lip  155  of a receptacle  100 , as shown in  FIG. 3B . Thereafter, performing an automated motion of contacting an inner portion  280  (see  FIGS. 2B, 2F ) of at least one of the plurality of locking arms  250  of the cap  200  with a raised annular ridge defined around a receptacle slot. The receptacle slot may be provided in a receptacle holder of an automated biochemical analyzer, alternatively the receptacle slot may be provided in a card or cartridge intended to be removed from an automated biochemical analyzer. The contacting urges the locking arms  250  away from the lip  155  of the receptacle  100 , thereby disengaging the cap  200  from the receptacle  100 . While the cap  200  is being disengaged from the receptacle  100 , an automated motion is performed to lift the cap  200  away from the receptacle  100 , thereby removing the cap  200  from the receptacle  100 . In various embodiments, the automated motion is performed by a receptacle transport mechanism  300  ( FIG. 3A ), such as, for example, a pipettor or pick-and-place robot. 
     An apparatus for removing a cap from a receptacle in an automated fashion is indicated by reference number  1260  in  FIGS. 12 and 13 .  FIGS. 12 and 13  are partial top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of a cap removal tray  1260 . The tray  1260  includes a base  1262  generally surrounding the tray, and a top wall  1264  supported on the base  1262 . An assembly comprising the cap  200  and receptacle  100  is shown inserted into one of the plurality of cap removal stations  1266  for removing the cap  200  from the receptacle  100 , as will be described below. As shown in  FIG. 13 , when inserted into an opening  1268  of the cap removal station  1266 , the receptacle  100  extends below the top wall  1264 . Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the base  1262  has sufficient height to accommodate the length of the receptacle  100  projecting through the cap removal station  1266  and beneath the top wall  1264 . 
     In  FIGS. 12 and 13 , which are partial views of the cap removal tray  1260 , a matrix of nine cap removal stations  1266  is shown. The cap removal tray  1260  may have any number of cap removal stations  1266 . In various embodiments, the cap removal stations  1266  are oriented in aligned rows and columns. As will be described below, after the cap  200  is removed from the receptacle  100 , the receptacle  100  remains within the cap removal station  1266 . Accordingly, by orienting the cap removal stations  1266  in aligned rows and columns, a spatially indexed orientation is provided so that a receptacle transport mechanism (e.g., an automated pipettor) can accurately identify and/or access any of the receptacles retained within the cap removal tray  1260 . 
     Each cap removal station includes a raised collar  1270  surrounding the opening  1268  and extending above the top wall  1264 . A plurality of resilient tabs  1272 , e.g., four, surround the opening  1268  and extend below the top wall  1264 . In various embodiments, each of the tabs  1272  is angled radially inwardly relative to the center of the opening  1268 . 
     The manner in which a cap is removed from a receptacle by the cap removal station  1266  is shown by the sequence illustrated in  FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C . 
     As shown in  FIG. 14A , when an assembly comprising a cap  200  and receptacle of  100  is inserted though the opening  1268  of a cap removal station  1266  an annular ring  127  formed on the receptacle  100  engages the lower ends of the resilient tabs  1272 , which are angled inwardly so that the distance between the tabs at their lower or distal ends  1274  is less than the diameter of the annular ring  127 . In the illustrated embodiment, the annular ring  127  has a sloped bottom surface  128 . The force of the annular ring  127  being pushed through the resilient tabs  1272  pushes the tabs outwardly, as shown in  FIG. 14A , to thereby permit the receptacle  100  to be pushed through the tabs  1272 . 
     The raised collar  1270  has an outer surface that angles away from the opening  1268  with a larger width (e.g., diameter) at the base of the collar than at the tip of the collar and is configured so that the top edge of the raised collar  1270  will fit inside the undeflected locking arms  250  of the cap  200  to contact the an inner portion  280  (see  FIG. 2B ) of the locking arms  250 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 14B  as receptacle  100  is pushed through the opening  1268  the locking arms  250  slide along the exterior surface of the raised collar  1270 , which is angled outwardly progressing from the top of the collar to the base of the collar, thereby pushing the locking arms outwardly, out of engagement with the lip  155  of the receptacle  100 . Further, as the annular ring  127  of the receptacle  100  clears the lower ends  1274  of the resilient tabs  1272 , the tabs  1272  snap resiliently toward their undeflected positions bearing against an outer surface the receptacle  100  above the annular ring  127 . 
     The lip  155  of the receptacle  100  is spaced apart from the annular ring  127  of the receptacle  100  by a distance generally corresponding to the distance between the top edge, or upper tip, of the raised collar  1270  and the lower ends  1274  of the resilient tabs  1272 . Moreover, the width, or diameter, of the upper edge of the raised collar  1270  generally corresponds to the width, or diameter, of the lip  155  surrounding the opening of the receptacle. Thus, as the receptacle  100  continues to be moved through the opening  1268 , the angled outer surface of the raised collar  1270  moves the locking arms  250  out of engagement with the lip  155 , and the lip  155  comes into contact with the top edge of the raised collar  1270 . At this time, the annular ring  127  of the receptacle  100  clears the lower ends  1274  of the resilient tabs  1272 . The receptacle is then essentially locked within the cap removal station  1266 , with the resilient tabs  1272  and the raised collar  1270  disposed between the lip  155  and the annular ring  127 . The contact between the underside of the lip  155  and the top edge of the raised collar  1270  prevents the locking arms  250  from reengaging the lip  155 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 14C , when the cap  200  is then raised, its locking arms  250  are no longer engaged with the lip  155  of the receptacle  100 , and the receptacle  100  is retained within the cap removal station  1266  by the annular ring  127  in contact with the lower ends  1274  of the resilient tabs  972 . Thus, the cap  200  can be separated from the receptacle  100 , and the receptacle  100  is retained within the cap removal station  1266  of the cap removal tray  1260 . 
     Although the cap removal stations  1266  of the cap removal tray  1260  and the cap  200  and receptacle  100  are shown as having generally circular shapes, the concepts embodied in the cap removal stations  1266  are applicable to different shapes. For example, a cap removal station may have a rectangular shape for remove a cap having similar a rectangular shape from a receptacle also having a similar rectangular shape. 
     In various embodiments, the cap removal tray  1260  comprises an integrally-molded plastic component, and raised collar  1270  and resilient tabs  1272  of each cap removal station  1266  are integrally formed within the top wall  1264 . 
     Multi-Well Tray 
     In another aspect, disclosed herein is a multi-well tray for use in an automated process. Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , a multi-well tray  400 , as shown, includes a base  410  having disposed in a top surface  417  thereof, a plurality of wells  415 ,  416 . A card insert  420  (see also  FIG. 5A ) configured for removable attachment to the base  410 , is attached thereto. When the card insert  420  is attached to the base  410 , a top surface  425  of the card insert  420  is substantially parallel to and flush with the top surface  417  of the base  410 . 
     Disposed in the top surface  425  of the card insert  420 , is a plurality of wells  430 , each configured for containing one or more reagents used for performing a biochemical analysis. Each well  430  of the card insert  420  corresponds to at least one of the wells  415  disposed in the base  410 . Thus, in certain embodiments, after attachment of the card insert  420  to the base  410 , the multi-well tray  400  takes on the uniform appearance of, for example, a multi-well plate. The wells  415 ,  416  disposed in the base  410  may be arranged in pairs, where each pair corresponds to a single well  430  of the card insert  420 . As such, the multi-well tray  400  may include a plurality of sets  435  of wells, where each set  435  includes a first well  415  and a second well  416 , which are disposed in the top surface  417  of the base  410 , and a third well  430  disposed in the top surface  425  of the card insert  420 . The wells of each set  435  of wells may be in alignment with each other, thereby resulting in a multi-well tray  400  that is spatially indexed such than an automated receptacle transport mechanism  300  can accurately identify and/or access any of the plurality of wells when the multi-well tray  400  is placed or inserted into an automated system. In certain embodiments, the multi-well tray  400  includes ten sets  435  of wells. As such, the base  410  is formed with ten pairs of first and second wells  415 ,  416  and the card insert  420  is formed with ten third wells  430 , where each of the first, second, and third wells of the set  435  are arranged in alignment with each other. Thus, the multi-well tray  400  may include ten receptacles  100  and ten caps  200  provided therein for used in an automated biochemical analyzer. 
     The first and second wells  415 ,  416  of the set  435  are configured to receive a cap  200  and a receptacle  100 , respectively. While it should be understood that the terms “first” and “second” as used to distinguish the wells formed in the base  410 , for descriptive purposes, the “first well”, or cap well,  415  will refer to a well configured to receive a receptacle cap  200 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the first well  415  of the base  410  is defined by a cylindrical wall  470  and a bottom wall  472 . Formed in the center of the bottom surface  472  is a protrusion  475  extending upwardly toward the top surface  417  of the base  410 . The protrusion  475  is sized and shaped for engagement, optionally frictional engagement, with a hollow portion  232  of the lower portion  220  of the cap  200 . Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the cylindrical wall  470  may be formed with a plurality of tabs  477  protruding towards the axial center of the first well  415 . Such tabs  477  are configured for securely engaging at least a portion of the cap  200  to prevent the cap  200  from dislodging from the multi-well tray if, for example, the multi-well tray is inverted or shaken. In certain embodiments, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 tabs  477  are formed in the cylindrical wall  470  of the first well. Each of tabs  477  may securely engage the top surface of the flange  240  of the cap  200 . 
     Similarly, the “second well”, or receptacle well,  416  will refer to a well configured to receive a receptacle  100 . As shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the second well  416  is defined by a cylindrical wall  480  and a bottom wall  482 . Formed in the center of the bottom wall  482  is a through-hole  485 . The through-hole  485  is sized and shaped in conformance with the outer surface of the lower portion  120  of the receptacle  100 . As such, the through-hole may be tapered at an angle corresponding to the angle of the lower portion  120 . As shown in  FIG. 7A , the bottom wall  482  of the second well  416  forms an annular ledge at the perimeter of the through-hole for engaging the ring  125  of the receptacle  100 . Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the cylindrical wall  480  may be formed with a plurality of legs  487  protruding towards the axial center of the second well  416 . Such legs  487  are configured for securely engaging at least a portion of the receptacle  100  to prevent the receptacle  100  from dislodging from the multi-well tray if, for example, the multi-well tray is inverted or shaken. In certain embodiments, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 legs  487  are formed in the cylindrical wall  480  of the second well  416 . Each of the legs  487  may securely engage the top surface of the ring  125  of the receptacle  100 . 
     As discussed above, the third well, or reagent well,  430  of each set  435  contains one or more reagents for performing a biochemical analysis. In certain embodiments, the third well  430  of the set  435  contains a lyophilized reagent  495  ( FIGS. 8 and 9C ), and may be sealed with a frangible seal  440  ( FIG. 8 ). For example, each well  430  of the card insert  420  may be sealed with a metallic foil (or foil laminate) using, for example, a pressure sensitive adhesive which is applied to the top surface  425  thereof. The frangible seal  440  may further include a plastic liner, such as a thin veneer of HDPE applied to one or both surfaces thereof, which promotes attachment of the frangible seal  440  to the top surface  425  when a heat sealer is used. Heat sealing is a well-known process and involves the generation of heat and the application of pressure to the surface being sealed, which, in this case, is the top surface  425  or a raised lip  427  (see  FIGS. 4A, 5A ) surrounding the well  430  of the card insert  420 . Alternatively, any known ultrasonic welding procedure using either high frequency or high amplitude sound waves may also be used to affix the frangible seal  440  to the card insert  420 . The card insert  420  may include a plurality of frangible seals  440 , each of which sealing a single well  430 , or may include a single sheet that seals all wells  430  disposed therein. 
     A single lyophilized reagent  495  may be provided in each well  430  of the card insert  420 . However, in certain embodiments, one or more wells  430  of the card insert  420  may contain a different lyophilized reagent  495 , such as a different target-specific reagent. Thus, each well  430  of the card insert  420  may contain a distinct lyophilized reagent  495  compared with the lyophilized reagent  495  contained in at least one other of the plurality of wells  430  therein. In various embodiments, the card insert  420  does not contain non-reagent consumables. As used herein, a “reagent” refers to a substance or mixture for use in a chemical or biochemical reaction. Thus, a “non-reagent consumable” refers to a component that is used by an automated biochemical assay but is not a reagent. Exemplary non-reagent consumables include, but are not limited to, contamination limiting elements, receptacles  100 , and caps  200 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5A-5E , each well  430  of the card insert  420  is defined by a side wall, or well wall,  450  and a bottom, or bottom wall or bottom wall portion,  455 . In various embodiments, the side wall  450  tapers from an upper end thereof to the bottom  455  and may therefore be referred to as a conical wall. As shown in  FIGS. 5B-5E , the bottom  455  of each well may be formed with one or more features to facilitate deposit of and collection of fluid from the well. Such features include, but are not limited to a concave groove  457 ,  460  ( FIGS. 5C, 5D, 5E ), convex ridge (not shown), or a set of grooves positioned in a crisscross pattern (not shown). The features may be located at the axial center of the well  430 , as shown in  FIG. 5C , or may be offset to a side thereof, as shown in  FIG. 5B . Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the side wall  450  may be formed with a plurality of bumps  462  on the surface thereof for additional facilitation of depositing and/or collecting fluids contained therein. The side wall  450  of each well  430  of the card insert  420  may further be formed with a plurality of rigid guides  465  that protrude radially from the side wall  450  towards the axial center of the well  430 . Such rigid guides  465  guide a pipette tip  310  ( FIGS. 8 and 9C ) mounted on an automated pipettor toward the axial center of the well  430  as the tip is lowered therein and may further serve to retain the lyophilized reagent at, or adjacent to, the bottom  455  of the well  430 . In various embodiments, each well  430  may be independently formed with 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 rigid guides  465  protruding from the respective tapered side wall  450 . 
     The features formed at the bottom  455  of the well  430 , such as grooves, ridges, and/or bumps, interfere with the end of a pipette tip inserted into the well  430  and thus prevent the end of the pipette tip from making sealing contact with the bottom  455  so as to prevent a negative pressure build up within the pipette tip during a fluid aspiration. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5E , a feature formed on the bottom  455  of well  430 , such as groove  457 , provides a clearance that prevents a pipette tip  310  from making sealing contact with the bottom  455  of the well  430 . 
     Additionally, in certain embodiments, the side wall  450  of each well  430  of the card insert  420  may include one or more retention features ( FIGS. 8, and 9C-9D ) that can be used to retain the lyophilized reagent  495  at, or adjacent to, the bottom  455  of the well  430  when, for example a diluent is deposited into the well  430  for reconstitution of a lyophilized reagent. In  FIGS. 9C and 9D , the retention features are shown within a well  715  of an alternative embodiment of a multi-well tray  700  described below. In various embodiments, the retention feature may include one or more protrusions or an annular ridge  800  formed above the area to be occupied by the lyophilized reagent  495  and extending toward the axial center of the well  430 . Such protrusions or annular ridge  800  narrow the opening of the side wall  450  such that the opening is smaller than the diameter of the lyophilized reagent  495 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9E , the annular ridge  800  may be formed by inserting one or more heat stakes  880  into the wells  430 , such that the side wall  450  is deformed, thereby forming an annular ridge  800  therein. The one or more heat stakes  880  may be attached to an apparatus  890 , which may heat the one or more heat stakes  880 , thereby providing sufficient heat to deform the side wall  450  at a point along the taper where the diameter thereof equals that of the diameter of the heat stake. 
     In various embodiments, the retention feature may also take the form of one or more solid extensions  810  formed over the area to be occupied by the lyophilized reagent  495 . Such extensions  810  connect opposing areas of the side wall  450 , thereby retaining the lyophilized reagent  495  at, or adjacent to, the bottom  455  of the well  430 . In various embodiments, the side wall  450  may be formed to mimic the thread of a coarse screw as shown at  820 . Such a threaded feature  820  may be formed during injection molding of the well  430  or may be formed by applying a heated screw portion to the well wall, thereby forming a spiral channel along a length thereof, through which fluid may run to the bottom  455  using gravitational force. In various embodiments, the retention feature may be provided in the form of a tapered ring insert  830  that is fixedly attached to the side wall  450  either before or after deposit of the lyophilized reagent  495 . The tapered ring  830  may be formed of plastic and include an exterior surface that tapers in accordance with the taper of the side wall  450 . When present, the tapered ring  830  narrows the opening of the well  430  such that the lyophilized reagent  495  is retained at, or adjacent to, the bottom  455  of the well  430 . 
     Whether the lyophilized bead  495  is formed within the well from an initially liquid reagent or the solid bead is formed outside the well and then placed into the well may depend on whether the retention feature is an integral part of the well. If the retention feature is an integral part of the well, a solid bead could not be placed into the well below the retention feature and a liquid reagent must be dispensed into the bottom of the well and then lyophilized. If the retention feature is not an integral part of the well, a lyophilized bead could be placed into the well, and then the retention feature installed in the well over the lyophilized bead. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9D , the inner surface of a well wall may be substantially vertical as at  840 , while an exterior surface of the well retains its tapered shape. In certain embodiments, the inner surface of the well wall may be substantially vertical as at  840 , while the exterior surface of the well is also substantially vertical (not shown). When present, the vertical wall  840  allows the entirety of a liquid reagent to be lyophilized to settle at the bottom  455  of the well, thereby ensuring reagent uniformity upon lyophilization. 
     In various embodiments, as also shown in  FIG. 9D , the retention feature may be in the form of a capillary insert  850  that is fixedly attached to the well wall. The capillary insert  850  may be formed of plastic and include an exterior surface that tapers in accordance with the taper of the well wall. In an exemplary embodiment, the well and capillary insert  850  may be formed as a single unit. The capillary insert  850  may not extend completely to the bottom of the well, thereby defining a chamber  856  below a bottom end of the capillary insert  850 . The inner surface of the capillary insert  850  may include substantially vertical walls forming a capillary channel  852  extending from an upper end of the insert to a lower end of the insert through which fluid will flow via capillary attraction, and within which the fluid will be retained as a result of the combination of surface tension and adhesive forces between the fluid and the walls of the capillary channel. The capillary insert  850  may further include an open upper end  854  that tapers from a top surface of the insert  850  to the channel  852 . Thus, when a capillary insert  850  is present in a well and a liquid reagent to be lyophilized is deposit therein, the reagent remains held within the capillary channel thereof, and is prevented from flowing into the bottom of the well. After lyophilizing the liquid reagent, the lyophilized reagent  495  remains lodged within the channel  852  of the capillary insert  850 . Deposit of a diluent for reconstitution of the lyophilized reagent  495  is accomplished by addition of the diluent to the tapered open upper end  854  of the capillary insert  850 . The diluent then flows within the capillary channel  852  via capillary attraction and is retained therein as a result of the combination of surface tension and adhesive forces between the diluent and the walls of the capillary channel  852 . Once reconstituted, the reagent may be collected by insertion of the pipette tip  310  into the tapered open upper end  854  of the capillary insert  850  and withdrawing the liquid reagent therefrom. The entirety of the liquid reagent may therefore be collected at the tapered open upper end  854  of the capillary insert  850  since the liquid will travel upwards due to capillary attraction within the channel  852  of the capillary insert  850 . 
     Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the bottom  455  of the well can be formed to include a roughened surface, thereby providing sufficient surface area to which the lyophilized reagent  495  will adhere upon formation thereof. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the lyophilized reagent  495  will adhere to, or adjacent to, the bottom  455  of the well  430  through a static electrical attractive force created on the well wall  450  and/or bottom  455  of the well  430 . In such embodiments, the inner surface of the well  430  is provided with an electrical charge such that the lyophilized reagent  495  adheres thereto. 
     In various embodiments, the retention feature may take the form of an insert through which the pipette tip  310  may be inserted. For example, as shown in  FIG. 9D  the retention feature may be a fingered collar  860  that is fixedly attached to a top portion of the well. The fingered collar  860  may be formed of plastic and include an exterior surface that tapers in accordance with the taper of the well wall. The fingered collar  860  may include one or more (i.e., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8) fingers extending from a bottom surface thereof and protruding along a radius of curvature toward the axial center of the well. The one or more fingers may be flexible such that contact with a pipette tip  310  inserted therein causes the fingers to flex toward the well wall, thereby allowing the pipette tip  310  to pass there through. Upon withdrawal of the pipette tip  310 , the fingers return to a rest position such that the fingers protrude along the radius of curvature toward the axial center of the well. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the retention feature may take the form of a collar  870  that resembles the fingered collar  860  but does not include the one or more fingers protruding therefrom. Such a collar  870  may be fixedly attached to a top or center portion of the well wall and may be formed of plastic and include an exterior surface that tapers in conformance with the taper of the well wall. When present, the collar  870  narrows the well wall to retain the lyophilized reagent  495  at, or adjacent to, the bottom  455  of the well, while allowing the pipette tip  310  to pass there through. 
     Each of the base  410  and card insert  420  may be independently constructed of an injection molded plastic, such as the plastics described above. The plastic used to form the base  410  may be the same or different from the plastic used to form the card insert  420 . For example, the card insert  420  may be formed from a plastic having lower permeability to air and/or moisture than the plastic forming the base  410 . Such plastics may be more expensive than their conventional counterparts but, due to the decreased air and moisture permeability, provide for enhanced stability of reagents, such as lyophilized reagents contained in the wells thereof. Any exterior surface of the base  410  or card insert  420  may further include one or more identifying labels  490 , such as a barcode, 2D barcode, quick response (QR) code, radio frequency identification (RFID), or other human or machine-readable indicia, disposed thereon. The information carried on such label may include identifying information regarding the multi-well tray  400  and/or card insert  420 , including information regarding the reagents contained therein, such as lot number, serial number, assay type, expiration date, etc. In various embodiments, the base  410  may include one or more barcodes and/or QR codes on a side surface thereof for identifying assays to be performed by the automated biochemical analyzer. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4B , the base  410  may be formed with one or more locking arms  445  positioned for locking engagement with the card insert  420 . Additionally, the card insert  420  may be formed with one or more corresponding lock-holes  447  for receiving the locking arms  445  of the base  410 . Once secured into the base  410  by the locking arms  445  and/or the lock-holes  447 , the card insert  420  is prevented from detachment therefrom. However, in certain embodiments, locking arms  445  may be moved out of locking engagement with the card insert  420  to release the card insert  420  from the base  410 . Such releasable engagement provides for reuse of the base  410 , if necessary, and/or replacement of a card insert  420  should the need arise. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6A , base  410  may be further formed with one or more locking fingers  422  disposed on a side surface thereof. The locking fingers  422  are configured for releasably engaging a rack to secure the base  410  to the rack for use in automated processing. In various embodiments, the base  410  may further include a release  437  for urging the locking fingers  422  away from the engaging surface of the rack to facilitate removal therefrom. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6B , the card insert  420  may be secured to the base  410  by means of locking features  424  disposed along opposed sides of the card insert  420  that are configured for locking engagement with cooperating ledges  412  formed in the base  410 . 
       FIGS. 9A-9E  show an alternative embodiment of a multi-well tray  700 . Referring now to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the multi-well tray  700  includes a base  710  having disposed in a top surface  717  thereof, a plurality of wells  715 . The base  710  also includes an arm  720  for engagement by a transport mechanism, such as a rotary distributor (not shown) for transport within an automated biochemical analyzer. As shown in  FIG. 9B , the bottom surface  730  of the base  710  is formed with one or more snap fingers  735 , which define a slot  740  into which an element (not shown) of the biochemical analyzer is inserted. Thus, snap fingers  735  grasp the element (not shown) of the biochemical analyzer, thereby forming a secure attachment thereto. 
     In this alternative embodiment, all of the wells  715  are configured to contain one or more reagents used for performing automated biochemical analysis. Similar to the wells  430  of the multi-well tray insert  420 , each well  715  is defined by an inner side wall  750  and a bottom  755 . In various embodiments, the side wall  750  tapers from a top portion of the well  715  to the bottom  755 , as shown in  FIG. 9C . 
     As discussed above, the bottom  755  of each well  715  may be formed with one or more features to facilitate deposit of and collection of fluid from the well. Such features include, but not limited to a concave groove  457 ,  460  ( FIGS. 5B-5D ), a convex ridge (not shown), or a set of grooves positioned in a crisscross pattern (not shown). The features may be located at the axial center of the well  715 , as shown in  FIG. 5C , or may be offset to a side thereof, as shown in  FIG. 5B . Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the inner wall  750  may be formed with a plurality of bumps  462  ( FIGS. 5B-5D ) on the surface thereof for additional facilitation of depositing and/or collecting fluids contained therein. The inner wall  750  of each well  715  of the card  700  may further be formed with a plurality of rigid guides  465  ( FIG. 5B ) that protrude radially from the inner wall  750  towards the axial center of the well  715 . Such rigid guides  465  guide the tip  310  ( FIGS. 8 and 9C ) mounted on an automated pipettor toward the axial center of the well  715  as the tip is lowered therein and may further serve to retain the lyophilized reagent  495  at, or adjacent to, the bottom  755  of the well  715 . In various embodiments, each well  715  may be independently formed with 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 rigid guides protruding from the respective tapered well wall  750 . 
     Additionally, in certain embodiments, the inner well walls  750  of each well  715  of the card  700  may include one or more retention features  800 ,  810 ,  820 ,  830 ,  840 ,  850 ,  860 ,  870  ( FIGS. 8 and 9C-9D ), as described above, configured to retain the lyophilized reagent  495  at, or adjacent to, the bottom  755  of the well  715  when, for example a diluent is deposited into the well  715  for reconstitution. In various embodiments, the retention features may include an annular ridge  800  formed above the area to be occupied by the lyophilized reagent  495  and extending toward the axial center of the well  715 . In various embodiments, the retention features may also take the form of one or more solid extensions  810  formed over the area to be occupied by the lyophilized reagent  495 . Such extensions  810  connect opposing areas of the well wall  750 , thereby retaining the lyophilized reagent  495  at, or adjacent to, the bottom  755  of the well  715 . In various embodiments, the well  715  may include any of the various inserts  830 ,  850 ,  860 , or  870 , as discussed above. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the well wall  750  may be a vertical wall  840  or may be formed to include a screw thread (i.e., a spiral channel)  820 . Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the bottom  755  of the well can be formed to include a rough surface, thereby providing sufficient surface area to which the lyophilized reagent  495  will adhere upon formation thereof. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the lyophilized reagent  495  will adhere to the bottom  755  of the well  715  through a static electrical attractive force created on the well wall  750  and/or bottom  755  of the well  715 . 
     Cartridge with Communicating Wells 
     In another aspect of the disclosure, a cartridge  500  with communicating wells for use in an automated process is shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , which depict different alternative cartridge embodiments. The cartridge  500  includes a casing  510  having a top surface  517 , a fluid chamber  520 , and a fluid reservoir  515 . In various embodiment, the fluid chamber  520  and the fluid reservoir  515  comprise wells open at the top surface  517 . In various embodiments, as reflected in the drawings, the fluid chamber  520  has a smaller volumetric capacity than the fluid reservoir  515 . As further reflected in the drawings, the perimeter of the open end of the fluid chamber  520  may be smaller than the perimeter of the open end of the fluid reservoir  515 , and thus the exposed surface of a fluid in the fluid chamber  520  would be smaller than the exposed surface of a fluid in the fluid reservoir  515 . 
     The fluid chamber  520  and the fluid reservoir  515  may contain the same liquid, such as a diluent or a reconstitution solution for reconstituting the lyophilized reagent (e.g., lyophilized reagent  495 ). 
     The cartridge  500  may be provided with one or more fluid connections between the fluid chamber  520  and the fluid reservoir  515 . Thus, in various embodiments, one or more openings  525  and/or  527  between the fluid chamber  520  and the fluid reservoir  515  may include one or more channels between the fluid reservoir  515  and the fluid chamber  520  to provide a path through which a liquid or gas may flow between the fluid chamber  520  and the fluid reservoir  515 . An opening, such as opening  527 , between the fluid chamber  520  and the fluid reservoir  515  may be provided by a slot or hole formed in a wall separating the fluid chamber  520  and the fluid reservoir  515 . 
     In various embodiments, a first opening  525  is provided proximate a lower portion of the fluid chamber  520  and the fluid reservoir  515  (e.g., at a base of the casing  510 ) for fluid communication between the fluid chamber  520  and the fluid reservoir  515 , and a second opening  527  is provided proximate an upper end (i.e., near the open ends) of the fluid chamber  520  and the fluid reservoir  515  for fluid communication between the fluid chamber  520  and the fluid reservoir  515 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10A , the cartridge  500  may also include a second fluid reservoir  530  disposed within the casing and adjacent to the fluid chamber  520 . The second reservoir  530  can be utilized to store the same or a different liquid than is stored in reservoir  515 . In certain embodiments the second reservoir  530  is not in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir  515  or the fluid chamber  520 . In certain embodiments the fluid reservoir  515  and the fluid chamber  520  contain a reconstitution solution, and the second reservoir  530  contains oil. 
     In various embodiments, each of the fluid chamber  520 , fluid reservoir  515 , and second reservoir  530  may be sealed with a seal (not shown), such as a metallic foil (or foil laminate). A seal over the fluid reservoir  515 , the fluid chamber  520 , and/or the second reservoir  530  may be provided to prevent spillage of fluid contents in case cartridge  500  is tipped, dropped, shaken, or inverted. The seal also prevents or retards evaporation of the fluid contents of the sealed reservoir or chamber by preventing or limiting exposure to ambient atmosphere. The seal may further include a plastic liner, such as a thin veneer of HDPE applied to one or both surfaces thereof. The seal may be secured using, for example, a pressure sensitive adhesive or heat seal securing the foil to the top surface  517  securing the seal about the perimeter of the opening of each reservoir or chamber. A plastic liner, such as a thin veneer of HDPE applied to one or both surfaces of the seal, promotes attachment of the frangible seal to the top surface  517  when a heat sealer is used. The one or more openings ( 525 ,  527 ) may also be sealed with a frangible seal to prevent exposure to the ambient atmosphere 
     The fluid reservoir  515  and the fluid chamber  520  and any connecting opening(s) are configured so that as fluid is removed from the fluid chamber  520 , replacement fluid flows into the fluid chamber  520  from the fluid reservoir  515  (e.g., through an opening  525  provided proximate a lower portion of the fluid chamber  520  and fluid reservoir  515 ). Moreover, if the fluid reservoir is sealed, one or more conduits may be provided to permit air to flow into the fluid reservoir  515  (e.g., through an opening  527  provided proximate an upper portion of the fluid chamber  520  and fluid reservoir  515 ) as fluid is drawn out of the fluid reservoir  515  to thereby allow the pressure in the reservoir to equilibrate. 
     The chamber  520  may be sealed with a frangible seal that is puncturable by a pipette tip. The entire volume of fluid in the fluid chamber  520  and the fluid reservoir  515  is accessible to a fluid transfer apparatus, but a relatively small surface area of that fluid—e.g., corresponding to the width of the chamber  520  or to the size of a puncture hole formed in a seal over the chamber  520 —is exposed to air. Thus, the configuration of the cartridge  500  retards evaporation of fluids contained therein. 
     An amount of liquid, such as reconstitution solution, may be removed from the fluid chamber  520  within an automated pipettor and transferred to a well (e.g., well  430  or  715 ) to reconstitute a lyophilized reagent (e.g., lyophilized reagent  495 ), as described below. 
     The cartridge  500  may be constructed of an injection molded plastic, such as the plastics described above. As discussed above, the plastic used to form the cartridge  500  may be one having low permeability to air and/or moisture. 
     Any exterior surface of the cartridge  500  may further include one or more identifying labels, such as a barcode, 2D barcode, quick response (QR) code, radio frequency identification (RFID), or other human or machine-readable indicia, disposed thereon. The information carried on such label may include identifying information regarding the cartridge  500 , including information regarding the liquids/reagents contained therein, such as lot number, serial number, assay type, expiration date, etc. 
     Cartridge Rack 
     In another aspect, disclosed herein is a cartridge rack for use in an automated process. With reference now to  FIGS. 11A-11D , the cartridge rack  600  includes a chassis  610  and a handle  620 . A top surface  615  of the chassis  610  is configured for releasable attachment of one or more multi-well trays  400  thereto, and therefore may include a plurality of locking members  625  for releasably engaging the locking fingers  422  of the multi-well tray  400  (see  FIG. 6A ). While the  FIG. 11B  shows that two locking members  625  are provided for each multi-well tray  400 , it should be understood that the number of locking members  625  provided for each multi-well tray  400  will correspond with the number of locking fingers  422  provided on the multi-well tray  400  to be attached thereto. 
     Disposed on a surface of the chassis  610  is a plurality of identifying labels such as machine-readable indicia  630 , such as a barcode, 2D barcode, quick response (QR) code, radio frequency identification (RFID), or other human or machine-readable indicia, disposed thereon. The information carried on such label may include identifying information regarding the cartridge rack  600 , multi-well tray(s)  400  attached thereto, and/or the card insert(s)  420  attached to the multi-well tray(s)  400 , and/or the multi-well tray  400  position on the rack. The machine-readable indicia  630  may be readable through a direct contact connection, a wired connection, or a wireless connection between the cartridge rack  600  on the automated biochemical analyzer. 
     In various embodiments, the chassis  610  is configured for releasable attachment of two or more multi-well trays  400  thereto and may further be configured for releasable attachment to a cartridge with communicating wells  500 . Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, five multi-well receptacles  400  and one cartridge  500  may be releasably attached to the chassis  610  for use in an automated biochemical analyzer. However, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 multi-well trays  400 , and/or 1, 2, 3, or 4 cartridges  500  may be attached to the chassis  610 . 
     System for Automated Reagent-Based Assay 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for an automated reagent-based assay. The system includes a multi-well tray  400  that includes a plurality of wells  430 , a cartridge with communicating wells  500 , and an automated pipettor positioned on a robot arm (not shown). The system includes a housing within which each of the components are located. Each well  430  of the multi-well tray  400  shown and discussed above contains a lyophilized reagent  495  and is arranged in alignment with each other. The wells  430  of the multi-well tray  400  may be sealed with a frangible seal. The multi-well tray  400  may further include a plurality of additional wells  415 ,  416  provided for receiving a receptacle  100  and a cap  200 . When present, the additional wells are positioned in aligned pairs, and the pairs are positioned in alignment with at least one well  430  containing a reagent, such as a lyophilized reagent  495 . Thus, the multi-well tray  400  may contain a plurality of sets  435  of wells, where a first well  415  contains a cap  200 , a second well  416  contains a receptacle  100 , and a third well contains a reagent such as a lyophilized reagent  495 . 
     The cartridge with communicating wells  500  includes a casing  510  having a top surface  517 , a fluid chamber  520 . A first opening  527  is provided in the top surface of the casing having at least one side wall surface extending to, or optionally forming at least a portion of, the fluid chamber. A fluid reservoir  515  is disposed within the casing and in fluid communication with the fluid chamber. In certain embodiments, the cartridge  500  will also include a second reservoir  530  that is disposed within the casing  510  and adjacent to the fluid chamber  520 . 
     The automated pipettor is positioned on a robot arm contained in an automated biochemical analyzer. The automated pipettor is adapted to execute a retrieval and dispense protocol for conducting biochemical reactions. The retrieval and dispense protocol may be performed by a controller (not shown) electrically connected to the robot arm and/or the automated pipettor to retrieve a portion of the reagent from the cartridge  500  and dispense the portion of the reagent into one or more wells of the multi-well tray  400 ,  700  or into one or more receptacles. The retrieval and dispense protocol may then be repeated for automated dispensing of the reagent into each of remaining wells of the multi-well tray  400 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the automated pipettor will receive a command to perform automated actions required for performing an automated reagent-based assay. The automated pipettor is then moved by the robot arm to a position over an unused pipette tip  310  and is lowered to enable frictional attachment thereto. Once the automated pipettor, having the pipette tip  310  attached thereto, is raised such that the pipette tip  310  is not obstructed by additional unused tips and/or other components within the automated biochemical analyzer, the robot arm moves the automated pipettor into a designated position over a cartridge  500 . The automated pipettor is thereafter lowered into the fluid chamber of the cartridge  500 . If present, a frangible seal covering the fluid chamber is punctured by the pipette tip  310 . The automated pipettor then withdraws a predetermined amount of diluent and is raised such that the pipette tip  310  is unobstructed by the cartridge  500  and/or other components within the automated biochemical analyzer. 
     The robot arm then moves the automated pipettor into a designated position over a spatially indexed multi-well tray  400  and then lowers the pipettor such that the pipette tip  310  punctures a frangible seal  440  (if present) covering a well  430  disposed in the card insert  420  attached to the base  410  of the multi-well tray  400 . The diluent is then deposited into the well  430  containing a lyophilized reagent  495  used in the reagent-based assay. Optionally, the automated pipettor will repeatedly aspirate and the dispense the liquid contained in the well  430  to allow sufficient time and fluidic pressure required to reconstitute the lyophilized reagent  495 . The automated pipettor thereafter collects the reconstituted reagent and withdraws the pipette tip  310  from the well  430  of the multi-well tray  400  such that the pipette tip  310  is unobstructed by the well  430  and/or other components within the automated biochemical analyzer. The robot arm then moves the automated pipettor into a second designated position over the spatially indexed multi-well tray  400 . The second position is selected in accordance with the set  435  of wells to which the well  430  of the card insert belongs. The automated pipettor is then lowered into a well  416  containing a receptacle  100 , which may or may not contain a sample undergoing analysis. Optionally, when a sample undergoing analysis is present in the receptacle  100 , the automated pipettor will repeatedly aspirate and then dispense the liquid contained in the receptacle  100  to allow sufficient time and fluidic pressure required to mix the contents of the receptacle  100  within the well  416 , thereby creating a reaction mixture. 
     After optional mixing, the automated pipettor withdraws the pipette tip  310  from the well  416  but leaves the reaction mixture within the receptacle  100 . The robot arm then moves the automated pipettor to a location over a waste receptacle and ejects the pipette tip  310 . After ejection, the robot arm moves the automated pipettor to a third designated position over the spatially indexed multi-well tray  400 . The third position is selected in accordance with the set  435  of wells to which the first and second wells belong. The automated pipettor is then lowered into the third well  415  containing a cap  200  to enable frictional attachment thereto. Once the automated pipettor having the cap  200  attached thereto is raised such that the cap  200  is not obstructed the well  415  and/or other components within the automated biochemical analyzer, the robot arm moves the automated pipettor into the second designated position over the well  416  containing the receptacle  100  containing the reaction mixture. The automated pipettor is then lowered such that the cap  200  is securably attached to the receptacle  100  as described above. As the automated pipettor withdraws from the well  416 , the capped receptacle attached thereto is withdrawn from the well  416  of the multi-well tray  400  for transport to, for example, a thermocycler for automated incubation. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the automated pipettor will receive a command to perform automated actions required for performing an automated reagent-based assay. The automated pipettor is then moved by the robot arm to a position over an unused pipette tip  310  and is lowered to enable frictional attachment thereto. Simultaneously, prior to, or after such movement, a transport mechanism, such as a rotary distributor (not shown) within the biochemical analyzer attaches to an arm  720  of a multi-well tray  700  and transports the multi-well tray  700  to a predetermined position for use in the analysis. 
     Once the automated pipettor, having the pipette tip  310  attached thereto, is raised such that the pipette tip  310  is not obstructed by additional unused tips and/or other components within the automated biochemical analyzer, the robot arm moves the automated pipettor into a designated position over a cartridge  500 . The automated pipettor is thereafter lowered into the oil chamber  530  of the cartridge  500 . If present, a frangible seal covering the oil chamber  530  is punctured by the pipette tip  310 . The automated pipettor then withdraws a predetermined amount of oil and is raised such that the pipette tip  310  is unobstructed by the cartridge  500  and/or other components within the automated biochemical analyzer. 
     The robot arm then moves the automated pipettor into a designated position over a spatially indexed multi-well tray  400  and/or over a receptacle  100 , and the pipettor is lowered such that the pipette tip  310  enters the open end  145  thereof. The oil is then dispensed into the receptacle  100 . Optionally, the procedure of withdrawing oil from the oil chamber  530  of the cartridge  500  is repeated one or more times, depending on the number of reactions to be performed. 
     Thereafter, the automated pipettor withdraws the pipette tip  310  from the receptacle  100 , and the robot arm moves the automated pipettor to a location over a waste receptacle and ejects the pipette tip  310 . After ejection, the robot arm moves the automated pipettor to a position over a second unused pipette tip  310  and lowers the pipettor to enable frictional attachment thereto. Once the automated pipettor, having the second pipette tip  310  attached thereto, is raised such that the pipette tip  310  is not obstructed by additional unused tips and/or other components within the automated biochemical analyzer, the robot arm moves the automated pipettor into a designated position over a second receptacle  100  having therein a sample for analysis, and is lowered such that the pipette tip  310  enters the open end  145  thereof. The sample is then collected from the second receptacle and transferred to the first receptacle  100 . It should be understood that in certain embodiments, the sample will have been previously dispensed into the receptacle prior to deposit of the oil and/or the sample for analysis may be transferred from a material transfer unit (not shown) within the biochemical analyzer. After depositing the sample into the first receptacle, the automated pipettor withdraws the pipette tip  310  from the receptacle  100 , and the robot arm moves the automated pipettor to a location over a waste receptacle and ejects the pipette tip  310 . After ejection, the robot arm moves the automated pipettor to a position over a third unused pipette tip  310  and lowers the pipettor to enable frictional attachment thereto. 
     Once the automated pipettor having the third pipette tip  310  attached thereto is raised such that the pipette tip  310  is not obstructed by additional unused tips, and/or other components within the automated biochemical analyzer, the robot arm moves the automated pipettor into the second designated position over the cartridge  500  and lowers the pipettor into the fluid chamber  520  of the cartridge  500 . If present, a frangible seal covering the fluid chamber  520  is punctured by the pipette tip  310 . The automated pipettor then withdraws a predetermined amount of diluent and is raised such that the pipette tip  310  is unobstructed by the cartridge  500  and/or other components within the automated biochemical analyzer. 
     The robot arm then moves the automated pipettor into a designated position over a spatially indexed multi-well tray  700  and lowers the pipettor such that the pipette tip  310  punctures a frangible seal (if present) covering a well  715  disposed in the multi-well tray  700 . The diluent is then deposited into the well  715  containing a lyophilized reagent  495  used in the reagent-based assay. Optionally, the automated pipettor will repeatedly aspirate and dispense the liquid contained in the well  715  to allow sufficient time and fluidic pressure required to reconstitute the lyophilized reagent  495 . 
     The automated pipettor thereafter collects the reconstituted reagent and withdraws the pipette tip  310  from the well  715  of the multi-well tray  700  such that the pipette tip  310  is unobstructed by the well  715  and/or other components within the automated biochemical analyzer. The robot arm then moves the automated pipettor into the designated position over the first receptacle  100  containing the dispensed oil and sample for analysis. The automated pipettor is then lowered into the open end  145  of the receptacle  100  to dispense the reconstituted reagent. Optionally, the automated pipettor will repeatedly aspirate and dispense the liquid contained in the receptacle  100  to allow sufficient time and fluidic pressure required to mix the contents of the receptacle  100 , thereby creating a reaction mixture. 
     After optional mixing, the automated pipettor withdraws the pipette tip  310  from the receptacle  100  but leaves the reaction mixture within the receptacle  100 . The robot arm then moves the automated pipettor to a location over the waste receptacle and ejects the pipette tip  310 . After ejection, the robot arm moves the automated pipettor to a designated position over a well  415  containing a cap  200  to enable frictional attachment thereto. Once the automated pipettor having the cap  200  attached thereto is raised such that the cap  200  is not obstructed the well  415  and/or other components within the automated biochemical analyzer, the robot arm moves the automated pipettor into the designated position over the receptacle  100  containing the reaction mixture. The automated pipettor is then lowered such that the cap  200  is securably attached to the receptacle  100 . As the automated pipettor is raised, the capped receptacle is lifted from a receptacle holder or well of a multi-well tray  400  for transport to, for example, a centrifuge and/or thermocycler for automated incubation. 
     In certain embodiments, it is desirable to expedite the process of reconstitution of the lyophilized reagent  495 , mixing of the reagent with the test sample, and subsequent capping of the receptacle  100  containing the reagent mixture. In such embodiments, more than one robot arm and automated pipettor may be provided within the automated biochemical analyzer and may be independently controlled to expand the capabilities thereof. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the automated biochemical analyzer may include one or more pick and place robots, which may be used to perform functions not related to collection and/or deposit of liquids, such as capping of a receptacle  100  containing a reaction mixture and/or transport of the capped receptacle to a centrifuge and/or thermocycler for automated incubation. 
     Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the above example, it will be understood that modifications and variations are encompassed within the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter. Accordingly, the present disclosure is limited only by the following claims.