Sample tube adapters and methods of use thereof

An apparatus dimensioned to fit onto a multi-well format plate, the apparatus comprising:

• an array of sample tube adapters arranged on a structure having a bottom surface and a top surface;
• the bottom surface of the structure including a plurality of separate open ended first members dimensioned to fit into a corresponding plurality of sample wells of the multi-well format plate;
• the top surface of the structure including a plurality of separate second members in fluid communication with each of the first members, each tapered member including:
• a tapered portion that that tapers distally from a first width adjacent to a first member to a second smaller width at a distal end of the second member;
• and
• an open distal end providing a narrowed exit site defined by the tapered portion, wherein the open distal end is dimensioned to allow gases to escape from a sample well of the multi-well format plate with increased velocity without buildup of pressure inside the sample well.

A method for preventing cross-contamination of samples prepared in close proximity to one another, the method comprising:

• providing at least two sample tubes, wherein each of the at least two sample tubes includes a sample to be analyzed;
• fitting a sample tube adapter into each of the at least two sample tubes, the sample tube adapter being configured for preventing cross-contamination between each of the at least two tubes, the sample tube adapter including:
• an open proximal end defined by a first member dimensioned to be inserted into a sample tube;
• a tapered member that that tapers distally from a first width adjacent to the first member to a second smaller width at a distal end of the sample tube adapter;
• and
• an open distal end providing a narrowed exit site defined by the tapered member, wherein the open distal end is dimensioned to allow gases to escape from the sample tube with increased velocity without buildup of pressure inside the sample tube;
• and
• with the sample tube adapters in place, performing at least one sample preparation step to prepare the samples to be analyzed for analysis.

A kit, comprising:

• a multi-well format plate;
• and
• a mat having a bottom surface and a top surface, the bottom surface being dimensioned to fit onto the multi-well format plate, the mat comprising:
• the bottom surface of the mat including a plurality of separate open ended first members dimensioned to fit into a corresponding plurality of sample tubes of the multi-well format plate;
• the top surface of the mat including a plurality of separate second members in fluid communication with each of the first members, each tapered member including:
• a tapered portion that that tapers distally from a first width adjacent to a first member to a second smaller width at a distal end of the second member;
• and
• an open distal end providing a narrowed exit site defined by the taper, wherein the open distal end is dimensioned to allow gases to escape from a sample tube with increased velocity without buildup of pressure inside the sample tube.