Method and apparatus for improving the performance of microanalytic and microsynthetic procedures

An apparatus for performing an assay, said apparatus comprising a micro-system platform, a disk device and an information processor,

• said micro-system platform capable of being read by a disk device, said micro-system platform comprising:
• a first section for storing data in a continuous circular data band, said data band being disposed in an inner portion of said micro-system platform, and
• a second section including at least one assay, said second section forming an outer portion of said micro-system platform,
• wherein said disk device is operative for retrieving and storing data in said circular data band, said data being related to the performance of said assay, and said information processor is operative for controlling said disk device in accordance with the data retrieved from said circular data band, and for analyzing the results of said assay.

A method for performing an assay utilizing an apparatus comprising a micro-system platform, a disk device and an information processor, wherein said micro-system platform comprises a first section for storing data in a continuous circular data band, said data band being disposed in an inner portion of said micro-system platform, and a second section including at least one assay, said second section forming an outer portion of said micro-system platform,

• said method comprising the steps of:
• retrieving data from said circular data band, said data being related to the performance of said assay,
• controlling said disk device in accordance with the data retrieved from said circular data band so as to manipulate said micro-system platform as required to conduct said assay,
• analyzing the results of said assay, and
• storing data indicative of the results of said assay in said circular data band.