Apparatus for automatic handling of a sample

An apparatus for automatic handling of a sample within a receptacle, said apparatus having an axis A-A and comprising:

• a base having a first end and a second end, said axis A-A extending between the first and second ends;
• a carousel supported on the base and intersected by the axis A-A, said carousel being configured to rotate about the axis A-A;
• and
• a support extending above the carousel between the first and second ends of the base, said support including a carrier configured to move along X, Z coordinate axes to transport receptacles from a first location to a second location;
• wherein, said X coordinate axis is parallel to the axis A-A, said Z coordinate axis is perpendicular to the axis A-A and to the X coordinate axis, and said X and Z coordinate axes define a line of operation;
• wherein, the apparatus is configured so that rotation of the carousel aligns the receptacle with the line of operation of the carrier to allow the carrier to transport the receptacle from the first location to the second location.