Importance

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Abstract

A disposable tube includes an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the inlet end of a first tube is self-locking, self-aligning, self-mating, self-sealing and adapted to detachably engage an outlet end of a second tube. The tube may be filled with separation material. The tubes may be used for micro fluidic separation and fluid transfer. Also included is a tube array having a plurality of tube holders adjacent to one another. Each tube holder has a passageway configured to receive a tube. Each passageway constrains the movement of a tube in the array: allowing free movement of the tube along the tube axis, while allowing limited sideways movement of the tube, so that the tube is held in alignment with a corresponding input port of, for example, a sample transfer device. The tubes are compatible with automated sample handling systems including an array of tubes pre-filled or partially pre-filled with sample; a sample transfer device; and a robotic fluid control system for loading the tubes and actuating the sample transfer device; wherein the samples are dispensed from the tube array into a sample detection device.

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First Claim