| abstract |
A work station for simultaneously performing multiple assays includes a base structure (100), a receptacle rack assembly (200) received within a receptacle rack well formed in the base structure, a pipette rack assembly (300) received within a pipette rack well formed in the base structure, a multiple conduit substance transfer device (400), and substance transfer device positioning structure (500). The receptacle rack assembly (200) holds a plurality of receptacles in which a plurality of individual assays are performed, and the pipette rack assembly (300) holds a plurality of contamination limiting pipettes. The substance transfer device (400) is capable of simultaneously dispensing (441) substances into two or more receptacles or simultaneously removing (421) substances from two or more receptacles. Alternatively, the substance transfer device is capable of simultaneously dispensing (441) substances into two or more receptacles, and, at about the same time, simultaneously removing (421) substances from two or more receptacles. The positioning structure (500) permits the substance transfer device (400) to be positioned with respect to the receptacle rack assembly (200) or the pipette rack assembly (300). |