Patent ID: 8414845

Claim:
A sample processing vessel comprising a branch segment and at least two tracks comprising a first and a second track, wherein: the at least two tracks are fluidly isolated from one another by a permanent seal; each track comprises a plurality of segments, each segment being: defined by at least one wall of the sample vessel; fluidly isolated from an adjacent segment in its track by a breakable seal that: is formed by a bonding between opposed sections of the wall; and irreversibly opens upon application of fluid pressure greater than a threshold value to permit selective fluid communication between the opposed sections; so expandable as to receive a volume of fluid expelled from another segment; and so compressible as to contain substantially no fluid when so compressed; one or more breakable seals temporarily fluidly isolate the branch segment from the at least two tracks, the breakable seal formed by a bonding between opposed sections of the wall, and irreversibly opens upon application of fluid pressure greater than a threshold value to permit selective fluid communication between the opposed sections; and the branch segment is in fluid communication with each of the at least two tracks once the branch segment breakable seal is broken, such that fluid received by the branch segment is divided into portions that pass into both tracks; wherein at least one segment in said first track contains a reagent selected for performing a first assay; at least one segment in said second track contains a reagent selected for performing a second assay; and at least one segment not in said first or second tracks contains a reagent for preparation of a sample for said first and second assays.