Apparatus and method for inventory handling in automated diagnostic analyzers

An analyzer for analyzing a biological sample prepared by a pre-analysis system and a method of operating an analyzer receiving a sample prepared by a pre-analysis system. The analyzer is automated and has a processing platform with a plurality of modules served by a plurality of multi-channel pipettors. As a multi-channel pipette uses and dispenses a large number of pipette tips from the multi-channel pipette, the processing platform has a pipette dispensing assembly with a plurality of chutes such that the multi-channel pipette does not need to wait for the pipette tips to be discarded into the chutes. The plurality of chutes allow pipette tips to fall therethrough into a waste receiver below the processing platform. The processing platform also includes a plurality of drawers containing bins for consumable pipette tips for use with a multi-channel pipette. Some drawers are provided with a plurality of material boxes, and some drawers are only provided with one material box because the position of the chute