Automated analyzer for performing a nucleic acid-based assay

An automated analyzer for use in performing a nucleic acid-based assay, the analyzer comprising:

• a separation station comprising a magnetic element for subjecting a sample to a magnetic field, the magnetic field being sufficient to isolate a target nucleic acid immobilized on a solid support comprising a magnetically-responsive particle from other material present in the sample, wherein the magnetic element is carried by a magnet moving structure configured to be automatically movable between first and second positions, wherein the magnetic element does not have a substantial effect on the magnetically-responsive particle when the magnet moving structure is in the first position, and wherein the magnetic element has a substantial effect on the magnetically-responsive particle when the magnet moving structure is in the second position;
• an amplification incubator adapted to receive a receptacle containing the target nucleic acid isolated in the separation station and to incubate the contents of the receptacle, to which reagents for performing a nucleic acid amplification have been provided, for a period of time and under conditions sufficient to permit a target sequence of the target nucleic acid to be amplified, said incubator comprising:
• a housing having a side wall and including a receptacle access opening formed in the side wall for allowing the receptacle to be moved laterally into or out of said housing through said receptacle access opening in the side wall and a door configured for automated movement between a closed position in which said door cooperates with said housing to close said receptacle access opening and an open position in which said door is positioned such that said receptacle access opening permits a reaction receptacle to pass therethrough;
• a robotic pipettor positioned to access the contents of the receptacle;
• a detector for detecting a light signal emitted by the contents of a receptacle, wherein the separation station, the amplification incubator, the robotic pipettor and the detector are contained within a housing of the analyzer;
• and
• a computer controller in communication with the separation station, the amplification incubator, the robotic pipettor, and the detector and programmed to (i) effect cooperative operation of the separation station, the amplification incubator, the robotic pipettor, and the detector, (ii) control movement of a receptacle within the analyzer, (iii) control automated movement of the magnet moving structure between the first and second positions;
• (iv) control automated movement of said door between the closed position and the opened position, and (v) determine the presence of a target nucleic acid in the sample by:
• separating immobilized target nucleic acid from non-immobilized components of the sample at the separation station;
• forming a mixture with the robotic pipettor, the mixture comprising the separated target nucleic acid and all reagents necessary for performing a nucleic acid amplification;
• performing the nucleic acid amplification with the separated target nucleic acid to form an amplification product in the amplification incubator;
• detecting a signal associated with the amplification product with the detector;
• and
• determining the presence of the target nucleic acid based on the signal detected with the detector.