Sample Plate Systems and Methods

Abstract

A sample plate comprising a sample well is disclosed. The sample well can comprise one or more bead retaining chambers. Also provided herein is a method of using the sample plate and kits comprising the sample plate.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A kit comprising:
 a sample plate comprising one or more sample wells, each sample well comprising a base portion, wherein the base portion comprises one or more pockets, recesses or bores; and   a corresponding one or more reagent beads for insertion into each one of the respective pockets, recesses or bores of the sample plate, wherein the one or more reagent beads are composed of glass, and   wherein the one or more pockets, recesses or bores are each arranged to retain and secure a single, respective reagent bead by an interference or friction fit to substantially fluid-tightly seal the pocket, recess or bore.   
     
     
         2 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the base portion of each sample well comprises a plurality of pockets, recesses or bores. 
     
     
         3 . The kit of  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of pockets, recesses or bores are arranged circumferentially in one or more concentric circles around a central portion of the sample well. 
     
     
         4 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the reagent beads are spherical. 
     
     
         5 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the reagent beads are non-spherical. 
     
     
         6 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein a reagent bead is inserted into each of the pockets, recesses or bores of the sample plate. 
     
     
         7 . A kit comprising:
 a sample plate comprising one or more sample wells, each sample well comprising a base portion, wherein the base portion comprises a plurality of pockets, recesses or bores arranged circumferentially in one or more concentric circles around a central fluid receiving area such that each pocket, recess or bore is located radially outward of and fluidly exposed to the central fluid receiving area; and   a corresponding one or more reagent beads for insertion into each one of the respective pockets, recesses or bores of the sample plate, wherein the one or more reagent beads are composed of glass.   
     
     
         8 . The kit of  claim 7 , wherein the reagent beads are spherical. 
     
     
         9 . The kit of  claim 7 , wherein the reagent beads are non-spherical. 
     
     
         10 . The kit of  claim 7 , wherein the one or more pockets, recesses or bores are each arranged to retain and secure a single, respective reagent bead by an interference or friction fit to substantially fluid-tightly seal the pocket, recess or bore. 
     
     
         11 . The kit of  claim 7 , wherein a reagent bead is inserted into each of the pockets, recesses or bores of the sample plate. 
     
     
         12 . A kit comprising:
 a sample plate comprising one or more sample wells, each sample well comprising a base portion, wherein the base portion comprises one or more pockets, recesses or bores, each pocket, recess or bore being arranged for retaining a single, respective reagent bead, in use; and   a corresponding one or more reagent beads for insertion into each one of the respective pockets, recesses or bores of the sample plate, wherein the reagent beads are non-spherical.   
     
     
         13 . The kit of  claim 12 , wherein the reagent beads are of irregular shape. 
     
     
         14 . The kit of  claim 12 , wherein the reagent beads are composed of glass. 
     
     
         15 . The kit of  claim 12 , wherein the reagent beads are composed of plastics, ceramics, glass, polystyrene, methylstyrene, acrylic polymers, paramagnetic materials, thoria sol, carbon graphite, titanium dioxide, latex or cross-linked dextrans such as Sepharose, cellulose, nylon, cross-linked micelles, Teflon or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         16 . The kit of  claim 12 , wherein the base portion of each sample well comprises a plurality of pockets, recesses or bores. 
     
     
         17 . The kit of  claim 16 , wherein the plurality of pockets, recesses or bores are arranged circumferentially in one or more concentric circles around a central portion of the sample well. 
     
     
         18 . The kit of  claim 12 , wherein a reagent bead is inserted into each of the pockets, recesses or bores of the sample plate.