Automated self-contained instrument for assaying and measuring of samples, wherein the samples are sample discs impregnated with blood and located on wells of sample plates, the instrument comprising: - a plurality of units (210, 220, 250, 410, 550, 610, 620, 630, 710, 720, 900) for processing or storing sample plates, the units comprising - at least one dispensing unit for dispensing reagents or other assay components to the sample wells, - at least two units for simultaneously processing or storing a plurality of sample plates, - at least one unit (710, 720) for removing substance from the sample wells, and - one or several measurement units, the measurement unit(s) providing a capability for the instrument to optically measure samples in at least two measurement modes, and - at least four vertical frames (122, 124, 126, 128) whereby between each pair of adjacent frames (122, 124, 126, 128) there is installed at least one of said units for processing or storing sample plates, and - a manipulator for transferring sample plates between the units, the manipulator having a capability to move the sample plates in three orthogonal directions or combinations thereof and to rotate the sample plates in relation to a vertical axis for transferring the sample plates to the units, wherein the manipulator is located between the four frames (122, 124, 126, 128) and capable of turning by at least 270 degrees in order to transfer sample plates between all modules installed at the frames (122, 124, 126, 128). - a plurality of units (210, 220, 250, 410, 550, 610, 620, 630, 710, 720, 900) for processing or storing sample plates, the units comprising - at least one dispensing unit for dispensing reagents or other assay components to the sample wells, - at least two units for simultaneously processing or storing a plurality of sample plates, - at least one unit (710, 720) for removing substance from the sample wells, and - one or several measurement units, the measurement unit(s) providing a capability for the instrument to optically measure samples in at least two measurement modes, and - at least one dispensing unit for dispensing reagents or other assay components to the sample wells, - at least two units for simultaneously processing or storing a plurality of sample plates, - at least one unit (710, 720) for removing substance from the sample wells, and - one or several measurement units, the measurement unit(s) providing a capability for the instrument to optically measure samples in at least two measurement modes, and - at least four vertical frames (122, 124, 126, 128) whereby between each pair of adjacent frames (122, 124, 126, 128) there is installed at least one of said units for processing or storing sample plates, and - a manipulator for transferring sample plates between the units, the manipulator having a capability to move the sample plates in three orthogonal directions or combinations thereof and to rotate the sample plates in relation to a vertical axis for transferring the sample plates to the units, wherein the manipulator is located between the four frames (122, 124, 126, 128) and capable of turning by at least 270 degrees in order to transfer sample plates between all modules installed at the frames (122, 124, 126, 128).