Patent ID: 7219800

Claim:
A modular array arrangement for use in a screening assay comprising: a carrier; and at least one insert for attachment to said carrier, said at least one insert having a first connecting means arranged on at least one of the external wall of said at least one insert so as to extend outward therefrom, said carrier having at least one location for receiving one of said at least one insert and comprising a second connecting means, said second connecting means being arranged in, adjacent to, or formed by said at least one location, wherein said first connecting means or said second connecting means have first and second portions having different cross-sectional shapes so as to define an asymmetric structure or form, said first connecting means unambiguously matching with said second connecting means, said unambiguously matching permitting the alignment of said at least one insert in a predetermined orientation in or on said carrier so as to prevent rotational movement of the at least one insert in the carrier and excluding an incorrect insertion of said at least one insert, and said insert having at least one section defined for receiving a sample, said at least one section being provided with or adapted for receiving operational means wherein said first connecting means, or said second connecting means is adapted to serve as a grip that extends outward from the insert a distance sufficient to permit transfer of the insert by a user or an automated machine while reducing the potential, of contact by the user or the automated machine of the contents of the insert.