Assay or reaction apparatus with agitating device

An automated multi-test capability assay apparatus in modular form for non-sequential processing of samples for assay, comprising a reagent and/or assay sample storage module, an incubation module, a reaction detection/measurement module, transporting means for transporting reaction containers independently of each other between modules and for transferring reagents and/or assay samples between different modules without moving bulk reagents and/or assay samples intended for different tests, and computer control means for controlling said transporting means whereby at the time of loading samples said computer control means is programmable to direct a protocol of operations commensurate with said non-sequential processing of samples for assay for all said samples on load at said time in said apparatus independently of order of loading of said samples, and an apparatus for ensuring solid phase suspension comprising a housing, a rotatable support having means for independently rotatably mounting at least one vessel around a circumference of the support, the vessel having a vessel wall and containing assay or reaction components, a drive wheel for rotating the mounted vessel, and the housing including a driving surface on its internal face, the driving surface having a longer circumferential dimension than the drive wheel and surrounding the drive wheel and engageable therewith such that upon rotation of the rotatable support the drive wheel is rotated around the driving surface and the vessel thus rotated at a rate exceeding the rate of rotation of the rotatable support.