Systems and methods for automated preparation of biological specimens

An automated system for processing a sample contained in a liquid sample container, the system comprising:

• a sample container holder configured for holding a sample container;
• a supplemental container holder configured for holding a supplement container;
• an automated tool head configured to rotate about a first axis, and to translate along a second axis different than the first axis;
• a first capping device disposed on the tool head and configured to controllably grip and release a cap of a sample container held in the sample container holder, wherein the tool head is configured to automatically position the first capping device proximate the sample container cap through one or both of rotation of the tool head about the first axis and translation of the tool head along the second axis, and wherein the first capping device operatively cooperates with the sample container holder to remove or install the sample container cap;
• a second capping device disposed on the tool head and configured to controllably grip and release a cap of a supplemental container held in the supplemental container holder, wherein the tool head is configured to automatically position the second capping device proximate the supplemental container cap through one or both of rotation of the tool head about the first axis and translation of the tool head along the second axis, and wherein the second capping device operatively cooperates with the supplemental container holder to remove or install the supplemental container cap;
• a pipettor carried by the tool head, the pipettor having a pipette tip engaging member configured to releasably engage pipette tips, wherein the tool head is configured to automatically position the pipette tip engaging member into a position in which a pipette tip engaged on the pipette tip engaging member is inserted into a sample container held in the sample container holder, and into a position in which the engaged pipette tip is inserted into a supplemental container held in the supplemental container holder, respectively, through one or both of rotation of the tool head about the first axis and translation of the tool head along the second axis;
• and
• the system is configured to automatically cause the pipette tip engaging member to draw an aliquot of a sample from the sample container, and dispense the obtained sample aliquot into the supplemental container.