| abstract |
An automated, continuous and random access analytical system (18), having apparatus and methodology capable of simultaneously performing multiple assays of liquid samples using different assay methodologies, and providing continuous and random access while performing a plurality of different assays on the same or different samples during the same time period, is disclosed. A method is also disclosed of operating an automated continuous and random access analytical system (18) capable of simultaneously effecting multiple assays of a plurality of liquid samples wherein scheduling of various assays of the plurality of liquid samples is followed by creating a unit dose disposable and separately transferring a first liquid sample (26) and reagents (30) to a reaction vessel (34) without initiation of an assay reaction sequence, followed by physical transfer of the unit dose disposable to a processing workstation (52), whereby a mixture of the unit dose disposable reagents and sample (34) are achieved during incubation. The system (18) is capable of performing more than one scheduled assay in any order, and assays where more than such scheduled assays are presented. The automated, continuous and random access analytical system (18) is also capable of analyzing the incubated reaction mixtures independently and individually by at least two assay procedures. |