Tool for seizing and ejecting closure plugs for tubes receiving samples to be analysed, and use of such a tool

A tool for manipulating a plurality of plugs spaced apart and arranged in a linear manner, each having an upper surface with a cavity, the tool taking the form of a comb including two main faces extending on either side of a main plane and having a first portion adapted for handling by an operator and a second portion adapted for taking the plugs when applying to the first portion, a pivoting movement perpendicular to the main plane, the tool comprising:

• a body provided with a row of teeth projecting from the second portion of the comb in directions of extension parallel to each other and spaced apart in a linear direction in order to be intended to engage with the cavities of the plugs;
• and
• a separation system for separating the plugs from the teeth comprising a control for moving fingers of the comb engaged between the teeth;
• wherein:
• the two main faces extend along the main plane from a proximal end to a distal end, the row of teeth are disposed on the distal end, and the control is disposed closer to the proximal end than the distal end;
• the teeth include pointed distal portions oriented in directions perpendicular to the main plane of the comb, to be intended to engage in the plugs during the pivoting movement;
• the separation system comprises a slide configured to be returned elastically and guided to slide with respect to the body in a direction parallel to the direction of extension of the teeth, the slide including the fingers of the comb, which are movable by sliding between the teeth;
• and
• the control is accessible from the first portion of the comb and is configured to be pressed in a direction parallel to the main plane to move translationally to cause the fingers of the comb to slide in the direction of the pointed distal portions in order to eject the plugs from the teeth.