A tunable optical beamsplitter is disclosed that uses electrowetting techniques to vary the propagation characteristics of one or more light beams. The auto-sampler cleaning mechanism of the present invention includes: a sample-metering sample loop 14 having a sample-injecting needle 15 at a front end thereof, a metering pump 24, a multi-ported valve 11a, a multi-position valve 11b, and a liquid-supply valve 11c. The reaction chamber system also comprises heating means for warming the samples. The second module issues one or more local commands including the local command to the storage device and transmits a first response from the storage device to the other electronic apparatus by storing the first response into a second response to the remote command, in accordance with a process specified by the command type information in the remote command. If results from measurements taken for each control fall within a predetermined zone or defined limits, the assay measurement is qualified. Other features and advantages are described herein.