System and method for multi-analyte detection

A method for diluting and mixing of a sample, the process comprising:

• a) providing a probe and a multipurpose stationary device, wherein the multipurpose stationary device comprises:
• a first chamber having an open end and a drain port;
• a second chamber having an open end and a drain port;
• a dilution chamber having two cylindrical sections, with each section having an open end and a centerline, wherein the centerline of the first section and the centerline of the second section coincide to form a centerline of the dilution chamber;
• a cylindrical wash port having a centerline and an opening to the first section of the dilution chamber, wherein the centerline of the cylindrical wash port does not intersect with the centerline of the dilution chamber;
• and
• a cylindrical dilution port connected to the second section of the dilution chamber;
• wherein the probe can be moved into the first chamber through the open end of the first chamber, the probe can be moved into the second chamber through the open end of the second chamber, and the probe can be moved into the first section of the dilution chamber through the open end of the first section of the dilution chamber;
• b) adding a volume of dilution fluid to the dilution chamber via the dilution port,
• c) adding a volume of sample to the dilution chamber from the probe to form a diluted sample;
• and
• d) aspirating the diluted sample or portion thereof from the dilution chamber into the probe and dispensing the aspirated diluted sample or portion thereof in a reaction vessel.

A multiple analyte detection system, comprising:

• a chassis;
• a reagent storage assembly having a rotatable carousel coupled to said chassis;
• an incubator carousel assembly coupled to said chassis and configured to receive a plurality of reaction vessels;
• at least one automated reaction vessel handler coupled to said chassis and configured to deliver a reaction vessel to said incubator carousel assembly;
• a sample handler assembly coupled to said chassis, wherein said sample handler assembly comprises a probe, and wherein said sample handler assembly can move said probe in horizontal and vertical directions;
• a detector module attached to said chassis;
• and
• a multipurpose stationary device coupled to said chassis comprising
• a first chamber having an open end and a drain port;
• a second chamber having an open end and a drain port;
• a dilution chamber having an open end and a centerline;
• and
• a cylindrical wash port having a centerline and an opening to the dilution chamber, wherein the centerline of the cylindrical wash port does not intersect with the centerline of the dilution chamber;
• wherein said probe can be moved into the first chamber through the open end of the first chamber, said probe can be moved into the second chamber through the open end of the second chamber, and said probe can be moved into the dilution chamber through the open end of the dilution chamber.