Matrix and associated sample or mixing cup used for removing components of a liquid sample

A method using an automated chemical analyzer for removing a targeted component of a liquid sample comprising the steps of:

• aspirating into a pipette tip a volume of the liquid sample;
• positioning the pipette tip containing the volume of the liquid sample over a mixing cup having an insert mounted within an interior cavity thereof, wherein the insert includes a porous matrix formed of or carrying in an immobilized state functionalized particles, the porous matrix having a porosity that allows the liquid sample to flow therethrough, the insert further having one or more side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall disposed opposite the top wall, the one or more side walls extending between the top wall and the bottom wall, the insert having formed axially therein a central bore, the central bore passing through the insert from the top wall thereof to the bottom wall thereof, and wherein the bore is dimensioned to at least partially receive the pipette tip;
• lowering the pipette tip into the mixing cup such that the pipette tip is at least partially received by the central bore;
• expelling the volume of liquid sample from the pipette tip into the insert, wherein the liquid sample expelled from the pipette tip is drawn into the matrix of the insert and the targeted component of the liquid sample adheres to the functionalized particles of the matrix;
• and
• applying a negative hydraulic or pneumatic pressure on the liquid sample within the matrix, whereby a component-free liquid sample free of the targeted component or having a reduced concentration thereof is drawn from the matrix of the insert and aspirated into the pipette tip for subsequent testing by the automated chemical analyzer.

A method using an automated chemical analyzer for removing a targeted component of a liquid sample comprising the steps of:

• aspirating into a pipette tip a volume of the liquid sample;
• positioning the pipette tip containing the volume of the liquid sample over a mixing cup having an insert mounted within an interior cavity thereof, wherein the insert includes a porous matrix formed of or carrying in an immobilized state functionalized particles, the porous matrix having a porosity that allows the liquid sample to flow therethrough, the insert further having one or more side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall disposed opposite the top wall, the one or more side walls extending between the top wall and the bottom wall, the insert having formed therein a bore, and wherein the bore is dimensioned to at least partially receive the pipette tip;
• lowering the pipette tip into the mixing cup such that the pipette tip is at least partially received by the bore;
• expelling the volume of liquid sample from the pipette tip into the insert, wherein the liquid sample expelled from the pipette tip is drawn into the matrix of the insert and the targeted component of the liquid sample adheres to the functionalized particles of the matrix;
• and
• applying a negative hydraulic or pneumatic pressure on the liquid sample within the matrix, whereby a component-free liquid sample free of the targeted component or having a reduced concentration thereof is drawn from the matrix of the insert and aspirated into the pipette tip for subsequent testing by the automated chemical analyzer.