High throughput dispenser

A method of transferring of aqueous samples, comprising:

• receiving a sample from a sample source to a plurality of separate capillary channels each comprising a first end and a second end;
• drawing a predetermined volume of sample through the first end of each of the plurality of separate capillary channels using capillary action;
• applying positive pressure to the first end of each of the plurality of separate capillary channels;
• dispensing the entire predetermined volume of sample through the second end of each of the plurality of separate capillary channels to a sample receiving location.

A dispenser comprising:

• (a) an array of capillaries for transfer of aqueous samples, said array comprising:
• a plurality of separate capillary channels each comprising a first end and a second end;
• and
• (b) a support structure orienting the first end as a first footprint and orienting the second end as a second footprint,
• wherein each of the plurality of separate capillary channels have the substantially same volume capacity,
• wherein the first end is adapted to draw the same predetermined volume of sample from a sample source, and
• wherein the first footprint and second footprint have a different area.

An array of capillaries for transfer of aqueous samples, comprising:

• a plurality of separate capillary channels each comprising a first end and a second end;
• and
• a support structure orienting the first ends as a first footprint and orienting the second ends as a second footprint,
• wherein the first end is adapted to draw a predetermined volume of sample from a sample source,
• wherein the second end is adapted to dispense the predetermined volume of sample to a sample receiving location wherein both the second end and the sample receiving location are adapted to remain substantially stationary during the dispensing, and
• wherein the first footprint and second footprint have a different area.

A system for dispensing comprising:

• a sample source;
• an array of capillaries for transfer of a sample from the sample source, the array of capillaries comprising:
• a plurality of separate capillary channels each comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is adapted to draw a predetermined volume of sample from the sample source,
• a pressure source capable of operably connecting to the first ends of the plurality of separate capillary channels wherein the pressure source may effect a transfer of the predetermined volume of sample entirely from the first end to the second end, and
• a support structure orienting the first ends as a first footprint and orienting the second ends as a second footprint, wherein the first footprint and second footprint have a different area;
• a sample receiving location for receiving the predetermined volume of sample from the second end, wherein the sample receiving location contacts a temperature block;
• and
• an optical detection device directed to the sample receiving location.

A sample transfer block, comprising:

• a plurality of separate capillary channels embedded therein, each comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is adapted to draw a predetermined volume of sample from a sample source;
• a pressure source capable of operably connecting to the first ends of the plurality of separate capillary channels wherein the pressure source may effect a transfer of the predetermined volume of sample entirely from the first end to the second end;
• and
• a support structure orienting the first ends as a first footprint and orienting the second ends as a second footprint, wherein the first footprint and second footprint have a different area.