An automated blood sample processing system having a primary test tube loader in which primary test tubes having blood samples are placed, a conveyor system for moving test tubes in selectable routes, a centrifuge, a secondary test tube loading area in which empty secondary test tubes are loaded for transportation by the conveyor system, a pipetting system into which primary test tubes and empty secondary test tubes are moved by the conveyor system, the pipetting system serving to aliquot centrifuged samples from each of the primary test tubes into a selected number of secondary test tubes, a bar code printer for printing and attaching a bar code label to each of the secondary test tubes, a capper system into which the secondary test tubes are moved by the conveyor system for attaching a cap to each of the secondary test tubes and a sortation system in which the secondary test tubes are moved by the conveyor system and in which the secondary test tubes are sorted into separate slots in a sortation tray, the secondary test tubes being available for removal from the sortation tray slots for subsequent processing. The system may also include a printer for requisitions disclosing patient demographic and requisition information for use in dispatching batches of labeled secondary tubes.

A sample handling system includes a loading rack for receiving carriers with a plurality of test tubes holding samples. A robotic device transports a carrier with the samples to a positioner that moves the tubes within the carrier into an aspiration position. After aspiration, the robotic device returns the carrier to the loading rack. The system provides for handling of stat samples and automatic retesting of samples.

A robotically manipulable sample handling tool, such as a colony picking head or robotic pipetting tool, includes needles arranged on the tool. Actuators may be associated with each needle to control flow for the needle, e.g., to move the needle and/or draw fluid into/expel fluid from the needle. The actuators may be arranged so that needles are individually controlled by a controller that outputs a number of control signals that is less than the total number of needles. The actuators may be membrane valves that receive two signals from a controller; a first signal that opens or closes the valve, and a second signal that causes fluid flow through the valve to actuate a needle.

A sample handling tool, such as a colony picking head or robotic pipetting tool, includes sample handling needles, e.g., capillaries, arranged on the tool. Actuators are associated with each capillary to control flow for the capillary, e.g., to move the capillary and/or draw fluid into/expel fluid from the capillary. The actuators are arranged so that capillaries may be individually controlled by a controller that is capable of outputting a number of control signals that is less than the total number of capillaries. The actuators may be valves that receive two signals from a controller, a first signal that opens or closes the valve, and a second signal that allows fluid to flow in the valve.

An apparatus for automatically separating at least one compound from a plurality of discrete liquid specimens. One embodiment utilizes sample preparation columns which are automatically fed to a column transport disc. The transport disc is preferably provided with compound bores which allow the columns to be easily positioned, transported past a plurality of reagent/gas dispense stations, and ejected after use. Another aspect of a preferred embodiment provides for separate dispensing of reagent and pressurized gas into the sample preparation columns. Eluate is preferably collected in containers. In order to enhance the drying of the eluate collection containers, heated gas, e.g. air, can be directed into the containers. Alternatively, the eluate containers can be heated and vented to enhance drying.