Methods for Using A Pipetting Device with Independently Movable Pipette Units

A method of isolating and analyzing at least one analyte that may be present in at least one liquid sample in an automated analytical system, comprising the automated steps of

• providing a first set of vessels comprising said at least one liquid sample to said automated analytical system;
• aspirating at least a portion of said at least two liquid samples from said first set of vessels with a pipetting device comprising more than one pipetting unit, wherein the distance between said pipetting units is adjusted to the distance between the first set of vessels prior to aspiration;
• adjusting the distance between said pipetting units to the distance between vessels of a second set of vessels;
• dispensing said liquid samples into said second set of vessels;
• combining together a solid support material and one of said fluid samples in a well of said second set of vessels vessel for a period of time and under conditions sufficient to permit said analyte to be immobilized on the solid support material;
• isolating the solid support material from other material present in the fluid sample in a separation station;
• purifying the analyte in the separation station by separating the fluid sample from the solid support material and washing the materials one or more times with a wash buffer;
• and
• analyzing said analyte.