Patent ID: 8550697

Claim:
A system for suspending particles, said system comprising: a reagent cartridge comprising a reagent holder for holding a plurality of tubes; said 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, at least a first agitating member, and at least one slot longitudinally positioned on said lower section of said mixing tube with one end of said slot positioned and open on the lower section of said tube; and, a motor operatively connectable to said slot, said motor having a linear actuator for engaging said slot and rotating said mixing tube, wherein rotation of said mixing tube actuates said agitating member thereby suspending said particles.