Automated diagnostic analyzer and method for its operation

Automated analyzer (2000) comprising a housing (2010, 3010), a robotic arm comprising an end effector (2360), the end effector (2360) comprising a body (2320) rotatably connected to an articulating arm and first (2363a) and second fingers (2363b) coupled to the body (2362) and being moveable relative to each other in a first direction, each of the fingers (2363a, b) having an engagement feature (2361) projecting inwardly from each of the first and second fingers (2363a, b) and toward the other of the first and second fingers (2363a, b), the engagement feature (2361) being configured to engage a recess (2077) of an article wherein the recess is configured to receive the engagement feature (2361) such that the robotic arm can carry the article that is suspended from the first and second fingers (2363a, b) when the engagement features (2361) are so engaged with the article. The automated analyzer (2000) further comprises a shuttle platform (2030) for receiving a shuttle (2030) carrying sample containers (03), the containers carrying sample (03) to be evaluated by the analyzer (2000) and the shuttle platform (2030) comprising a jaw assembly that automatically moves from an open position to a closed position the jaw assembly comprising engagement members that do not contact the bottom portion of the sample containers (03) carried by the shuttle (2030) when the jaw assembly is in an open position and engages the bottom portion of the sample containers when the jaw assembly is in the closed position.