Sample container with sensor receptable and methods of use

Abstract

Devices and methods are described herein that are configured for use in laboratory testing, such as, for example, during a procedure including the monitoring and detection of chemical reactions. For example, the systems and devices described herein can be used during a procedure to monitor and detect polymerase chain reactions (PCR). In some embodiments, a sample container includes a container body that defines an interior volume and has an open end in fluid communication with the interior volume. A cap is sealingly engageable with the open end of the container body. The cap defines a receptacle that is configured to extend within a portion of the interior volume of the container body when the cap is sealingly engaged thereto. The receptacle can receive therein a sensor, such as, a temperature sensor that can monitor the temperature of a sample material disposed within the container body.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method, comprising:
 placing a sample material within an interior volume of a container body, the container body having a first end defining an opening in fluid communication with the interior volume and a second end opposite the first end, the second end of the container body defining a receptacle extending towards the first end such that at least a portion of the receptacle is surrounded by the interior volume; and   disposing a distal end of a temperature sensor within the receptacle within the at least a portion in the receptacle surrounded by the interior volume; and   measuring a temperature of the sample material within the interior volume using the temperature sensor.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 heating the sample material within the interior volume of the container body.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 cooling the sample material within the interior volume of the container body.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 placing a cap in sealing engagement with the first end of the container body.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the receptacle is a first receptacle, the method further comprising:
 placing a cap in sealing engagement with the first end of the container body, the cap defining a second receptacle configured to receive a sensor therein.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising:
 disposing a distal end of a sensor within the second receptacle.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the temperature sensor is a first temperature sensor, the method further comprising:
 disposing a distal end of a second temperature sensor within the second receptacle; and   measuring a temperature of the sample material with the temperature sensor.   
     
     
         8 . A method, comprising:
 placing a sample material within an interior volume of a container body, the container body having a first end defining an opening in fluid communication with the interior volume and a second end opposite the first end; and   placing a cap in sealing engagement with the first end of the container body, the cap defining a receptacle extending towards the second end of the container body;   disposing a distal end of a temperature sensor within the receptacle; and   measuring a temperature of the sample material within the interior volume using the temperature sensor.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 heating the sample material within the interior volume of the container body.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 cooling the sample material within the interior volume of the container body.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the receptacle is a first receptacle, the container body defining a second receptacle configured to receive a sensor therein, the method further comprising:
 disposing a distal end of a sensor within the second receptacle.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 measuring a temperature of the sample material with the sensor disposed within the second receptacle.   
     
     
         13 . A method comprising:
 placing a first sample material within a first interior volume of a first container body portion of a container body including a plurality of container body portions, the first container body portion having a first end defining an opening in fluid communication with the first interior volume and a second end opposite the first end;   placing a second sample material within a second interior volume of a second container body portion from the plurality of container body portions, the second container body portion having a first end defining an opening in fluid communication with the second interior volume and a second end opposite the first end;   placing a first cap in sealing engagement with the first end of the first container body, the first cap defining a first receptacle extending towards the second end of the first container body;   placing a second cap in sealing engagement with the first end of the second container body, the second cap defining a second receptacle extending towards the second end of the second container body;   disposing a distal end of a first temperature sensor within the first receptacle;   disposing a distal end of a second temperature sensor within the second receptacle;   measuring a temperature of the first sample material within the first interior volume using the first temperature sensor; and   measuring a temperature of the second sample material within the second interior volume using the second temperature sensor.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 heating the first sample material within the first interior volume of the first container body portion; and   heating the second sample material within the second interior volume of the second container body portion.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 cooling the first sample material within the first interior volume of the first container body portion; and   cooling the second sample material within the second interior volume of the second container body portion.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the second end of the first container body portion defines a third receptacle extending towards the first end of the first container body portion, and the second end of the second container body portion defines a fourth receptacle extending towards the first end of the second container body portion, the method further comprising:
 disposing a third sensor within the third receptacle;   disposing a fourth sensor within the fourth receptacle;   measuring a temperature of the first sample material with the third sensor; and   measuring a temperature of the second sample material with the fourth sensor.