Abstract: A method and apparatus (6) for measuring characteristics by analyzing a sample (1) of human or animal body substances, particularly blood or tissue. To this end, a known separation procedure is first used to distribute the sample (1) on a substrate (7). Subsequently, the sample (1) is divided into individual segments (8) and in the subsequent analysis is examined in an unchanged position on the substrate (7). The selection of a suitable procedure for analyzing a respective sample and of the segments (8) to be analyzed is determined as a function of the measured characteristics of previous segments (8). This makes it possible as the process is carried out to specify the characteristics to be measured which are decisive for an ultimate diagnosis, so that the result is obtained much more quickly. In addition, the minimal dimensions of the apparatus (6) make it suitable also for mobile use on site.