Patent ID: 7932090

Claim:
A method of positioning a sample processing device within a microplate reader having a sample compartment with a floor and a focal plane spaced from the floor of the sample compartment, the method comprising: providing a sample processing device comprising at least one process array, wherein the at least one process array comprises a main conduit and a plurality of process chambers located along the main conduit, and wherein the sample processing device comprises a first major surface with edges at a periphery of the first major surface, and a carrier attached to the top of the major surface of the sample processing device, wherein the carrier comprises compression structures configured to transfer compressive forces to the sample processing device; locating a positioning device proximate the first major surface of the sample processing device, wherein the positioning device comprises a z-axis thickness and a support surface; retaining the sample processing device proximate the support surface of the positioning device, wherein the carrier provides sufficient force to flatten the sample processing device; and locating the sample processing device and the positioning device in the sample compartment of the microplate reader, wherein the positioning device is in contact with the floor of the sample compartment and located between the first major surface of the sample processing device and the floor, wherein the plurality of process chambers are spaced from the floor of the sample compartment by at least a height corresponding to the z-axis thickness, wherein the plurality of process chambers are located within the focal plane of the sample compartment, and wherein the plurality of process chambers would neither be located within the focal plane of the sample compartment nor spaced from the floor of the sample compartment without the positioning device located between the first major surface of the sample processing device and the floor of the sample compartment.