An automated analyzer having one or more crane assemblies, comprising a liquid handling probe, said liquid handling probe comprising: a) an elongated rigid sheath with a distal terminus; b) a conductive polymer core that is partially enclosed within said elongated rigid sheath, said conductive polymer core comprising an internal fluid conduit and a conductive polymer tip, said conductive polymer tip comprising a portion of the conductive polymer core that protrudes from the distal terminus of the elongated rigid sheath and wherein the conductive polymer core serves as the sole fluid sample and/or liquid assay reagent contact surface of the liquid handling probe, and c) a liquid level sensing mechanism operably connected to the conductive polymer core; a probe mount for securing said liquid handling probe to a crane assembly of the automated analyzer; and a probe guide attached to said probe mount, wherein a pliant member is interposed between the probe mount and said probe guide, and wherein the liquid handling probe is affixed to the probe guide, wherein the elongated rigid sheath is conductive, and the conductive polymer core is in electrical contact with said elongated rigid sheath by intimate contact between the elongated rigid sheath and the polymer core. a liquid handling probe, said liquid handling probe comprising: a) an elongated rigid sheath with a distal terminus; b) a conductive polymer core that is partially enclosed within said elongated rigid sheath, said conductive polymer core comprising an internal fluid conduit and a conductive polymer tip, said conductive polymer tip comprising a portion of the conductive polymer core that protrudes from the distal terminus of the elongated rigid sheath and wherein the conductive polymer core serves as the sole fluid sample and/or liquid assay reagent contact surface of the liquid handling probe, and c) a liquid level sensing mechanism operably connected to the conductive polymer core; a) an elongated rigid sheath with a distal terminus; b) a conductive polymer core that is partially enclosed within said elongated rigid sheath, said conductive polymer core comprising an internal fluid conduit and a conductive polymer tip, said conductive polymer tip comprising a portion of the conductive polymer core that protrudes from the distal terminus of the elongated rigid sheath and wherein the conductive polymer core serves as the sole fluid sample and/or liquid assay reagent contact surface of the liquid handling probe, and an internal fluid conduit and a conductive polymer tip, said conductive polymer tip comprising a portion of the conductive polymer core that protrudes from the distal terminus of the elongated rigid sheath and wherein the conductive polymer core serves as the sole fluid sample and/or liquid assay reagent contact surface of the liquid handling probe, and c) a liquid level sensing mechanism operably connected to the conductive polymer core; a probe mount for securing said liquid handling probe to a crane assembly of the automated analyzer; and a probe guide attached to said probe mount, wherein a pliant member is interposed between the probe mount and said probe guide, and wherein the liquid handling probe is affixed to the probe guide, wherein the elongated rigid sheath is conductive, and the conductive polymer core is in electrical contact with said elongated rigid sheath by intimate contact between the elongated rigid sheath and the polymer core.