Patent ID: 7731414

Claim:
A system for suspending particles, said system comprising: a reagent cartridge comprising a reagent holder for holding a plurality of tubes; a plurality of tubes comprising: a mixing tube for holding particles, said mixing tube having a volumetric capacity in the range of about 1 milliliter to about 100 milliliters, rotatably mounted in said holder, said mixing tube comprising a top end and a lower section positioned on an end opposite to said top end, an interior surface, an exterior surface, a first agitating member, and a second agitating member, each of said first agitating member and said second agitating member formed by extending said interior surface of the mixing tube into the lumen of said mixing tube, the dimensions and positioning of said first agitating member aligned with a first longitudinal groove on said exterior surface of said mixing tube and the dimensions and positioning of said second agitating member aligned with a second longitudinal groove on said exterior of said mixing tube, said mixing tube further comprising at least one slot and a cylindrical member, longitudinally positioned on said lower section of said mixing tube; said reagent holder comprising a body including a first groove and a second groove; a piercing cap assembly positioned over the plurality of tubes, the piercing cap assembly comprising a piercing cap including a first notch, a second notch and one or more protrusions extending from the piercing cap, each protrusion comprising a hollow cylinder, wherein said first notch of said piercing cap engages with said first groove of said reagent holder and said second notch of said piercing cap engages with said second groove of said reagent holder when said piercing cap is in a depressed position; and a plurality of magnetic particles positioned in the lumen of said mixing tube.