Systems and methods for sample use maximization

Abstract

The present invention provides systems, devices, and methods for point-of-care and/or distributed testing services. The methods and devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device can be modified to allow for more flexible and robust use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical, laboratory, and other applications. The systems, devices, and methods of the present invention can allow for effective use of samples by improved sample preparation and analysis.

1 .- 91 . (canceled) 
     
     
         92 . A centrifugation system, comprising:
 a pipette tip comprising:
 a circular top opening; 
 a first segment having a tapered sidewall and extending from the top opening; and 
 a second segment extending from a bottom of the first segment, the second segment being narrower than a narrow most portion of the first segment and having at least one aperture disposed at a bottom surface; and 
   a centrifugation vessel comprising:
 a first segment having a tapered sidewall configured to mate with the first segment of the pipette tip; and 
 a second segment extending below the first segment and being narrower than the first segment, the second segment being below a topmost portion of the second segment of the pipette tip when fully mated with the pipette tip. 
   
     
     
         93 . The centrifugation system of  claim 92 , wherein the centrifugation vessel includes a bottom surface configured to support the bottom surface of the pipette tip. 
     
     
         94 . The centrifugation system of  claim 93 , wherein the bottom surface of the centrifugation vessel includes at least one support element protruding from the bottom surface and configured to contact the bottom surface of the pipette tip. 
     
     
         95 . The centrifugation system of  claim 94 , wherein the at least one support element includes a substantially semispherical nub. 
     
     
         96 . The centrifugation system of  claim 95 , wherein the at least one aperture of the pipette tip is centrally located on the bottom surface of the pipette tip, and
 wherein at least one support element includes a plurality of substantially semispherical numbs configured to contact an edge of the bottom surface of the pipette tip without occluding the aperture.   
     
     
         97 . The centrifugation system of  claim 94 , wherein the at least one aperture of the pipette tip is centrally located on the bottom surface of the pipette tip, and
 wherein at least one support element includes a support ring extending around an inner circumference of the bottom surface of the centrifugation vessel configured to contact the bottom surface of the pipette tip around a circumference of the aperture.   
     
     
         98 . The centrifugation system of  claim 92 , wherein the at least one aperture of the pipette tip includes a plurality of apertures. 
     
     
         99 . A pipette tip for mating with a centrifugation vessel, comprising:
 a circular top opening;   a first segment having a tapered sidewall and extending from the top opening; and   a second segment extending from a bottom of the first segment, the second segment being narrower than a narrow most portion of the first segment and having at least one aperture disposed at a bottom surface.   
     
     
         100 . The pipette tip of  claim 99 , wherein the at least one aperture includes a single central aperture disposed in a center of the bottom surface. 
     
     
         101 . The pipette tip of  claim 100 , further comprising at least one contact surface located on the bottom surface and configured to contact at least one support element of the centrifugation vessel. 
     
     
         102 . The pipette tip of  claim 99 , wherein the at least one aperture includes a plurality of apertures disposed around the bottom surface. 
     
     
         103 . The pipette tip of  claim 102 , further comprising a plurality of contact surfaces disposed between the plurality of apertures configured to contact at least one support element of the centrifugation vessel. 
     
     
         104 . The pipette tip of  claim 99 , wherein the second segment is longer than a distance between a contact surface of the centrifugation vessel and a max fluid height of the centrifugation vessel. 
     
     
         105 . The pipette tip of  claim 101  wherein the at least one contact surface is tapered relative to the bottom surface. 
     
     
         106 . A centrifugation vessel for mating with a pipette tip, comprising:
 a first segment having a tapered sidewall; and   a second segment extending below the first segment and being narrower than the first segment, the second segment extending higher than an injection segment of the pipette tip.   
     
     
         107 . The centrifugation vessel of  claim 106 , further comprising a bottom surface configured to support the pipette tip. 
     
     
         108 . The centrifugation vessel of  claim 107 , wherein the bottom surface includes at least one support element attached thereto for contacting a bottom surface of the pipette tip. 
     
     
         109 . The centrifugation vessel of  claim 108 , wherein the at least one support element includes support ring configured to extend around a circumference of an aperture of the pipette tip. 
     
     
         110 . The centrifugation vessel of  claim 108 , wherein the at least one support element includes a plurality of support nubs, each nub being substantially semispherical and configured to engage a tapered contact surface of the pipette tip. 
     
     
         111 . The centrifugation vessel of  claim 108 , wherein the at least one support element includes a central support nub having a substantially semispherical shape and being configured to engage the bottom surface of the pipette tip.