Capillary storage and dispensing container

A capillary container which holds a plurality of capillaries in a vertical position which is suitable for use in an automated assay system comprising:

• a removable cover which can be secured on top of the container, the cover providing clearance for the upper portions of a plurality of capillaries which are loaded into the container;
• and
• a base having a plurality of holes arranged in a grid-like pattern which hold capillaries in an upright vertical position, the holes holding the capillaries in a vertical orientation by circumferentially surrounding the capillaries, the base having a lower portion with positions aligned vertically with the tops of the holes which support the capillaries at the bottom ends of the capillaries,
• wherein said container holds 96 capillaries with about 4.5 mm center-to-center spacing.

An injection molded polymeric capillary container which holds ninety-six capillaries in a vertical position comprising:

• a polymeric base which holds the capillaries in a vertical position by a top surface with ninety-six holes which circumferentially surround the- capillaries, with the capillaries extending over one-half inch above the top surface, and a bottom which supports the bottom ends of the capillaries in ninety-six predetermined positions which are vertically aligned with the holes of the top surface;
• and
• a polymeric cover which removably fits over the top of the base and covers the capillaries that are located in the base,
• wherein said container holds capillaries with about 4.5 mm center-to-center spacing.