A sample processing module (30; 40; 60; 122; 136; 170), comprising: a housing (12; 130) including an internal space (20; 172) configured to receive at least one sample and to accommodate a pre-identified sample process to be performed on an associated sample; and standardized components configured to interface the module (30; 40; 60; 122; 136; 170) with a sample processing system, wherein the standardized components include: a standardized temperature input configured to interface with a temperature controller of the sample processing system in order to provide temperature regulation to the internal space (20; 172); a standardized fluid input (16; 32; 42; 66; 88) configured to interface with an input fluid controller of the sample processing system to control fluid flow to the internal space (20; 172) of the sample processing module (30; 40; 60; 122; 136; 170); and a standardized agitation connector configured to interface with an agitator of the sample processing system to provide a secure coupling between the sample processing module (30; 40; 60; 122; 136; 170) and the agitator; wherein the standardized components provide interchangeability of the module (30; 40; 60; 122; 136; 170) with another module (30; 40; 60; 122; 136; 170) having standardized components and a housing (12; 130) including an internal space (20; 172) differently configured so as to accommodate a different pre-identified sample process to be performed on an associated sample in the sample processing system, characterized in that the sample processing module (30; 40; 60; 122; 136; 170) further comprises a sample process insert (22; 26; 180) configured to retain at least one sample and configured to be inserted into the internal space (20; 172), wherein the sample process insert (22; 26; 180) includes a member selected from the group consisting of a microscope slide, a microarray, a sample basket (182; 200), an ELISA cuvette, an electrophoresis gel, a blotter, a filter, and combinations thereof, wherein the internal space (20; 172) configured to accommodate the pre-identified sample treatment process is sized to hold a single sample process insert (22; 26; 180), and wherein the internal space (20; 172) differently configured so as to accommodate the different pre-identified sample process is sized to hold multiple sample process inserts (22; 26; 180), wherein each sample process insert (22; 26; 180) is configured to retain at least one sample and configured to be inserted into the internal space (20; 172). a housing (12; 130) including an internal space (20; 172) configured to receive at least one sample and to accommodate a pre-identified sample process to be performed on an associated sample; and standardized components configured to interface the module (30; 40; 60; 122; 136; 170) with a sample processing system, wherein the standardized components include: a standardized temperature input configured to interface with a temperature controller of the sample processing system in order to provide temperature regulation to the internal space (20; 172); a standardized fluid input (16; 32; 42; 66; 88) configured to interface with an input fluid controller of the sample processing system to control fluid flow to the internal space (20; 172) of the sample processing module (30; 40; 60; 122; 136; 170); and a standardized agitation connector configured to interface with an agitator of the sample processing system to provide a secure coupling between the sample processing module (30; 40; 60; 122; 136; 170) and the agitator; a standardized temperature input configured to interface with a temperature controller of the sample processing system in order to provide temperature regulation to the internal space (20; 172); a standardized fluid input (16; 32; 42; 66; 88) configured to interface with an input fluid controller of the sample processing system to control fluid flow to the internal space (20; 172) of the sample processing module (30; 40; 60; 122; 136; 170); and a standardized agitation connector configured to interface with an agitator of the sample processing system to provide a secure coupling between the sample processing module (30; 40; 60; 122; 136; 170) and the agitator; wherein the standardized components provide interchangeability of the module (30; 40; 60; 122; 136; 170) with another module (30; 40; 60; 122; 136; 170) having standardized components and a housing (12; 130) including an internal space (20; 172) differently configured so as to accommodate a different pre-identified sample process to be performed on an associated sample in the sample processing system, characterized in that the sample processing module (30; 40; 60; 122; 136; 170) further comprises a sample process insert (22; 26; 180) configured to retain at least one sample and configured to be inserted into the internal space (20; 172), wherein the sample process insert (22; 26; 180) includes a member selected from the group consisting of a microscope slide, a microarray, a sample basket (182; 200), an ELISA cuvette, an electrophoresis gel, a blotter, a filter, and combinations thereof, wherein the internal space (20; 172) configured to accommodate the pre-identified sample treatment process is sized to hold a single sample process insert (22; 26; 180), and wherein the internal space (20; 172) differently configured so as to accommodate the different pre-identified sample process is sized to hold multiple sample process inserts (22; 26; 180), wherein each sample process insert (22; 26; 180) is configured to retain at least one sample and configured to be inserted into the internal space (20; 172).