Workflow timing between modules

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of isolating and analyzing an analyte using an analytical apparatus which comprises modules of different types, wherein any one module of one type has a specific, pre-defined timing for carrying out its workflow.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . An analytical system comprising:
 a module of a first type, said module comprising a processing vessel and a pipetting unit for providing a liquid sample to said processing vessel;   a module of a second type, said module comprising a separation device for isolating a nucleic acid analyte in said liquid sample;   at least two modules of a third type, said module comprising a temperature controlled incubator for reacting said nucleic acid analyte with reagents necessary for obtaining a signal; and   a transfer module for transferring vessels between modules;   wherein the timing for transfer and processing within each module of one type is pre-defined, and wherein said timing in each module of one type is identical for any one nucleic acid analyte which is isolated and analyzed.   
     
     
         2 . An analytical system comprising
 a sample cell, said sample cell comprising a processing vessel and a pipetting unit for providing a liquid sample to said processing vessel;   a cell for isolating a nucleic acid analyte, said cell for isolating said nucleic acid analyte comprising a separation device for isolating said nucleic acid analyte in said liquid sample;   an amplification module, said amplification module comprising a temperature controlled incubator for reacting said nucleic acid analyte with reagents necessary for obtaining a signal;   a transfer module for transferring vessels between said cells and modules   wherein the timing for transfer and processing within said sample cell, said cell for isolating a nucleic acid analyte and said amplification module is pre-defined, the timing for transferring and processing within said sample cell is independent of the timing within the cell for isolating a nucleic acid analyte and said amplification module, the timing of the cell for isolating a nucleic acid analyte is independent of the timing of the amplification module, and wherein said timing in said sample cell, said cell for isolating a nucleic acid analyte and said amplification module is identical for any one nucleic acid analyte which is isolated and analyzed.   
     
     
         3 . The analytical system of  claim 2 , comprising at least two amplification modules, wherein the timing for transfer and processing within said amplification modules is pre-defined and wherein the timing for transfer and processing within said amplification modules is identical. 
     
     
         4 . The analytical system of  claim 2 , comprising at least four amplification modules, wherein the timing for transfer and processing within said amplification modules is pre-defined and wherein the timing for transfer and processing within said amplification modules is identical. 
     
     
         5 . The analytical system of any one of  claim 2 , wherein said amplification module comprises a temperature controlled incubator. 
     
     
         6 . The analytical system of  claim 2  wherein said amplification module comprises a thermal cycler. 
     
     
         7 . The analytical system of  claim 3 , wherein said at least two amplification modules are thermal cyclers. 
     
     
         8 . The analytical system of any one of  claim 2 , wherein said transfer system is automated. 
     
     
         9 . The analytical system of  claim 8 , wherein said transfer system transfers vessels and certain reagents between cells and storage areas. 
     
     
         10 . The analytical system of  claim 2 , wherein analysis of said nucleic acid analyte comprises both reaction and detection in said amplification module. 
     
     
         11 . The analytical system of  claim 2 , additionally comprising a module for preparing reactions for analysis in the amplification module. 
     
     
         12 . The analytical system of  claim 2  configured such that said cell for isolating said nucleic acid analyte is only started if, at the end of the isolation process, the amplification module is available,