Multi-well container processing systems, system components, and related methods

A multi-well container processing system, comprising:

• a) at least one tip that comprises at least one inlet and at least one outlet, which inlet communicates with the outlet, wherein the tip is structured such that when the tip is disposed in a selected well of a multi-well container, a space disposed between an outer surface of the tip and sides of, and/or an opening to, the well forms a vent opening;
• b) at least one negative pressure source operably connected to the outlet of the tip;
• and,
• c) at least one controller operably connected to the processing system, which controller is configured to effect:
• i) lowering the tip to a first position in the well, which first position is below a surface of fluid in the well, while applying a first negative pressure to the tip, wherein the tip is lowered at a rate that is faster than the fluid is removed from the well by the negative pressure, and/or lowering the tip to the first position in the well and then apply the first negative pressure to the tip;
• ii) raising the tip to a second position in the well or proximal to the opening to the well, which second position is above the surface of residual fluid in the well;
• and
• iii) applying a second negative pressure to the tip, which second negative pressure is greater than the first negative pressure, wherein the application of the second negative pressure draws air through the vent opening resulting in removal of adherent fluid from the tip and from the sides of the well.

A method of removing fluid from a well of multi-well container, the method comprising:

• a) providing at least one tip that comprises at least one inlet and at least one outlet, which inlet communicates with the outlet, wherein the tip has a cross-sectional dimension that is smaller that a cross-sectional dimension of the well thereby forming a vent opening in a space disposed between the tip and sides of, and/or an opening to, the well when the tip is positioned in the well or proximal to the opening to the well;
• b) lowering the tip to a first position in the well, which first position is below a surface of the fluid, while applying a first negative pressure to the tip, wherein the tip is lowered at a rate that is faster than the fluid is removed from the well by the negative pressure, or lowering the tip to the first position in the well and then applying the first negative pressure to the tip;
• c) raising the tip to a second position in the well or proximal to the opening to the well, which second position is above the surface of residual fluid in the well;
• and,
• d) applying a second negative pressure to the tip, which second negative pressure is greater than the first negative pressure, wherein the application of the second negative pressure draws air through the vent opening resulting in removal of adherent fluid from an outer surface of the tip and from the sides of the well.