Devices and methods for test sample preparation

A housing which holds a sampler tray containing vials for receiving a liquid sample, the housing comprising:

• a generally cylindrical body including open and closed ends and having an interior and an exterior;
• a vacuum channel providing fluid communication between the interior of the cylindrical body and the exterior of the cylindrical body;
• and
• a key mechanism including a post having first and second ends, the first end of the post being attached to the closed end of the cylindrical body, an annular protrusion disposed at the second end of the post, and a notch disposed within the annular protrusion, wherein the key mechanism is arranged to orient the sampler tray and the vials with respect to the housing.

A method for simultaneously preparing multiple test samples for automated liquid chromatography, the method comprising:

• depositing test samples into a plurality of wells;
• simultaneously passing the test samples through porous media disposed in the wells;
• and
• depositing the filtered test samples directly into vials removably coupled to a sampler tray.

A method for automated liquid chromatography comprising:

• depositing test samples into a plurality of wells;
• simultaneously passing the test samples through porous media disposed in the wells;
• depositing the filtered test samples directly into vials removably coupled to a sampler tray;
• and
• directing the filtered test samples contained in the vials removably coupled to the sampler tray through an automated liquid chromatography device.