Method for performing a magnetic separation procedure
A method for performing a magnetic separation procedure that includes transporting a receptacle containing a fluid medium to a first location of a system, where the fluid medium contains both a sample material and a suspension of magnetically-responsive solid supports. At the first location, the fluid medium is exposed to a first magnetic field for a first dwell period, thereby isolating the solid supports within the receptacle, where no portion of the fluid medium is removed from the receptacle at the first location. The receptacle is then transported from the first location to a second location of the system, where the fluid medium is exposed to a second magnetic field for a second dwell period. Following the second dwell period, at least a portion of the fluid medium is removed from the receptacle. A suspension fluid is then dispensed into the receptacle, and the contents of the receptacle are agitated to suspend the solid supports within the suspension fluid.
1. A method for separating an analyte from other components of a sample contained in a receptacle, the method comprising the automated steps of:
(a) with a receptacle transport mechanism, inserting a receptacle containing a fluid medium into a receptacle holding station situated at a first location of a system, wherein the fluid medium contains a sample material and a suspension of magnetically-responsive solid supports adapted to immobilize an analyte thereon;
(b) within the receptacle holding station, exposing the fluid medium to a first magnetic field for a first dwell period, thereby isolating the solid supports within the receptacle, wherein no portion of the fluid medium is removed from the receptacle within the receptacle holding station;
(c) with the receptacle transport mechanism, removing the receptacle from the receptacle holding station and transporting the receptacle between the receptacle holding station and a magnetic separation station situated at a second location of the system;
(d) with the receptacle transport mechanism, inserting the receptacle into the magnetic separation station at the second location of the system;
(e) within the magnetic separation station, exposing the fluid medium to a second magnetic field for a second dwell period, such that the solid supports remain isolated within the receptacle;
(f) at the end of the second dwell period, and while the fluid medium is exposed to the second magnetic field within the magnetic separation station, removing at least a portion of the fluid medium from the receptacle;
(g) after step (f), dispensing a suspension fluid into the receptacle within the magnetic separation station; and
(h) while the receptacle is within the magnetic separation station, removing the second magnetic field and agitating the contents of the receptacle, thereby suspending the solid supports within the suspension fluid.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the solid supports remain substantially isolated within the receptacle during step (c).
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the receptacle holding station includes one or more stationary magnets constructed and arranged to apply the first magnetic field to the contents of the receptacle held in the receptacle holding station, and wherein the magnetic separation station includes one or more magnets constructed and arranged to apply the second magnetic field to the contents of the receptacle held in the magnetic separation station, the one or more magnets of the magnetic separation station being carried by a magnet moving apparatus.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the solid supports remain substantially isolated within the receptacle during step (c).
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first dwell period is longer than the second dwell period.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the solid supports remain substantially isolated within the receptacle during step (c).
7. The method of claim 3 , wherein the first dwell period is longer than the second dwell period.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the solid supports remain substantially isolated within the receptacle during step (c).
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the receptacle is one of a plurality of receptacles of a multiple receptacle device.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the solid supports remain substantially isolated within the receptacle during step (c).
11. The method of claim 3 , wherein the receptacle is one of a plurality of receptacles of a multiple receptacle device.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the solid supports remain substantially isolated within the receptacle during step (c).
13. The method of claim 5 , wherein the receptacle is one of a plurality of receptacles of a multiple receptacle device.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the solid supports remain substantially isolated within the receptacle during step (c).
15. The method of claim 7 , wherein the receptacle is one of a plurality of receptacles of a multiple receptacle device.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the solid supports remain substantially isolated within the receptacle during step (c).
17. The method of claim 1 , wherein the analyte is a nucleic acid.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the solid supports remain substantially isolated within the receptacle during step (c).
19. The method of claim 1 , wherein the receptacle transport mechanism is a receptacle distributor.
20. The method of claim 19 , wherein the receptacle distributor comprises a receptacle carrier assembly which translates along a transport track assembly in an X direction, and wherein the receptacle carrier assembly comprises a receptacle distribution head configured to carry the receptacle supported on a carrier assembly carriage constructed and arranged to effect Z-axis translation and Θ rotation of the distribution head.