Patent ID: 7081228

Claim:
An apparatus for preparing a fluid sample, the apparatus comprising: a) a first part including i) a pipette tip having an open tip end, and ii) a sample cup, fluidly coupled with the pipette tip and having an open end; and b) a second part including i) a channel for receiving the pipette tip of the first part, ii) a support for accommodating at least a portion of the sample cup of the first part, and iii) a constricted passage, arranged between the channel and the support, for collapsing the pipette tip of the first part as the first part is inserted into the second part, wherein the pipette tip of the first part and the constricted passage of the second part are designed such that, as the pipette tip passes through the constricted passage, walls defining the pipette tip collapse inwardly and form a liquid seal.