The present invention generally concerns an automated system capable of performing quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis of a nucleic acid present in a biological sample together with preparation of a sequencing-ready nucleic acid library from said sample, either simultaneously or sequentially. In a further aspect, the present invention also provides a method for performing qPCR of a nucleic acid present in a biological sample together with simultaneous of sequential preparation of a sequencing-ready nucleic acid library from said sample. Finally, the present invention also provides removable cartridges for use in the automated systems and methods according to the invention.