Sample processor

1. A sample delivery system comprising

(i) a cartridge comprising a body section, wherein the body section is adapted to hold a holder for accommodating a sealed sample vessel so as to fix a position of a seal of the sample vessel in relation to the cartridge wherein at least a seal region of the sample vessel is substantially enclosed when held within the body section of the cartridge;

(ii) a holder for accommodating the sealed sample vessel, which is insertable into the body section of the cartridge, the holder being moveable with respect to the body section from a sample vessel receiving position to a closed position in which the desired position of the sample vessel in relation to the cartridge is achieved;

(iii) a locking mechanism for fixing the sample vessel in the closed position; and

(iv) an apparatus adapted to receive said cartridge, said apparatus being provided with an opening system for opening said sealed sample vessel contained within the cartridge;

wherein in the closed position, the seal of the sample vessel is covered and is completely enclosed by the cartridge, holder or locking mechanism and is no longer accessible for removal or breach by an operator.

2. The system according to claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a snap fit tongue or flange, which is provided on the holder for the sample vessel and arranged to engage in a slot provided in the body section of the cartridge.

3. The system according to claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism is arranged so that it will not operate until the sample vessel is appropriately positioned within the holder.

4. The system according to claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism retains the sealed sample vessel in the body section.

5. The system according to claim 1 wherein the opening system comprises an actuator which is able to act on the sealed sample vessel within the holder within the cartridge in the apparatus and urge the seal of the sealed sample vessel into contact with a piercing needle or piercing element.

6. The system according to claim 1 which is adapted to hold a sealed tube as the sealed sample vessel.

7. The system according to claim 1 wherein the sealed sample vessel is provided with a cap having a piercable membrane in an upper surface thereof.

8. The system according to claim 1 wherein the sealed sample vessel is a sealable tube.

9. The system according to claim 8 wherein the sealable tube includes an integral swab.

10. The system according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus comprises further elements which allow the analysis or further investigation of a sample to be continued.

11. The system according to claim 1 wherein further elements which are useful in the subsequent procedures to which a sample is to be subjected are provided on the cartridge.

12. The system according to claim 11 wherein the further elements comprise reagent chambers for holding reagents or materials required to continue a chemical, biochemical, analytical or other assay of the sample.

13. The system according to claim 11 wherein the cartridge further comprises moveable components which are useful in or otherwise facilitate further chemical or biochemical reaction, analysis or assay of the sample.

14. The system according to claim 11 wherein the apparatus comprises a moveable arm, able to interact with any moveable component on the cartridge.

15. The system according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus comprises a processing component useful in further chemical or biochemical reaction, analysis or assay of a sample, which is reusable.

16. The system according to claim 15 which further comprises a sheath adapted to cover said component when in use.

17. The system according to claim 16 wherein the sheath is provided as a moveable component on the cartridge.

18. The system according to claim 16 wherein the sheath is of a thermally conducting plastic or elastomeric material.