Automated system for sample preparation and analysis

A sample preparation and analysis system, comprising:

• non-transitory computer readable memory and/or mass storage including:
• a database and one or more data structures that alone or together contain stored information pertaining to a plurality of unique assays including the types of assays that the system may run, one or more sets of sample preparation operations corresponding to each of the assays, and one or more sets of sample analysis information corresponding to each of the assay;
• at least one preparation control application;
• and
• at least one sample analysis application;
• a sample preparation system comprising:
• a matrix interference removal station comprising a centrifuge;
• and
• a sample preparation controller coupled to at least one of the database and the one or more data structures, wherein the at least one preparation control application comprises sample preparation instructions to cause the sample preparation controller to cause the sample preparation system to prepare a sample using one or more selected solvents and/or reagents by executing a selected one of the sets of sample preparation operations corresponding to a selected assay;
• a sample analysis system comprising:
• an analyzer comprising a mass spectrometer;
• and
• a sample analysis controller, wherein the at least one sample analysis application comprises sample analysis instructions to cause the sample analysis controller to cause the sample analysis system to analyze the prepared sample using the analyzer by executing a selected one of the sets of sample analysis information corresponding to the selected assay;
• and
• a data communication link coupled between the sample preparation system and the sample analysis system, wherein the at least one preparation control application comprises program instructions to cause the sample preparation controller to communicate data over the data communication link to the sample analysis controller that causes the sample analysis controller to configure or reconfigure the analyzer in accordance with the selected assay,
• wherein the matrix interference removal station and the mass spectrometer are encompassed within a same housing.