WO2009074177A1 - Processeur d'échantillons médico-légaux - Google Patents

Processeur d'échantillons médico-légaux Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009074177A1
WO2009074177A1 PCT/EP2007/063818 EP2007063818W WO2009074177A1 WO 2009074177 A1 WO2009074177 A1 WO 2009074177A1 EP 2007063818 W EP2007063818 W EP 2007063818W WO 2009074177 A1 WO2009074177 A1 WO 2009074177A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tube
frame
forensic
sample processor
forensic sample
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2007/063818
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Steve Elliott
Graeme Daniels
Original Assignee
Tecan Trading Ag
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tecan Trading Ag filed Critical Tecan Trading Ag
Priority to PCT/EP2007/063818 priority Critical patent/WO2009074177A1/fr
Publication of WO2009074177A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009074177A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
    • B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
    • B01L3/5025—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures for parallel transport of multiple samples
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
    • B01L2200/02—Adapting objects or devices to another
    • B01L2200/026—Fluid interfacing between devices or objects, e.g. connectors, inlet details
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
    • B01L2300/0809—Geometry, shape and general structure rectangular shaped
    • B01L2300/0829—Multi-well plates; Microtitration plates
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
    • B01L2300/0848—Specific forms of parts of containers
    • B01L2300/0854—Double walls
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
    • B01L2300/0848—Specific forms of parts of containers
    • B01L2300/0858—Side walls
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
    • B01L2400/04—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means
    • B01L2400/0475—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure
    • B01L2400/0487—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure fluid pressure, pneumatics
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
    • B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
    • B01L3/5029—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures using swabs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/56—Labware specially adapted for transferring fluids
    • B01L3/563—Joints or fittings ; Separable fluid transfer means to transfer fluids between at least two containers, e.g. connectors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a forensic sample processor for collecting solid forensic samples and/or for extracting biological material from forensic samples according to the features of claim 1 as well as to the use of such a forensic sample processor.
  • the forensic sample processor comprises a number of tubes. Each tube comprises a peripheral wall that encloses a sample space and a bottom.
  • the forensic sample processor also comprises a frame with a footprint that essentially corresponds to the footprint of a standard microplate.
  • the frame comprises a series of parallel, longitudinal walls and parallel, transverse walls that extend essentially perpendicular to each other and to the foot print of the sample processor and that encase compartments, within each one of which an individual tube can be closely placed in an upright manner.
  • the collection of samples containing nucleic acid in order to determine the genetic code is currently increasingly gaining in significance.
  • the collection of genetic samples in the meaning of a "genetic fingerprint" is becoming more and more important in two regards: firstly, the ge- netic code is to be acquired from criminals who have already been arrested and secondly the acquired data is to be compared to unknown traces found at a crime scene, for example.
  • fresh and clearly identified samples are used to build up a data bank, which may be accessed in the second case.
  • the collected samples are often incomplete, con- taminated, and damaged, thus complicating the forensic work.
  • forensic refers to anything, which has a legal or criminological character. The term is thus not only restricted to the fields of criminal law (e.g., legal medicine), but rather comprises any professional activity within any legal proceeding.
  • Forensically relevant samples also comprise proteins (e.g., the pri- ons causing Creutzfeld-Jacob syndrome, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE respectively), viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms, human or animal bodily fluids (such as blood, sputum, feces, sperm, and urine), and single cells (such as oral mucosa cells and hair follicles).
  • proteins e.g., the pri- ons causing Creutzfeld-Jacob syndrome, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE respectively
  • viruses e.g., the pri- ons causing Creutzfeld-Jacob syndrome, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE respectively
  • viruses e.g., the pri- ons causing Creutzfeld-Jacob syndrome, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE respectively
  • viruses e.g., the
  • RNA deoxyribonucleic acid
  • DNA deoxyribonucleic acid
  • RNA ribonucleic acids
  • Containers for collecting samples and for manually preparing the collected samples for an analysis or a PCR reaction are known from WO 2004/105949 Al.
  • Containers for performing the collection and subsequent PCR reaction in the field are known from US 2004/0214200 Al.
  • these known methods appear quite complicated and the containers appear unsuitable for automated and/or robotic processing of samples.
  • Automated nucleic acid isolation is e.g., known from US 5,863,801.
  • the device described in this patent is designed to be used as a stand-alone device and does not work with the existing automation and instruments typically used in forensics and research laboratories, such as a TECAN automated liquid handler (TECAN GmbH AG, Seestrasse 103, CH-8708 Mannedorf, Switzerland). Given the resources required for such a laboratory to validate their processes, it is of significant value to have a consumable that can closely mimic their validated manual processes and be used on existing instrumentation.
  • a device for incubation, centrifugation and separation of DNA samples on a solid support is known as the SlicprepTM 96 device from PROMEGA Corp. (2800 Woods Hollow Road, Madison, WI 53711 USA). This device is made from polypropylene and is based on a 96 - deep well microplate, a 96 spin basket unit, and a collar for raising the baskets.
  • the solid supports or forensic samples e.g. dried buccal swabs
  • Digestion buffer or lysis buffer is added to cover the samples and the sealed unit is incubated at a desired temperature.
  • the baskets are then raised and a collar is inserted so that centrifugation in a swinging plate rotor will remove the extract, i.e., the DNA-containing solution from the solid supports or forensic samples.
  • the deep well plate can then be placed on a workstation for purifying the DNA.
  • the FITZCO Spin-ezeTM device is a single tube device consisting of a basket unit and an Eppendorf type receiving tube.
  • solid supports containing DNA i.e., swabs
  • Digestion or lysis buffers are added to cover the forensic samples and the sealed unit is incubated and later centrifuged to make the DNA-containing solution flow from the basket to the tube.
  • the basket is then manually removed and the tube can be placed on a workstation for purifying the DNA.
  • a sample tube contains the swab or other DNA containing forensic material. Buffers are added to the sample tube for initial processing and a receiving tube is attached upside down to the top of the sample tube.
  • a rack with an array of such "double- tubes” is moved into a "flipping” device, which rotates the two connected tubes so that the liquid can flow via the filter from the now upper sample tube into the lower receiving tube during a subsequent centrifugation.
  • the tubes then may be separated. Also this system needs manual manipulation and in addition, special devices for flipping the tubes are required.
  • An object of the present invention is to suggest an alternative device and/or an alternative method, which enable bound molecules, such as nucleic acids, to be collected, processed and/or removed fully automatically from solid supports, such as buccal swabs.
  • a forensic sample processor for collecting solid forensic samples and/or for extracting biological material from these forensic samples according to the features of claim 1.
  • the forensic sample processor comprising : (a) a number of tubes, each tube comprising a peripheral wall that encloses a sample space and a bottom; and (b) a frame with a footprint that essentially corresponds to the footprint of a standard microplate, the frame comprising a series of parallel, longitudinal walls and parallel, transverse walls that extend essentially perpendicular to each other and to the foot print of the sample processor and that encase compartments, within each one of which an individual tube can be closely placed in an upright manner.
  • each tube comprises an essentially vertical partition wall adjoining to an essentially horizontal partition wall, both partition walls being sealingly attached to the inner surface of the tube peripheral wall and enclosing an evacuation space with a pouring channel that is open at a top end and that is connected to the tube bottom, wherein each vertical partition wall comprises at least one opening that is located near the tube bottom.
  • a first particularly preferred embodiment of the forensic sample processor is characterized in that the peripheral wall of each tube is cylindrical, the tube comprising a collar that ensures an exact fit and orientation of the tube in its compartment.
  • a second particularly preferred embodiment of the forensic sample processor is characterized in that the peripheral wall of each tube is octagonal.
  • the forensic sample processor according to a first variant of the present inven- tion is characterized in that the pouring channel of each tube has a lower end with a nozzle that reaches beyond the tube bottom.
  • the forensic sample processor according to a second variant of the present invention is characterized in that the pouring channel of each tube has a lower end that is formed as a funnel in the underside of the tube bottom.
  • This object is achieved according to a second aspect by a method for collecting solid forensic samples and/or for extracting biological material from these forensic samples according to the features of claim 26.
  • Each forensic sample is individually processed in a single tube, which serves to the chain of custody with respect to the safe tracking of each sample.
  • the single tube functionality greatly minimizes the danger of cross contamination between samples. -
  • the utilization of the forensic sample processor/tube assembly provides for a higher throughput of samples and for at least the same reliability of the achieved results than tip aspiration methods.
  • the utilization of the forensic sample processor/tube assembly preferably is automated and allows biological and/or chemical samples to be sepa- rated/extracted from samples such as solid supports like buccal swabs.
  • Fig. 1 a partially transparent presentation of a plane view of a forensic sample processor with a frame that contains 24 cavities and with cylindrical tubes that are inserted in the four different orientations according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 2 a partially transparent presentation of a plane view of a forensic sample processor, the frame of which is superimposed on a 96-well microplate, one of the 24 cavities being occupied by a tube with a pouring channel that directs liquids from the tube into a well positioned in register below;
  • Fig. 3 a vertical section through the frame of Fig. 1 according to a first variant of the invention with an elongated pouring channel formed as a nozzle;
  • Fig. 4 a vertical section through the frame of Fig. 1 according to a second variant of the invention with a piercing bottom plate of the compartments of the frame formed as a nozzle;
  • Fig. 5 a horizontal partial section through the tubes and a plane view of a forensic sample processor with a frame that contains 24 compartments and with octagonal tubes that are inserted in the four different orientations according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 1 shows a partially transparent presentation of a plane view of a forensic sample processor with a frame that contains 24 cavities and with cylindrical tubes that are inserted in the four different orientations according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • the forensic sample processor 1 is accomplished for collecting solid forensic samples 2 and/or for extracting biological material from these forensic samples.
  • the forensic sample processor 1 comprises a number of tubes 3.
  • Each tube 3 comprises a peripheral, cylindrical wall 4 that encloses a sample space 5 and a circular bottom 6.
  • the frame 7 most preferably has a footprint 8 that essentially corresponds to the footprint of a standard mi- croplate.
  • the frame 7 comprises a series of parallel, longitudinal walls 9 and parallel, transverse walls 10 that extend essentially perpendicular to each other and to the foot print 8 of the sample processor 1 and that encase compartments 11, within each one of which an individual tube 3 can be closely placed in an upright manner.
  • Each tube 3 preferably comprises a collar 12 that ensures an exact fit and orientation of the tube 3 in its compartment 11. Because of the shape of this collar 12, each tube 3 can only be inserted in one way into an accordingly shaped compartment 11.
  • Each tube 3 further comprises a siphon-type evacuation tube with an essentially vertical partition wall 13 that adjoins to an essentially horizontal partition wall 14. Both partition walls 13,14 are sealingly attached to the inner surface of the tube peripheral wall 4 and enclose an evacuation space 15 with a pouring channel 16.
  • the pouring channel 16 is open at a top end 17 and is connected to the tube bottom 6.
  • Each vertical partition wall 13 comprises at least one opening 18 (see Figs. 3 and 4) that establishes fluidic communication between the sample space 5 and the evacuation space 15. This opening 18 is located near the tube bottom 6.
  • Standard microplates in the context of the present invention are to be understood as multi-well plates according to the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards that are widely accepted in the technical field of the development of biological and chemical laboratory equipment.
  • Fluids in the context of the present invention are to be understood as liquids, gases, or liquid/gas mixtures.
  • Solid is interpreted as hard or soft material other than fluidic.
  • a “sample” preferably is a solid forensic sample, but it can be any other sample that contains biological material.
  • a “finding” can be an artifact or casework sample as found at a criminal scene or any other non-specific solid ma- terial that contains biological material that can be extracted.
  • “Automated systems” in the context of the present invention are to be understood as “workstations”, as they are called, or special apparatus for the transfer and manipulation of samples as well as for liquid handling. These workstations may be operated individually by hand or connected together into an automated system. With automatic systems, the user does not have to carry out or provide for all the individual methods of processing.
  • Another common factor uniting such known systems lies in the fact that samples are often processed in standardized microplates. Such microplates can be obtained in every possible format, but typically comprise 96 sample containers or "wells” arranged in a regular 8 x 12 raster with an interval of 9 mm between centers (according to the ANSI standards).
  • each one of the deep wells preferably is able to take up a volume of 2.42 ml (as a maximal geometric volume) or 2.3 ml (as a standard working volume).
  • the wells usually have a height of 44 mm and a square horizontal cross section. Also known round wells for the take up of about 1.2 ml exhibit a height of 41.5 mm.
  • All 96-well microplates possess the same array geometry and projection arrangement of the wells with respect to the footprint of the mi- croplate like the 96-well standard plates with a volume of 300 ⁇ l.
  • Microplates with a multiple, or even only a part (such as 24 wells in a 4 x 6 raster with an 18 mm interval) of this number of wells are also used.
  • Different workstations may be connected to one or more robots to carry the microplates.
  • One or more robots preferably moving in accordance with the system of Cartesian coordinates, may be used on a workbench top. These robots can carry plates or other sample containers and also transfer fluids.
  • a central control sys- tern or computer monitors and controls these known systems, the outstanding advantage of which lies in the complete automation of work processes. As a consequence, such systems can be operated for hours or days on end, without the need for any human intervention.
  • Such automated systems can be equipped with one or more devices for transferring fluid samples from the wells of a first mi- croplate into the wells of second microplate placed below (see e.g., WO 03/053585) by the application of vacuum or overpressure)
  • each one of these tubes 3 comprises a peripheral, cylindrical wall 4 with an outer diameter that encloses a sample space 5 and a circular bottom 6.
  • each tube comprises a collar 12 of an essentially square shape, the lengths of which being essentially equal to the outer diameter of the tube 3 and slightly less than a side of a cubic compartment 11. This collar 12 thus ensures an exact fit of the tube 3 in its compartment 11. Because the collar 12 is either integrally molded to the tube peripheral wall 3 or irremovably attached to the latter, the tubes 3 can only be inserted into the individual compartments in one of four ways. These four different positions of a tube 3 all differ by a turn of at least approximately 90 ° from the two next positions.
  • the collar 12 of each tube 3 has an essentially square projection with a cut corner 19 and the compartments 11 of the frame 7 according to the first embodiment have an essentially cubic shape with a filled angle 20.
  • the dimensions of the essentially square collar 12 and its cut corner 19 are essentially equal to an outer diameter of a tube 3 and slightly less than the dimensions of the cubic compartment 8 with its cut corner 19.
  • the microplates are provided with an identifier 36 in the form of a one-dimensional bar code (see Fig. 1) or a two-dimensional bar code (not shown).
  • the microplates can be provided with an identifier in the form of a radio frequency identification or RFID tag (not shown, but per se known to the skilled person).
  • RFID tag not shown, but per se known to the skilled person.
  • Figure 2 shows a partially transparent presentation of a plane view of a forensic sample processor 1, the frame 7 of which is superimposed on a 96-well mi- croplate.
  • One of the 24 cavities of the frame 7 is occupied by a tube 3 with a pouring channel 16 that directs liquids from the tube 3 into a well 31 positioned in register below.
  • the tubes 3 are provided with an identifier 36 in the form of a one or two dimensional bar code or with an RFID tag.
  • the application of a two- dimensional bar code to the top side of the collar 12 is particularly preferred (see (Fig. 2).
  • This identifier 36 enables tracking of the particular tube 3 during sample preparation and/or analysis and also during storage.
  • tubes 3 that contain a sample 2 are inserted in a forensic sample processor for storage.
  • a forensic sample processor for storage.
  • the use of the identifiers 36 on tubes 3 and forensic sample processors 1 provides a key benefit for the "chain of custody" and the traceability of the forensic samples.
  • Figure 3 shows a vertical section through the frame of Fig. 1 according to a first variant of the invention with an elongated pouring channel formed as a nozzle. It is clearly seen in Fig. 3 that the pouring channel 16 of each tube 7 (according to this fist variant) has a lower end 21 with a nozzle 22 that reaches beyond the tube bottom 6.
  • the frame 7 has a bottom plate 24 with an orifice 25, through which the nozzle 22 of an inserted tube 3 reaches.
  • the nozzle 22 of each tube initially is provided with a cap 26 that closes the nozzle 22 and that has a diameter, which is larger than a diameter of the orifice 25 in the tube bottom 6.
  • FIG. 4 shows a vertical section through the frame of Fig. 1 according to a second variant of the invention with a piercing bottom plate of the compartments of the frame formed as a nozzle. It is clearly seen in Fig. 4 that the pouring channel 16 of each tube 7 has a lower end 21 that is formed as a funnel 23 in the underside of the tube bottom 6.
  • the frame 7 has a bottom plate 24 with a nozzle 27, which's upper side 28 sealingly fits in the funnel 23 of an inserted tube 3.
  • each tube 3 has a film structure 29 that is pierceable by an upper side 28 of a nozzle 27 of the bottom plate 24.
  • a film structure 29 provides for a completely closable tube 3 for sampling the solid specimens in the field.
  • piercing the film structure 29 with the nozzle 27 in the bottom plate 24 of the frame's compartments 11 ensures that for processing in the frame 7, the tube is open at its lower end.
  • Both variants of the tube 3 according to the invention preferably possess a sample space 5 that is sized to accommodate a buccal swab.
  • the frame 7 with its longitudinal and transverse walls 9,10 defines 24 compartments 11 in a 4 x 6 array. However, less than 24 compartments 11 per frame are also conceivable.
  • a tube 3 can only entered in one way (out of a group of originally four ways) in a compartment 11.
  • the nozzles 22 of the pouring channels 16 of tubes 3 that are inserted into a frame 7 or the nozzles 27 of the bottom plates 24 of the com- partments 11 of a frame 7 are in each case essentially in register with one of a quartet 30 of four wells 31 of a 96-well microplate 32 that is situated in register below the frame 7.
  • the tube 3 is accomplished as an integrally formed, single piece of injection molded polymer material and comprises at least the peripheral wall 4, the tube bottom 6, the collar 12, the partition walls 13,14, and the pouring channel 16.
  • a fusion line 35 is indicated in each case. This fusion line 35 shows a possible fusion area for fusing two parts of the tube that have been injection molded.
  • each tube 3 is accomplished to receive a stopper or cap 33 for at least temporarily closing the sample space 5.
  • This cap 33 can be removed manually or automatically by utilizing a "decapping tool" distributed by REMP AG (REMP AG, Oberdiessbach, Switzerland, a company owned by the current appli- cant).
  • Figure 5 shows a horizontal partial section through the tubes 3 and a plane view of a forensic sample processor 1 with a frame 7 that contains 24 compartments or cavities and with octagonal tubes 3 that are inserted in the four different ori- entations according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • the cross section of an octagonal tube does not show eight identical surfaces.
  • This irregular octagonal cross section of the tubes 3 enables positioning of the axis of the pouring channel in register with the axis of a well (pref- erably a deep-well) of a microplate that is positioned in register below the forensic sample processor.
  • the octagonal cross section of the tubes 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention thus allows the four wells 31 of a quartet 30 of wells (e.g. A1,A2,B1,B2) in a deep-well microplate that is positioned in register below a forensic sample processor 1 to be addressed exactly.
  • the lattice lines 34 of the microplate wells 30 are superimposed to the forensic sample processor 1
  • Fig. 5 there are shown three individual alternative versions of the tubes 3 according to the second embodiment of the invention. All these alternative versions have in common that the tubes 3 do not need a collar 12 for exact fit and orientation, because the octagonal form of each tube 3 and of the respective compartments 11 already provide for an exact fit.
  • the orientation of the tubes 3 is established in three different ways according to the three different alternative versions that are now explained :
  • the tube 3 may be inserted in all four possible orientations, two of which are shown for the quartet of wells [A-B, 1-2] and [C-D, 1-2].
  • the location of the pouring channel 16 that is accomplished as a nozzle 22 and that enters into the orifice 25 in the bottom plate 24 of the compartment 11 of the forensic sample processor 1 decides whether the orientation of the tube 3 is correct or not.
  • only the location of the pouring channel 16 with its lower end accomplished as a funnel 23 that enters into sealing contact with a nozzle 27 in the bottom plate 24 of the compartment 11 of the forensic sample processor 1 (cf. Fig.
  • Correct orientation and insertion preferably may be controlled visually by checking, whether the insertion mark 37 (see Fig. 3 and 4) vanishes in the compartment 11 or not. If the insertion mark 37, is still visible or not even close to the surface of the adjoining transverse wall 10, the tube 3 is not correctly inserted into the compartment. There could be three reasons for such incorrect insertion :
  • the optional cap 26 (see Fig. 3, dashed lines) that closes the nozzle 22 of the pouring channel 16 has not been removed. Withdrawal of the tube 3, removal of the cap 26 and reinsertion into the compartment 11 is necessary.
  • the tube could have been entered into the compartment in a wrong orientation and thus, the pouring channel 16 is not meeting with the orifice 25 or nozzle 27 of the compartment bottom plate 24 (there are three possibilities for such misalignment).
  • Withdrawal of the tube 3 and reinsertion into the compartment 11 after alignment is necessary. Alignment is facilitated, if the insertion mark 37 is applied (e.g. printed) onto the small outer surface of the tube (see arrows in Fig. 5) that is adjacent to the pouring channel. This is particularly help- ful, when the tube 3 that is to be inserted into a compartment is closed on its upper side with a stopper 33 and the horizontal partition wall 14 that covers the pouring channel 16 is not visible at all.
  • Alternative version B The layout of the compartments 11 is identical to that of the alternative version A. However, as can be seen in Fig. 5 in case of the two well quartets [A-B, 3-4] and [C-D, 3-4], the tubes 3 have indentations 38 on their outside along the evacuation space 15. These indentations 38 clearly indicate the position of the pouring channel 16 inside the tube 3 and considerably facilitate the proper alignment of the tube 3 when this is inserted into a compartment 11 of the sample processor 1.
  • Alternative version C Here, the tubes have the indentations 38 and the compartments have respective elevations 39 on their inside walls, which correspond in size and shape with the indentations 38 of the tubes 3 as this can be seen in Fig.
  • the tubes 3 according to the second embodiment of the inventive sample processor can also have a polygonal shape or a curved shape. This is particularly useful with the al- ternative version C for as shown for the well quartets [A-B, 5-6] and [C-D, 5-6], in which the corresponding cross sectional shape of the tube 3 and the respective compartment 11 define the particular well that is to be targeted by the pouring channel 16 of the tube 3 and the cooperating orifice 25 or nozzle of the bottom plate 24 of the compartments.
  • a forensic sample processor kit for collecting solid forensic samples 2 and/or for extracting biological material from these forensic samples.
  • This kit preferably contains four frames 7 and an appropriate number of tubes 3 according to the invention. Each one of the four frames 7 is accomplished to locate all the nozzles 22 of the pouring channels 16 of tubes 3 that are inserted into a frame 7 or all the nozzles 27 of the bottom plates 24 of the compartments 11 of a frame 7 in each case essentially in register with one particular of a quartet 30 of four wells 31 of a 96-well microplate 32 that is situated in register below the frame 7.
  • each one of the four frames 7 of one kit exhibits a different color that indicates one particular well 31 of a quartet 30 of four wells four wells 31 of a 96-well microplate 32 that is situated below the frame 7 (see e.g. on the lower right of Fig. 1). Accordingly, the collar 12 of all tubes 3 or the tubes 3 themselves (if no collar is present) for one frame 7 exhibits the same color as the particular frame 7.
  • the microplate In order to carry out such a transfer of fluids from the tubes into the wells of a microplate, the microplate preferably is placed inside a vacuum chamber that is sealed with the frame that is placed on top of the microplate.
  • prerequisite procedures that have to be carried out prior this fluid transfer are the collection of biologically relevant samples, such as traces of blood or other human or animal body fluids.
  • Such samples preferably are collected using buccal swabs that can be placed inside a tube 3, which is then closed with a stopper or cap 33.
  • Fluids for processing the buccal swabs and the forensic samples are entered into the sample space (5) of a tube (3) using liquid handling equipment such as e.g. an automatic pipetter that preferably is provided on a workstation.
  • a positive pressure can be applied above these tubes. All pressure differences applied to the tubes 3 of a frame 7 will force the fluids in the tubes out of the tubes 3 via a siphon that is constituted by the peripheral, cylindrical wall 4, the vertical and horizontal partition walls 13,14 and the evacuation space 15 with the pouring channel 16.
  • a tube according to the first variant of the invention (see Fig. 3) is used for collecting samples, preferably the nozzle 22 of the pouring channel 16 is closed with a cap 26.
  • this cap 26 has a dimension that is larger than the dimension the orifice 25 of the bottom plate 24; thus, only if the cap 26 is re- moved (preferably immediately before processing of the sample in the lab) automatic processing and evacuation of liquids is possible.
  • a tube according to the second variant of the invention (see Fig. 4) is used for collecting samples, preferably the bottom 6 of the tube 3 is sealed with a pierce- able film structure 29, e.g. an aluminum foil that has been glued or welded to the tube bottom 6.
  • a pierce- able film structure e.g. an aluminum foil that has been glued or welded to the tube bottom 6.
  • the next step will be washing of the solid sample (the swab) and then treatment of the biological relevant sample, incubation with a lysis buffer, and finally elu- tion of the collected nucleic acids into the wells of a 96-well microplate with the help of negative pressure. If the stoppers or caps 33 that close the sample entry ports of the tubes 3 need to be removed, automatic decapping can be performed as this is known from the REMP technology.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
  • Automatic Analysis And Handling Materials Therefor (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un processeur (1) de recueil d'échantillons médico-légaux solides (2) et/ou d'extraction de substances biologiques de ces échantillons. Ledit processeur (1) comprend: (a) un certain nombre de tubes (3), présentant chacun une paroi périphérique (4) entourant un espace (5) recevant les échantillons et un fond (6); et (b) un cadre (7), dont l'empreinte (8) correspond essentiellement à celle d'une microplaque standard, et qui comporte: une série de parois longitudinales parallèles (9); des parois transversales (10) essentiellement perpendiculaires entre elles et à l'empreinte (8) du processeur (1) et délimitant des compartiments (11), pouvant recevoir chacun un des tubes (3) densément placés debout. Le processeur (1) se caractérise en ce que chaque tube (3) comprend une paroi de séparation essentiellement verticale (13) attenant à une paroi de séparation essentiellement horizontale (14), les deux types de parois de séparation (13,14) étant fixées de manière étanche à la surface intérieure de la paroi périphérique du tube (4) et entourant un espace d'évacuation (15) muni d'un canal d'écoulement (16) ouvert à son extrémité supérieure (17) et relié au fond du tube. Chaque paroi de séparation verticale (13) présente au moins une ouverture (18) proche du fond du tube (6).
PCT/EP2007/063818 2007-12-12 2007-12-12 Processeur d'échantillons médico-légaux WO2009074177A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2007/063818 WO2009074177A1 (fr) 2007-12-12 2007-12-12 Processeur d'échantillons médico-légaux

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2007/063818 WO2009074177A1 (fr) 2007-12-12 2007-12-12 Processeur d'échantillons médico-légaux

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009074177A1 true WO2009074177A1 (fr) 2009-06-18

Family

ID=39615835

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2007/063818 WO2009074177A1 (fr) 2007-12-12 2007-12-12 Processeur d'échantillons médico-légaux

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2009074177A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012120169A1 (fr) * 2011-03-09 2012-09-13 Zf Biotox, S.L. Microplaque pour essais biologiques
WO2021152097A1 (fr) 2020-01-31 2021-08-05 L'etat Français Représenté Par Le Ministère De L'intérieur Dispositif pour analyser des elements solides biologiques et dispositif pour sa mise en oeuvre

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997045443A2 (fr) * 1996-05-10 1997-12-04 Alanex Corp Appareil pour reactions chimiques simultanees
US5770157A (en) * 1995-04-17 1998-06-23 Ontogen Corporation Methods and apparatus for the generation of chemical libraries
US6054100A (en) * 1996-11-18 2000-04-25 Robbins Scientific Corporation Apparatus for multi-well microscale synthesis
DE19915809A1 (de) * 1999-04-08 2000-10-19 Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma Reaktionsblock
US20040005246A1 (en) * 2002-07-03 2004-01-08 St-Joseph's Healthcare - Hamilton Apparatus and method for filtering biological samples

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5770157A (en) * 1995-04-17 1998-06-23 Ontogen Corporation Methods and apparatus for the generation of chemical libraries
WO1997045443A2 (fr) * 1996-05-10 1997-12-04 Alanex Corp Appareil pour reactions chimiques simultanees
US6054100A (en) * 1996-11-18 2000-04-25 Robbins Scientific Corporation Apparatus for multi-well microscale synthesis
DE19915809A1 (de) * 1999-04-08 2000-10-19 Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma Reaktionsblock
US20040005246A1 (en) * 2002-07-03 2004-01-08 St-Joseph's Healthcare - Hamilton Apparatus and method for filtering biological samples

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012120169A1 (fr) * 2011-03-09 2012-09-13 Zf Biotox, S.L. Microplaque pour essais biologiques
WO2021152097A1 (fr) 2020-01-31 2021-08-05 L'etat Français Représenté Par Le Ministère De L'intérieur Dispositif pour analyser des elements solides biologiques et dispositif pour sa mise en oeuvre
FR3106764A1 (fr) 2020-01-31 2021-08-06 L'etat Français Représenté Par Le Ministère De L'intérieur Dispositif pour analyser des éléments solides biologiques et dispositif pour sa mise en œuvre

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