Patent ID: 7015042

Claim:
A method of operating an analyzer adapted to perform numerous different assays on a plurality of different samples and assay reagents contained in different reaction cuvettes during a single operational cycle time, the method comprising: partitioning the cuvettes into three separate groups based on the assays being performed and the length of time required to complete the assays; operating the analyzer for an single operational cycle time, during which single cycle time all of the assays are completed; wherein said operating comprises performing a first assay and a third assay on first and third groups of cuvettes, respectively: removing a first group of said three groups of cuvettes from the analyzer during said operational cycle while continuing to perform said third assay; replacing said first group with a second group of said three groups of cuvettes during said operational cycle; and, leaving said third group of cuvettes on the analyzer throughout the single operational cycle time.