Instruments for analyzing biological samples and reagents

[0131] In general, the present invention relates to instruments for analyzing biological samples and reagent mixtures. The instrument is an all-in-one instrument capable of dispensing, amplifying and analyzing biological samples and reagents in a compact design. A strip containing a plurality of wells is automatically advanced through the instrument along a strip path assembly. The strip path assembly includes a first location, a second location, a third location, and a fourth location. In a first position, the strip may be cut such that a strip segment having a single array of wells is advanced through the instrument. Alternatively, the strip may be advanced through the first position to the second position without cutting. Furthermore, the strip can be advanced without cutting until any number of the array of recessed holes has passed the first position, and then the strip can be cut. In the second position, the biological sample and reagents are dispensed by the dispensi...