Variable geometry fluid sample loader

Abstract

The present invention provides systems and methods for transferring small volume liquid samples between a microtiter plate or block having wells arranged in a given configuration to a plate or block having wells arranged in a differing configuration. In particular, the present invention provides systems and methods for transferring such liquid samples between a standard rectangular microtiter sample reaction/storage block having wells arranged in straight rows and a circular microchannel plate (MCP) having wells arranged in an arc. The system comprises a plurality of moveable arms, wherein each arm is adapted to hold a fluid sample dispensing tube having a distal end. The arms are positionable so that the distal ends of the held tubes can simultaneously access wells arranged in a substantially straight row, such as wells in a standard rectangular 96, 384, 1536 or 3456 well microtiter block. This allows the tubes to extract or aspirate the liquid from the wells. The arms are then repositionable or moveable so that the distal ends of the held tubes can be repositioned to simultaneously access wells arranged in an arc, such as loading wells in a circular MCP.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.