Illumina, Inc.
Sample tube with integrated mixing plunger head

Abstract:

Disclosed herein are devices and techniques for providing for enhanced fluid mixing in a sample vial. A plunger head may be removably housed inside of a cap that is attached to a container; the cap may have an opening allowing a shaft, e.g., a probe or sipper shaft, to be inserted into the cap and into the plunger head. The shaft may be used to push the plunger head free of the cap, and then to reciprocate the plunger head within the container to mix the content. Withdrawal of the shaft may then cause the plunger head to disengage from the shaft and remain in the container.