The invention relates to a method for decomposing a biological sample (9), the method having the following steps: the sample (9) is put into a container (6) which is composed of plastic, in particular, the container (6) is inserted into an adapter (2, 2a), the adapter with the closed container therein is connected to an apparatus which moves the adapter back and forth, in particular upwards, in automated fashion. This method makes it possible to decompose biological samples in automated fashion, to be precise both samples at room temperature and frozen samples. The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method, the apparatus having an adapter (2, 2a) which is predominantly composed of plastic and has sleeves (4) which are composed of metal and are intended to accommodate containers (6) which are composed of plastic, in particular.