摘要:
One object of the invention is to provide instrumentation and a method for efficient an d reliable assaying an d measuring samples. The teachings include an automated self-contained instrument for assaying and measuring g samples, wherein th e samples are located on wells of sample plates, and the instrument comprises a plurality of units for processing or storing sample plates. The instrument according to the teaching may comprise at least one dispensing unit for dispensing reagents or other assay components to the sample wells, at leas t two units for simultaneously processing or storing a plurality of sample plates, at least one unit for removing substance from the sample wells, and one or several measurement units, the measurement unit(s) providing a capability for the instrument to optically measure samples in at least two measurement modes. Further, the instrument comprises a manipulator having a capability to move th e sample plates in three orthogonal directions or combinations there of and to rotate the sample plates in relation to a vertical axis for transferring the sample plates to the units.