Patent Publication Number: US-2021178386-A1

Title: Biochemical analysis apparatus and biochemical analysis method

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a biochemical analysis apparatus and a biochemical analysis method. 
     Description of the Background Art 
     A conventionally known analysis apparatus performs a biochemical analysis of a specimen by reacting the specimen and a reagent in a reaction container. An analysis apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2012-42294 includes an accommodation container that accommodates a specimen, a nozzle (pipette) for suctioning the specimen, and a sensor. The sensor detects contact of the nozzle with a liquid surface of the specimen. The apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2012-42294 causes the nozzle to start a specimen suction process upon detection of the contact of the nozzle with the liquid surface. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     When the nozzle detects a liquid surface of an accommodation object which is a specimen or a reagent, the sensor causes the nozzle to suction the accommodation object. In the case where the nozzle suctions the accommodation object, which is a specimen or a reagent, several times, the liquid surface level of the accommodation object decreases monotonously every time the nozzle suctions the accommodation object. The height of the nozzle at the most recent detection of the liquid surface by the nozzle is thus below the height of the nozzle at the previous detection of the liquid surface by the nozzle. In some cases, however, the height of the nozzle at the most recent detection of the liquid surface by the nozzle is above the height of the nozzle at the previous detection of the liquid surface by the nozzle. Such a case is a case where, for example, an air bubble or the like of the accommodation object in an accommodation container is generated above the liquid surface of the accommodation object. If the nozzle contacts this air bubble, the sensor would detect that the nozzle has contacted the liquid surface of the accommodation object. Consequently, the analysis apparatus fails to suction the accommodation object. In the invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2012-42294, the user may fail to recognize an error based on the height of the nozzle, which is obtained at the detection of the contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object, being above the height of the nozzle, which is obtained at the previous detection of the contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object. 
     The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problem, and has an object to provide technology of causing a user to recognize an error based on a height of a nozzle, which is obtained at detection of contact of a nozzle with an accommodation object, being above a height of the nozzle, which is obtained at previous detection of contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object. 
     A biochemical analysis apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure performs a biochemical analysis of a specimen by reacting the specimen and a reagent in a reaction container. The biochemical analysis apparatus includes: a nozzle that suctions an accommodation object, which is the specimen or the reagent, from an accommodation container that accommodates the accommodation object; a sensor that detects contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object; a storage device; and a controller that controls the nozzle to move upward and downward. The controller causes the nozzle to suction the accommodation object based on detection of the contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object. The controller stores, in the storage device, a height of the nozzle at the detection of the contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object. The controller detects an error based on a first height of the nozzle being above a second height of the nozzle, the first height being obtained at detection of the contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object by the sensor, the second height being a height of the nozzle obtained at previous detection of the contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object by the sensor and being stored in the storage device. Upon detection of the error, the controller provides an error notification in a manner different from that at detection of another error. 
     A biochemical analysis method according to another aspect of the present disclosure performs a biochemical analysis of a specimen by reacting the specimen and a reagent in a reaction container. An apparatus that performs the biochemical analysis includes: a nozzle that suctions an accommodation object, which is the specimen or the reagent, from an accommodation container that accommodates the accommodation object; a sensor that detects contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object; a storage device; and a controller that controls the nozzle to move upward and downward. The biochemical analysis method includes: causing the nozzle to suction the accommodation object when the sensor detects contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object; storing, in the storage device, a height of the nozzle at the detection of the contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object by the sensor; detecting an error based on a first height of the nozzle, which is obtained at detection of the contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object by the sensor, being above a second height of the nozzle, which is a height of the nozzle at previous detection of the contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object by the sensor and is stored in the storage device; and upon detection of the error, providing an error notification in a manner different from that at detection of another error. 
     The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic plan view showing an example configuration of main parts of an analysis apparatus of the present embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing an example hardware configuration of the analysis apparatus of the present embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an analysis system of the present embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  shows a state before a piercer of the present embodiment pierces a cover member. 
         FIG. 5  shows a state after the piercer of the present embodiment has pierced the cover member. 
         FIG. 6  shows a state before a nozzle is inserted into an accommodation container after the piercer of the present embodiment has pierced the cover member. 
         FIG. 7  shows a state in which the nozzle of the present embodiment is in contact with a liquid surface of a sample. 
         FIG. 8  shows a state in which the nozzle of the present embodiment is inserted into the sample. 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  are views for illustrating a collision sensor of the present embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  shows example types of the cover members of the present embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  shows a situation where blood (sample) adheres to the inside of the piercer of the present embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  shows a technique of detecting a sample by a nozzle inside the piercer of the present embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  shows a situation where a droplet is in contact with a side surface of the nozzle of the present embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  shows an example situation where an air bubble is generated above the liquid surface of the sample of the present embodiment. 
         FIGS. 15A  shows an example of a previous height, and  FIGS. 15B, 15C, and 15D  each show an example of the most recent height. 
         FIG. 16  shows an upper limit and the like. 
         FIG. 17  shows an example display screen of the present embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  shows another example display screen of the present embodiment. 
         FIG. 19  shows an example summary of each error message. 
         FIG. 20  shows an example setting screen for a difference threshold. 
         FIG. 21  shows an example setting screen for the presence or absence of an error notification. 
         FIG. 22  is a block diagram of a functional configuration example of a controller. 
         FIG. 23  is an example flowchart of the controller. 
         FIG. 24  is an example flowchart of a suction process. 
         FIG. 25  is an example flowchart of a first error process and a resuction process. 
         FIG. 26  is an example flowchart of a second error process and a repiercing process. 
         FIG. 27  is an example flowchart of a third error process and a resuction process. 
         FIG. 28  is a sectional view of a piercer and an accommodation container of Embodiment 2. 
         FIGS. 29A and 29B  each show a relationship between a pressure applied to a piezoelectric element and a pulse number output to a piercer motor by a controller. 
         FIGS. 30A and 30B  are views for illustrating a sensor in the state of non-piercing. 
         FIG. 31  shows example types of cover members of the present embodiment. 
         FIG. 32  shows another example type of a cover member of another embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts are designated by the same characters in the drawings and will not be described repeatedly. It has been intended from the time of filing of the present application to appropriately combine at least some of components described in the respective embodiments. In the accompanying drawings, illustrations are not based on the actual dimensional ratio, and there are some parts shown in different dimensional ratios for clearly illustrating the structure in order to allow easy understanding of the structure. 
     Embodiment 1 
     [Apparatus Configuration] 
     A biochemical analysis apparatus (hereinafter, also merely referred to as “analysis apparatus”) according to Embodiment 1 is configured to dispense each of a specimen and a reagent into a reaction container using a nozzle and optically determine a state of reaction in the reaction container. Hereinafter, the specimen may be referred to as “sample”. The specimen is, for example, a blood component (serum or plasma) or urine. In the present embodiment, the reaction container of the analysis apparatus is a disposable cuvette. 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic plan view showing an example configuration of main parts of an analysis apparatus  1  according to an embodiment of the present invention. In 
       FIG. 1 , the height direction of analysis apparatus  1  is a Z-axis direction, the width direction of analysis apparatus  1  is an X-axis direction, and the depth direction of analysis apparatus  1  is a Y-axis direction. The Z-axis direction is the vertical direction of analysis apparatus  1  as well. Analysis apparatus  1  includes a controller  500  that controls parts of analysis apparatus  1 . Although controller  500  is shown on the upper right in  FIG. 1  for convenience sake, in actuality, controller  500  is arranged at a position different from that of  FIG. 1 . 
     Controller  500  conveys a plurality of accommodation containers  2 , each of which accommodates a sample, to prescribed positions. Controller  500  causes the nozzle to suction the sample in each accommodation container  2  and dispenses the sample. 
     Accommodation container  2  is placed in analysis apparatus  1  while being held by a rack  3 . Each rack  3  holds accommodation containers  2 . In the example of  FIG. 1 , five accommodation containers  2  are arranged in one rack  3 . Analysis apparatus  1  includes an installation portion  4 . Racks  3  are installed in installation portion  4 . In the example of  FIG. 1, 11  racks are arranged. 
     Accommodation container  2  typically has a cylindrical shape with an opening. Accommodation containers  2  are classified into accommodation containers, each of which has an opening covered with a cover member, and accommodation containers, each of which has an opening not covered with the cover member. Rack  3  holding accommodation container  2  with its opening covered with the cover member is also referred to as a closed tube sampling (CTS) rack. Also, rack  3  holding accommodation container  2  with its opening not covered with the cover member is referred to as a SAM rack. Each rack  3  is provided with a mark for determining whether it is the CTS rack or SAM rack. This mark is typically a bar code. Analysis apparatus  1  includes a mark sensor  700  (see  FIG. 2 ) that reads the mark. Controller  500  can determine whether rack  3  holding accommodation container  2  that suctions a sample is the CTS rack or SAM rack, based on the result of the detection of mark sensor  700 . 
     Controller  500  moves racks  3  to a conveyance position  5  in a direction D 1 . Direction D 1  is a direction in which racks  3  are arranged. Direction D 1  is also the X-axis direction. 
     Subsequently, controller  500  conveys rack  3  from installation portion  4  in a direction D 2 . Direction D 2  is a direction orthogonal to direction D 1 . Direction D 2  is also the Y-axis direction. In the present embodiment, controller  500  sequentially moves racks  3  one by one to conveyance position  5  in response to, for example, a user&#39;s input of a start operation. Controller  500  conveys one rack  3  from conveyance position  5  in direction D 2 . 
     Rack  3  conveyed from installation portion  4  is stopped once on a rack conveyance path  6 . Controller  500  determines at a prescribed timing whether rack  3  to be processed is the CTS rack or SAM rack. When determining that rack  3  to be processed is the CTS rack, controller  500  suctions a sample using a nozzle  8  from accommodation container  2  held by rack  3  (i.e., CTS rack) after piercing the cover member with a piercer  7 . Piercer  7  is shaped to be pointed at its tip. Piercer  7 , which perforates the cover member, is also referred to as a “perforation member”. In this manner, piercer  7  serves to pierce the cover member. 
     When determining that rack  3  to be processed is the SAM rack, controller  500  suctions a sample using nozzle  8  from accommodation container  2  held by rack  3  (i.e., SAM rack). 
     Piercer  7  extends vertically (i.e., in the Z-axis direction). A piercer driving device  71  holds piercer  7  and drives piercer  7  to move piercer  7  upward and downward. Piercer driving device  71  includes a piercer arm  711  running horizontally. Piercer  7  is held at one end of piercer arm  711 . A rotary shaft  712  is attached to the other end of piercer arm  711 . Piercer arm  711  is rotatable about rotary shaft  712 . Piercer driving device  71  can rotate piercer arm  711  about rotary shaft  712  to horizontally move piercer  7  along an arc-shaped trajectory  717 . Piercer driving device  71  can also move piercer arm  711  vertically along rotary shaft  712 . 
     Nozzle  8  extends vertically (i.e., in the Z-axis direction). A nozzle driving device  81  holds nozzle  8  and drives nozzle  8  to move nozzle  8  upward and downward. Nozzle driving device  81  includes a nozzle arm  811  running horizontally. Nozzle  8  is held at one end of nozzle arm  811 . A rotary shaft  812  is attached to the other end of nozzle arm  811 . Nozzle arm  811  is rotatable about rotary shaft  812 . Nozzle driving device  81  can rotate nozzle arm  811  about rotary shaft  812  to move nozzle  8  horizontally along an arc-shaped trajectory  817 . Nozzle driving device  81  can also move nozzle arm  811  vertically along rotary shaft  812 . 
     In the present embodiment, controller  500  controls piercer driving device  71  to drive piercer  7 . Controller  500  also controls nozzle driving device  81  to drive nozzle  8 . For example, controller  500  causes piercer  7  to pierce the cover member by a technique shown in  FIGS. 4 to 8 , which will be described below. Controller  500  inserts nozzle  8  into piercer  7  which has pierced the cover member, thereby moving nozzle  8  downward. Controller  500  suctions the sample of accommodation container  2  using nozzle  8  in the piercer. The suctioned sample is held once in a prescribed location. 
     Nozzle  8  may suction a reagent before suctioning a sample. In this case, for example, before nozzle  8  suctions the sample, nozzle driving device  81  rotates nozzle arm  811  to move nozzle  8  to above the reagent held by a reagent holding portion  815 . Subsequently, nozzle driving device  81  moves nozzle arm  811  vertically downward. Consequently, nozzle  8  is inserted into the reagent, thus allowing nozzle  8  to suction the reagent. In a modification, analysis apparatus  1  may suction a reagent using another nozzle. 
     Subsequently, nozzle driving device  81  moves nozzle arm  811  vertically upward to withdraw nozzle  8  from the reagent. Controller  500  then performs a sample suction operation shown in  FIGS. 4 to 8 . 
     In this manner, piercer  7  is a member for piercing cover member  22 . Nozzle  8  is a member that passes through piercer  7  which has pierced cover member  22  and suctions a sample. 
     Controller  500  withdraws nozzle  8  from accommodation container  2  after suctioning the sample of accommodation container  2  using nozzle  8 . Controller  500  then rotates nozzle arm  811  to stop nozzle  8  immediately above a dispensing aperture  814 . Dispensing aperture  814  is located on trajectory  817 . After nozzle  8  stops immediately above dispensing aperture  814 , controller  500  moves nozzle  8  downward. Nozzle  8  is thus inserted into dispensing aperture  814 . Controller  500  discharges the held sample with nozzle  8  inserted into dispensing aperture  814 , thereby dispensing the sample into dispensing aperture  814 . The sample dispensed into dispensing aperture  814  is poured into a cuvette arranged in dispensing aperture  814 . 
     Nozzle  8  is pulled out of accommodation container  2  and out of piercer  7  every time a sample is suctioned. Nozzle  8  is cleaned with a cleaning liquid after dispensing, and then, performs the next sample suctioning operation. When nozzle  8  suctions the sample several times from the same accommodation container  2 , nozzle  8  is inserted into the same accommodation container  2  several times. During suctioning of the sample several times from the same accommodation container  2 , piercer  7  is kept being inserted into accommodation container  2 . 
     [Hardware Configuration of Analysis Apparatus] 
     Next, a hardware configuration of analysis apparatus  1  will be described.  FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing an example hardware configuration of analysis apparatus  1 . Controller  500  includes a central processing unit (CPU)  530 , a random access memory (RAM)  532 , a storage device  534 , and an I/O buffer (not shown) for inputting and outputting various signals. 
     CPU  530  loads a control program stored in storage device  534  to RAM  532  and executes the control program. The control program is a program in which a procedure of various processes executed by controller  500  is described. Storage device  534  stores various pieces of information and data for various processes, in addition to the control program. Controller  500  executes various processes in the analysis apparatus in accordance with the control program and the various pieces of information and data. Note that the processes can be executed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuit), in addition to software. 
     For example, reagent information, information or data about an analysis schedule, an analysis history, and/or the like are registered with storage device  534 , in addition to the control program in which the procedure is described. The reagent information is information about each reagent (e.g., reagent ID, a type, an expiration date, and/or the like of a reagent). 
     The analysis schedule is determined based on, for example, sample information (e.g., an analysis category of each sample) and the availability of each port in order to efficiently analyze all the scheduled samples. For example, the analysis schedule includes a timing of each of dispensing and measurement, a sample and a reagent to be dispensed, and a photometer port for measurement. The analysis schedule is managed per sample ID (per sample accommodation container). 
     The analysis history indicates the degree of progress of an analysis including events still in progress, and is updated successively in accordance with the progress of the analysis. The analysis history includes, for example, a path of movement (including a current position) of the cuvette, a sample and a reagent dispensed into the cuvette, a photometer port after a measurement, and a result of the measurement. The analysis history is managed per cuvette. Each of controller  500  and the user can refer to the analysis history to check whether an analysis has been performed (or is in progress) in accordance with the analysis schedule. 
     Analysis apparatus  1  also includes piercer driving device  71 , nozzle driving device  81 , a liquid surface sensor  82 , a collision sensor  809 , and rack  3 . Liquid surface sensor  82  and collision sensor  809  will be described below in detail. Nozzle driving device  81  drives nozzle  8 . Controller  500  transmits a control signal to piercer driving device  71 . Piercer driving device  71  drives piercer  7  based on the control signal from controller  500 . Piercer driving device  71  includes a pulse motor. Hereinafter, the pulse motor of piercer driving device  71  is also referred to as “piercer motor  713  (see  FIG. 4  and the like)”. Controller  500  can determine the position of piercer  7  and control the position of piercer  7 , in accordance with a pulse number supplied to the pulse motor of piercer driving device  71 . In other words, an amount of driving of piercer  7  corresponds to the pulse number supplied to the pulse motor of piercer driving device  71 . 
     Controller  500  also transmits a control signal to nozzle driving device  81 . Nozzle driving device  81  drives nozzle  8  based on the control signal from controller  500 . Nozzle driving device  81  includes a pulse motor. The pulse motor of nozzle driving device  81  is also referred to as a “nozzle motor  813  (see  FIG. 6  and the like)”. Controller  500  can determine the position of nozzle  8  and control the position of nozzle  8 , in accordance with a pulse number supplied to the pulse motor of nozzle driving device  81 . That is to say, an amount of driving of nozzle  8  corresponds to the pulse number supplied to the pulse motor of nozzle driving device  81 . 
     In this manner, controller  500  drives nozzle  8  and piercer  7 . Controller  500  also drives racks  3  as described with reference to  FIG. 1 . Rack  3  is a member in which accommodation container  2  is arranged. Rack  3  corresponds to an “arrangement portion” of the present disclosure. 
     [Example Configuration of Analysis System] 
     Next, an example configuration of an analysis system including analysis apparatus  1  will be described.  FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an analysis system  120 . Analysis system  120  in the example of  FIG. 3  includes analysis apparatus  1 , an input device  200 , a display device  250 , and a host device  270 . Host device  270  corresponds to an “external device” of the present disclosure. 
     Input device  200  is a device that receives user&#39;s inputs of various pieces of information. Input device  200  includes a mouse, a keyboard, and/or the like. The information input through input device  200  is transmitted to analysis apparatus  1 . Display device  250  displays various pieces of information by control of analysis apparatus  1 . Analysis apparatus  1  may include at least one device among input device  200  and display device  250 . Analysis system  120  may include a touch panel including input device  200  and display device  250  integrated with each other. Alternatively, analysis apparatus  1  may include this touch panel. Host device  270  is an upstream device of analysis apparatus  1 . The information from host device  270  is provided to analysis apparatus  1 . Host device  270  performs the error notification upon receipt of the error notification from analysis apparatus  1 . 
     [Suction of Sample] 
     Next, a flow of suction of a sample in accommodation container  2  including cover member  22  using piercer  7  and nozzle  8  will be described and with reference to  FIGS. 4 to 8 . Note that a part of the rack in which accommodation container  2  is installed is shown as an installation portion. 
       FIG. 4  shows a state before piercer  7  pierces cover member  22 . When piercer  7  is inserted into accommodation container  2 , piercer driving device  71  rotates piercer arm  711  to move piercer  7  horizontally to above accommodation container  2 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a state after piercer  7  has pierced cover member  22 . Piercer driving device  71  moves rotary shaft  712  and piercer arm  711  vertically downward to move piercer  7  vertically downward. Consequently, piercer  7  pierces cover member  22 , and then, piercer  7  enters accommodation container  2 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a state before nozzle  8  is inserted into accommodation container  2  after piercer  7  has pierced cover member  22 . When nozzle  8  is inserted into accommodation container  2 , nozzle driving device  81  rotates nozzle arm  811  to move nozzle  8  horizontally to above piercer  7  inserted into accommodation container  2 . Subsequently, nozzle driving device  81  moves nozzle  8  vertically downward so as to insert nozzle  8  into piercer  7 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     Herein, liquid surface sensor  82  is provided inside nozzle arm  811 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . Liquid surface sensor  82  is typically a capacitance sensor. Liquid surface sensor  82  detects a change in capacitance when the tip of nozzle  8  or the side surface of nozzle  8  contacts the sample. Liquid surface sensor  82  detects contact of nozzle  8  with the sample based on the change in capacitance. 
       FIG. 7  shows a state in which nozzle  8  is in contact with a liquid surface  17 A of a sample  17 . When nozzle  8  has moved downward as shown in  FIG. 7  and the tip of nozzle  8  has contacted liquid surface  17 A of the sample as shown in  FIG. 7 , liquid surface sensor  82  detects that the tip of nozzle  8  has contacted liquid surface  17 A, based on a change in capacitance. Controller  500  determines that the tip of nozzle  8  has contacted liquid surface  17 A, based on the result of the detection of liquid surface sensor  82 . In this manner, liquid surface sensor  82  is a sensor that detects that nozzle  8  has contacted the sample. The liquid surface sensor corresponds to “a first sensor” of the present disclosure. 
     When determining that the tip of nozzle  8  has contacted liquid surface  17 A, controller  500  moves nozzle  8  downward further by a prescribed amount determined in advance. As nozzle  8  is moved downward by the prescribed amount, nozzle  8  is inserted into sample  17 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a state in which nozzle  8  is inserted into sample  17 . Controller  500  drives a pump (not shown) with nozzle  8  immersed in the sample of accommodation container  2 , thereby suctioning the sample in accommodation container  2 . As described above, controller  500  dispenses the suctioned sample into dispensing aperture  814 . 
     [Collision Sensor] 
     Next, collision sensor  809  will be described. As described with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , controller  500  causes piercer  7  to pierce cover member  22 . Although cover member  22  is commonly in the form of rubber, piercer  7  may fail to pierce cover member  22  if cover member  22  has high hardness (if cover member  22  is hard). As nozzle  8  is moved downward further with piercer  7  not piercing cover member  22 , nozzle  8  may be damaged due to, for example, pressing of cover member  22  against nozzle  8 . Analysis apparatus  1  of the present embodiment then detects that nozzle  8  has collided with a collision object. For example, when piercer  7  has not pierced cover member  22 , the collision object is cover member  22 . When piercer  7  has pierced cover member  22 , and when nozzle  8  is moved downward, nozzle  8  is inserted into accommodation container  2 . When nozzle  8  is inserted into accommodation container  2 , nozzle  8  may collide with impurities that are the collision object in accommodation container  2 . Also in this case, analysis apparatus  1  of the present embodiment detects that nozzle  8  has collided with the collision object. 
     Controller  500  performs a second error process based on the detection that nozzle  8  has collided with cover member  22 . 
     The second error process includes at least one of a second alarming process and a second error storing process. The second alarming process includes a process of outputting a second alarm sound from a speaker  722  and a process of displaying an error image on display device  250 . The second alarm sound is a sound indicating that nozzle  8  has collided with cover member  22 . A second error image is an image indicating that nozzle  8  has collided with cover member  22 . The second error image is, for example, an image “P mistake”, which will be described below. The second error storing process is a process of storing an error history in a prescribed storage area. The prescribed storage area may be a storage area of analysis apparatus  1  or a storage area of the external device to analysis apparatus  1 . Further, when the error storing process is performed, and when the user performs an operation of displaying the second error image on input device  200 , the stored error history is displayed on display device  250 . A collision sensor that detects a state of collision will be described below. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  are views for illustrating the collision sensor.  FIGS. 9A and 9B  each show the inside of nozzle arm  811 .  FIG. 9A  shows a situation where nozzle  8  is not in the state of collision.  FIG. 9B  shows a situation where nozzle  8  is in the state of collision. 
     A biasing member  803 , a light shielding plate  804 , a base  805 , a holding member  806 , and collision sensor  809  are arranged in nozzle arm  811 . Base  805  is a member holding nozzle  8 . Base  805  is joined to nozzle  8 . Collision sensor  809  corresponds to a “second sensor” of the present disclosure. Biasing member  803  is, for example, a spring, more particularly, a helical compression spring. Biasing member  803  has one end attached to the inner surface of nozzle arm  811 . Biasing member  803  has the other end held on holding member  806 . Holding member  806  holds biasing member  803  and is also joined to the periphery of base  805 . Biasing member  803  thus biases nozzle  8  downward in the Z-axis direction. 
     Light shielding plate  804  has an L shape in sectional view. Light shielding plate  804  has one end joined to the periphery of base  805 . Collision sensor  809  includes a light output portion  801  and a light input portion  802 . Light output portion  801  outputs light to light input portion  802 . In a situation where light enters light input portion  802 , an optical signal is transmitted to controller  500 . The optical signal is a signal indicating that light enters light input portion  802 . 
     Nozzle driving device  81  moves rotary shaft  812  downward to move nozzle  8  downward. As shown in  FIG. 9A , when nozzle  8  is not in the state of collision, the light from light output portion  801  is shielded by light shielding plate  804 . When nozzle  8  is not in the state of collision, thus, the light from light output portion  801  does not enter light input portion  802 . As described above, a force of biasing member  803  is applied downward to nozzle  8 . In a situation where nozzle  8  is not in the state of collision (e.g., in a situation where nozzle  8  begins colliding with a collision object), accordingly, the state in which no light enters light input portion  802  (i.e., the state shown in  FIG. 9A ) is maintained by the force applied to nozzle  8 . 
     However, when nozzle driving device  81  moves nozzle  8  downward further from the time at which nozzle  8  has begun contacting the collision object (e.g., cover member  22 ), nozzle  8  is held back by cover member  22 , and accordingly, a force upward in the Z-axis direction is applied to nozzle  8 . Then, as nozzle  8  continues moving downward, and accordingly, the force applied upward to nozzle  8  exceeds the force applied downward to nozzle  8  by biasing member  803 , nozzle  8  moves upward relative to nozzle arm  811 , as shown in  FIG. 9B . 
     As nozzle  8  moves upward relative to nozzle arm  811 , light shielding plate  804  joined to nozzle  8  also moves upward. As light shielding plate  804  moves upward, light from light output portion  801  is no longer shielded by light shielding plate  804 , as shown in  FIG. 9B . Consequently, light enters light input portion  802 . When light enters light input portion  802 , controller  500  receives an input of an optical signal from light input portion  802 . Controller  500  determines that nozzle  8  is in the state of collision upon input of an optical signal. 
     In this manner, the following configuration is provided in the example of  FIGS. 9A and 9B . In this configuration, as nozzle  8  moves upward relative to nozzle arm  811 , the state in which no light enters light input portion  802  changes to a state in which light enters light input portion  802 . In a configuration of a modification, as nozzle  8  moves upward relative to nozzle arm  811 , the state in which light enters light input portion  802  may change to the state in which no light enters light input portion  802 . 
     In other words, analysis apparatus  1  includes light output portion  801  that outputs light, light input portion  802  that receives light, and biasing member  803 . 
     Biasing member  803  applies a force downward (i.e., toward accommodation container  2 ) to nozzle  8 . Then, when nozzle  8  moves upward relative to nozzle arm  811  and the light entrance state of light input portion  802  changes, controller  500  determines that nozzle  8  is in the state of collision. A change in the light entrance state of light input portion  802  may be “a change from the state in which no light enters light input portion  802  to the state in which light enters light input portion  802 ”, as in the present embodiment. A change in the light entrance state of light input portion  802  may be “a change from the state in which light enters light input portion  802  to the state in which no light enters light input portion  802 ”, as in the modification. 
     As described above, examples of the case where the state of collision of nozzle  8  is detected mainly include “a case where nozzle  8  has collided with a collision object in piercer  7 ”, “a case where nozzle  8  has collided with cover member  22  as a collision object when piercer  7  has failed to pierce cover member  22 ”, and “a case where nozzle  8  has collided with a collision object in accommodation container  22  when piercer  7  has pierced cover member  22 ”. 
     In the present embodiment, analysis apparatus  1  detects “that nozzle  8  has collided with cover member  22  as a collision object” by the following technique.  FIG. 10  shows an example of the first information stored in a first storage device  5341 . First storage device  5341  is included in storage device  534  (see  FIG. 2 ). In  FIG. 10 , a first cover member and a second cover member are defined. 
     The first cover member is a material more extensible than the second cover member. A pulse corresponding to the first cover member is P 1 , and a pulse corresponding to the second cover member is P 2 , where P 1 &gt;P 2 . If piercer  7  has failed to pierce cover member  22 , generally, cover member  22  is more extensible when the cover member  22  is the first cover member than when cover member  22  is the second cover member. If piercer  7  has failed to pierce cover member  22 , thus, a location in which nozzle  8  collides with cover member  22  is lower in the Z-axis direction when cover member  22  is the first cover member than when cover member  22  is the second cover member. Considering the above, setting is made such that P 1 &gt;P 2  as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     Controller  500  obtains a type of cover member  22 . Controller  500  determines, for example, whether cover member  22  is the first cover member or the second cover member. Controller  500  determines that nozzle  8  has collided with cover member  22  when an amount of driving (i.e., pulse number) of nozzle  8  at the detection of the collision of nozzle  8  by collision sensor  809  is an amount of driving (i.e., pulse P 1  or pulse P 2  shown in  FIG. 10 ) associated with the obtained type of cover member  22 . 
     For example, when determining that cover member  22  is the first cover member, controller  500  determines that nozzle  8  has collided with cover member  22  when the amount of driving (i.e., pulse number) of nozzle  8  at the detection of the collision of nozzle  8  is P 1  (or is a value close to P 1 ). When determining that cover member  22  is the second cover member, controller  500  determines that nozzle  8  has collided with cover member  22  if the amount of driving (i.e., pulse number) of nozzle  8  at the detection of the collision of nozzle  8  is P 2  (or is a value close to P 2 ). 
     In  FIG. 10 , pulse numbers of two types of cover members  22  are defined. However, pulse numbers of three or more types of cover members  22  may be defined. Specifically, in the information in  FIG. 10 , a pulse (i.e., prescribed amount of driving) is associated with each of two or more types of cover members  22 . 
     As described above, each rack  3  is provided with a mark for determining whether rack  3  is the CTS rack or SAM rack. The mark for determining as the CTS rack may include information by which controller  500  can determine the type of cover member  22  of accommodation container  2  held by this CTS rack. In this case, controller  500  obtains a type of cover member  22  of accommodation container  2  based on the result of the detection of mark sensor  700 . Controller  500  then obtains a pulse number associated with the type of cover member  22  with reference to the information indicating the settings of  FIG. 10 . 
     Controller  500  performs a repiercing process of piercer  7  when controller  500  determines that nozzle  8  has collided with cover member  22 , that is, when controller  500  performs the second error process. The repiercing process of piercer  7  is a process of causing piercer  7  to pierce cover member  22  again when piercer  7  has failed to pierce cover member  22 . The repiercing process is a process of moving piercer  7  upward once and moving piercer  7  downward again for an attempt to cause piercer  7  to pierce cover member  22 . 
     A restricted number of times is defined for the number of times of the repiercing process. If controller  500  performs the repiercing process many times, there is a possibility that a fragment of cover member  22  would be mixed in sample  17  as a result of the collision of piercer  7  with cover member  22 . Also, when controller  500  performs the repiercing process many times, there is a possibility that piercer  7  would be damaged as a result of the collision of piercer  7  with cover member  22 . 
     Thus, “a possibility that a fragment of cover member  22  would be mixed in sample  17 ” and “a possibility that nozzle  8  would be damaged” can be reduced by setting a restricted number of times for the number of times of the repiercing process. The restricted number of times corresponds to “a prescribed number of times” of the present disclosure. The restricted number of times is, for example, “twice”. 
     Controller  500  performs the repiercing process until the number of times of the repiercing process reaches the prescribed number of times. When the number of times of the repiercing process reaches the prescribed number of times, controller  500  issues an alarm. Issuing an alarm is, for example, outputting an alarm sound from speaker  722 . 
     [Detection of Liquid Surface within Piercer] 
     After piercer  7  has pierced cover member  22 , controller  500  inserts nozzle  8  into piercer  7  and moves nozzle  8  downward, as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     The case where accommodation container  2  is, for example, a blood collection tube will now be described. Blood is normally collected by a nurse or the like using a blood collection needle. The blood collected from a subject is accommodated in the blood collection tube which is kept covered with cover member  22 . When the nurse removes the blood collection needle from the blood collection tube after collecting blood, a small amount of blood may adhere to the upper portion of cover member  22 . In this case, when piercer  7  pierces cover member  22 , the blood adhering to cover member  22  may enter piercer  7 . When piercer  7  pierces cover member  22 , sample  17  inside accommodation container  2  may flow backward due to a difference between a pressure value inside accommodation container  2  and a pressure value outside accommodation container  2 . Also in this case, blood may adhere to the inside of piercer  7 . 
       FIG. 11  shows a situation where blood (sample) adheres to the inside of piercer  7 . The adhering sample in  FIG. 11  is denoted by a droplet  610 . Droplet  610  is a part of the sample. The example of  FIG. 11  shows a situation where the tip of nozzle  8  is in contact with droplet  610 . When the tip of nozzle  8  contacts droplet  610 , liquid surface sensor  82  detects droplet  610 . Controller  500  thus starts suctioning nozzle  8  based on the detection of droplet  610 , and accordingly, performs idle suction of nozzle  8 . Idle suction is suction in a location free from a specimen. 
     In the present embodiment, thus, controller  500  performs a first error process upon detection of contact of nozzle  8  with the sample (in the example of  FIG. 11 , droplet  610 ) inside piercer  7 . 
     The first error process includes at least one of a first alarming process and a first error storing process. The first alarming process includes a process of outputting a first alarm sound from speaker  722  and a process of displaying a first error image on display device  250 . The first error image is an image indicating that nozzle  8  has detected a sample inside piercer  7 . The first error image is, for example, an image “P mistake”, which will be described below. The first error storing process is a process of storing an error history in a prescribed storage area. The prescribed storage area may be a storage area of analysis apparatus  1  or a storage area of the external device to analysis apparatus  1 . Further, when the error storing process is performed, and when the user performs an operation of displaying the first error image on input device  200 , the stored error history is displayed on display device  250 . When performing the first error process, controller  500  does not allow nozzle  8  to perform the suction process. When performing the first error process, controller  500  performs the resuction process without causing nozzle  8  to perform the suction process. The resuction process is a suction process of nozzle  8  performed after moving nozzle  8  upward once and moving nozzle  8  downward again. 
     Next, a technique of causing, by controller  500 , nozzle  8  to detect a sample inside piercer  7  will be described.  FIG. 12  shows the technique of detecting a sample by nozzle  8  inside piercer  7 .  FIG. 12  shows an initial position X 1  of the tip of piercer  7  and an initial position X 2  of the tip of nozzle  8 . Piercer  7  indicated by the broken line shows piercer  7  located at the initial position. Piercer  7  indicated by the solid line shows piercer  7  which has pierced cover member  22 . Initial position X 1  of the tip of piercer  7  is a position of the tip of piercer  7  before driving. Initial position X 2  of the tip of nozzle  8  is a position of the tip of nozzle  8  before driving. As shown in  FIG. 8  and the like, initial position X 2  of the tip of nozzle  8  is set to be above initial position X 1  of the tip of piercer  7 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 12 , a tapered surface  7 A is formed in piercer  7  to form the tip of piercer  7 . Piercer  7  has a first length L 1  and a second length L 2  larger than first length L 1  in the direction of extension of piercer  7 . In order to cause piercer  7  to pierce cover member  22 , a distance by which piercer  7  is driven is determined. This distance is a distance L 2 +L 4 . The distance between initial position X 2  and initial position X 1  is a distance L 5 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a distance of driving LN of nozzle  8  at the contact of nozzle  8  with droplet  610  inside piercer  7  is such that L 4 +L 5 &lt;LN&lt;L 4 +L 5 +L 2 . A case where contact of nozzle  8  with the sample is detected when distance of driving LN of nozzle  8  is such that LN≥L 4 +L 5 +L 2  means that nozzle  8  has contacted the sample outside piercer  7 . 
     In the present embodiment, thus, when distance of driving LN of nozzle  8  is smaller than L 4 +L 5 +L 2 , and when contact of nozzle  8  with the sample is detected, controller  500  determines that nozzle  8  has contacted droplet  610  inside piercer  7 . In other words, when the amount of driving of nozzle  8  is smaller than an amount of driving corresponding to L 4 +L 5 +L 2 , and when contact of nozzle  8  with the sample is detected, controller  500  determines that nozzle  8  has contacted droplet  610  inside piercer  7 . A threshold Th for an amount of driving is an “amount of driving corresponding to L 4 +L 5 +L 2 ”. In this case, when the amount of driving of nozzle  8  is smaller than threshold Th, and when contact of nozzle  8  with the sample is detected, controller  500  determines that nozzle  8  has contacted droplet  610  inside piercer  7 . 
     Threshold Th is an amount of driving corresponding to distance L 4 , distance L 5 , and distance L 2 . Since distance L 4  and distance L 5  are values determined in advance, threshold Th can also be referred to as an amount of driving corresponding to length L 2  of piercer  7  in the direction of extension. Specifically, when the amount of driving of nozzle  8  (i.e., the distance of driving of nozzle  8 ) is smaller than threshold Th, and when nozzle  8  contacts the sample, controller  500  determines that nozzle  8  has contacted the sample inside piercer  7 . In other words, controller  500  determines that nozzle  8  has contacted the sample inside piercer  7 , based on the amount of driving of nozzle  8  and the amount of driving corresponding to length L 2  of piercer  7  in the direction of extension. 
     Nozzle  8  may move obliquely downward inside piercer  7 . In this case, controller  500  determines that droplet  610  has contacted the side surface of nozzle  8 .  FIG. 13  shows a situation where droplet  610  has contacted the side surface of nozzle  8 . Even in the case shown in  FIG. 13 , controller  500  performs the first error process. In the example of  FIG. 13 , the tip of nozzle  8  projects a little from piercer  7 . Even when the tip of nozzle  8  projects a little from piercer  7  and nozzle  8  has contacted droplet  610 , controller  500  may determine that nozzle  8  has contacted droplet  610 . For example, the length of the piercer in the direction of extension may be L 3 , where L 3 =L 2 +α. For example, a designer of analysis apparatus  1  may set the value of α. In a modification, the length of the piercer in the direction of extension may be L 1 . 
     The situation where nozzle  8  contacts droplet  610  inside piercer  7  is a situation that may occur in the first suction process in one accommodation container  2 . 
     [Detection of Liquid Surface within Accommodation Container] 
     Also as described with reference to  FIG. 8  and the like, after piercer  7  has pierced cover member  22 , nozzle  8  is inserted into piercer  7  after piercing, and nozzle  8  suctions the sample of accommodation container  2 . For example, in the case where the suction process is performed multiple times in one accommodation container  2 , the sample inside accommodation container  2  has decreased after one suction process. In a normal case, thus, the height of the liquid surface at the execution of the suction process should be below the height of the liquid surface at the execution of the previous suction process. 
     However, an air bubble or the like of the sample may occur above the liquid surface of the sample due to, for example, a vibration or the like of analysis apparatus  1 .  FIG. 14  shows an example situation where an air bubble  612  is generated above liquid surface  17 A of sample  17 . It is assumed here that nozzle  8  has contacted air bubble  612  as shown in  FIG. 14 . In this case, even though nozzle  8  has not reached the liquid surface of sample  17 , controller  500  determines that nozzle  8  has contacted the liquid surface of sample  17 , based on the result of the detection of liquid surface sensor  82 . 
     In this case, nozzle  8  may perform idle suction. 
     In the present embodiment, thus, controller  500  determines the height of nozzle  8  upon detection of contact of nozzle  8  with liquid surface  17 A and then stores the determined height of nozzle  8  in storage device  534 . The height of nozzle  8  is also referred to as the “previous height”. The detection of contact of nozzle  8  with liquid surface  17 A is also referred to as the “previous detection”. The height of nozzle  8  corresponds to an amount of driving of nozzle  8  from the initial position. The amount of driving of nozzle  8  is a pulse number output to the nozzle motor, and accordingly, controller  500  determines this pulse number as the height of nozzle  8 . After storing the previous height, controller  500  causes nozzle  8  to perform the suction process. 
     Subsequently, when the next suction is performed, controller  500  determines the height of nozzle  8  upon detection of contact of nozzle  8  with liquid surface  17 A, and stores the determined height of nozzle  8  in storage device  534 . The height of nozzle  8  is also referred to as the “most recent height”. Detection of contact of nozzle  8  with liquid surface  17 A is also referred to as the “most recent detection”. The “most recent height” corresponds to a “first height” of the present disclosure. The “previous height” corresponds to the “second height” of the present disclosure. 
       FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D  show examples of liquid surface  17 A that nozzle  8  has contacted.  FIG. 15A  shows an example of liquid surface  17 A for the previous height.  FIG. 15B  shows an example of liquid surface  17 A for the most recent height when, for example, air bubble  612  or the like is not generated in nozzle  8 .  FIG. 15C  shows an example of liquid surface  17 A for the most recent height when air bubble  612  or the like is generated in nozzle  8 . In the examples of  FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D , the height of the position of nozzle  8  is a height with a bottom surface  2 B of accommodation container  2  as a reference. 
     Controller  500  determines whether the most recent height (i.e., first height) is above the previous height (i.e., second height). As shown in  FIGS. 15A and 15B , when determining that most recent height H 1  is below previous height H 2  as shown in  FIGS. 15A and 15C  (i.e., when determining that most recent height H 1 &lt;previous height H 2 ), controller  500  performs the nozzle suctioning process. 
     Contrastingly, when determining that most recent height H 3  is above previous height H 2  (i.e., most recent height H 3 &gt;previous height H 2 ) as shown in  FIGS. 15A and 15C , controller  500  performs a third error process. The situation of  FIG. 15C  may occur even when a part of sample  17  adheres not air bubble  612  but a portion above liquid surface  17 A. When the previous height is as shown in  FIG. 15A  and even when the most recent height is as shown in  FIG. 13 , controller  500  determines that most recent height H 3  is above previous height H 2 . Also in this case, controller  500  thus performs the third error process. 
     The third error process includes at least one of a third alarming process and a third error storing process. The third alarming process includes a process of outputting a third alarm sound from speaker  722  and a process of displaying a third error image on display device  250 . The third error image is an image indicating that nozzle  8  has detected the sample inside accommodation container  2 . The third error image is an S up image, which will be described below. The third alarm sound is a sound indicating that nozzle  8  has detected the sample inside accommodation container  2 . The third error storing process is a process of storing an error history in a prescribed storage area. The prescribed storage area may be a storage area of analysis apparatus  1  or may be a storage area of the external device to analysis apparatus  1 . Further, when the error storing process is performed, and when the user performs an operation of displaying the third error image on input device  200 , the stored error history is displayed on display device  250 . When performing the third error process, controller  500  performs the resuction process without causing nozzle  8  to perform the suction process. The resuction process is a suction process of nozzle  8  after moving nozzle  8  upward once and moving nozzle  8  downward again. When the first error process to the third error process are performed, droplet  610  may be located in piercer  7  (see  FIG. 13 ). Controller  500  may accordingly pull piercer  7  out of accommodation container  2  and then clean and dry piercer  7 . Controller  500  then moves piercer  7  downward again. 
     In this manner, controller  500  performs the third error process based on the most recent height (i.e., first height) of nozzle  8  at the detection by liquid surface sensor  82  that nozzle  8  has contacted liquid surface  17 A of sample  17  and the previous height (i.e., second height) of nozzle  8  stored in storage device  534  and obtained at the previous detection by liquid surface sensor  82 . Typically, controller  500  determines whether the most recent height (i.e., first height) is above the previous height (i.e., second height). When determining that most recent height H 3  is above previous height H 2  (i.e., when determining that most recent height H 3 &gt;previous height H 2 ), controller  500  performs the third error process. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15D , the portion outside liquid surface  17 A may move more upward than the central portion of liquid surface  17 A due to an effect, such as a surface tension of sample  17 . In this case, nozzle  8  may move downward with the tip of nozzle  8  directed obliquely. In this case, the heights may be such that most recent height H 4 &gt;previous height H 2 . 
     However, even when nozzle  8  suctions sample  17  in the state shown in FIG. 
       15 D, nozzle  8  is less likely to perform idle suction. In the state shown in  FIG. 15D , thus, controller  500  performs the suction process of nozzle  8 . Specifically, in the case where a difference AH between the most recent height and the previous height is less than the threshold even when the most recent height is above the previous height, controller  500  performs the suction process of nozzle  8 . The case where difference ΔFT is less than the threshold of the difference refers to an extremely small difference ΔH as shown in  FIG. 15D . The threshold is a value corresponding to a prescribed pulse amount of nozzle motor  813 . The prescribed pulse amount is, for example, 10 pulses, approximately 1.5 mm. 
     In the present embodiment, when the most recent height is above the previous height, and when difference AFT between the most recent height and the previous height is not less than the threshold, controller  500  performs the third error process. In a modification, when determining that the most recent height is above the previous height without using the threshold, controller  500  may perform the third error process. In this manner, controller  500  performs the third error process based on the most recent height being above the previous height. 
     Controller  500  can also perform the error process on another condition. For example,  FIG. 16  is a view for illustrating another example condition. In the present embodiment, an upper limit and a lower limit are set for liquid surface  17 A of sample  17 , as shown in  FIG. 16 . When the amount of driving at the detection of sample  17  by liquid surface sensor  82  is smaller than the amount of driving corresponding to the upper limit, that is, when liquid surface sensor  82  detects sample  17  at the height above the upper limit, controller  500  performs a fourth error process. The fourth error process is performed when, for example, an excessively large amount of sample  17  is accommodated in accommodation container  2 . 
     The fourth error process includes at least one of a fourth alarming process and a fourth error storing process. The fourth alarming process includes a process of outputting a fourth alarm sound from speaker  722  and a process of displaying a fourth error image on display device  250 . The fourth error image is an image indicating that the position of detection of liquid surface sensor  82  is the position above the upper limit. The fourth error image corresponds to an S mistake, which will be described below. The fourth alarm sound is a sound indicating that the position of detection of liquid surface sensor  82  is above the upper limit. The fourth error storing process is a process of storing an error history of a fourth error in a prescribed storage area. The prescribed storage area may be a storage area of analysis apparatus  1  or a storage area of the external device to analysis apparatus  1 . Further, when the error storing process is performed, and when the user performs the operation of displaying the fourth error image on input device  200 , the fourth error image is displayed on display device  250 . 
     When the amount of driving at the detection of sample  17  by liquid surface sensor  82  is larger than the amount of driving corresponding to the lower limit, that is, when liquid surface sensor  82  detects sample  17  at a position below the lower limit, controller  500  performs a fifth error process. The fifth error process is performed when, for example, accommodation container  2  accommodates an excessively small amount of sample  17 . 
     The fifth error process includes at least one of a fifth alarming process and a fifth storing process. The fifth alarming process includes a process of outputting a fifth alarm sound from speaker  722  and a process of displaying a fifth image on display device  250 . The fifth image is an image indicating that the position of detection of liquid surface sensor  82  is below the lower limit. The fifth error image corresponds to an S shortage, which will be described below. The fifth alarm sound is a sound indicating that the position of detection of liquid surface sensor  82  is below the lower limit. The fifth storing process is a process of storing an error history of a fifth error in a prescribed storage area. The prescribed storage area may be a storage area of analysis apparatus  1  or may be a storage area of the external device to analysis apparatus  1 . Further, when the error storing process is performed, and when the user performs an operation of displaying the fifth image on input device  200 , the fifth image is displayed on display device  250 . The range between the upper limit and the lower limit is referred to as a “normal range” as shown in  FIG. 16 . 
     [As to Error Display] 
     Next, an example error display by display device  250  will be described.  FIG. 17  shows an example screen of a list of requests made to analysis apparatus  1 . As shown in the screen of  FIG. 17 , a request made to analysis apparatus  1  is input through input device  200 . In the example of  FIG. 17 , a request identification column  950 , a specimen column  951 , a rack column  952 , a status column  954 , an analysis category column  956 , a request list button  906 , a data list button  908 , and an error button  910  are mainly displayed. The screen of  FIG. 17  is displayed when request list button  906  is operated. 
     Identification information for identifying each request is displayed in request identification column  950 . Request numbers are displayed as identification information in request identification column  950 . Information for identifying each specimen to be analyzed is displayed in specimen column  951 . In the example of  FIG. 17 , for example, S 1  to S 8  are displayed as specimen identification information. A specimen bar code may be displayed as specimen identification information. A type of a rack and a date and time of a request are displayed in rack column  952 . The type of the rack is information indicating a location in which a specimen is stored. For example, for a request with a request number “2”, the following is displayed: the rack is “S001-02”, and the date and time of the request is “14:26, April 19”. Also, “S” and “P” of the initials of the types of racks indicate the SAM rack and CTS rack, respectively. 
     Also, a category of an analysis (hereinafter, referred to as “analysis category”) performed per request No. is brought into correspondence with request No. In the example of  FIG. 17 , an analysis category A to an analysis category D are provided as analysis categories. In each analysis category, a reagent to be used, an amount of a specimen to be used, and an analysis technique are defined. Analyses are performed in order of an analysis in accordance with analysis category A, an analysis in accordance with analysis category B, an analysis in accordance with analysis category C, and an analysis in accordance with analysis category D. One or more analysis categories requested to one specimen are also referred to “a plurality of analysis categories”. In this manner, in the present embodiment, an analysis mechanism  723  can perform analyses in accordance with a plurality of analysis categories (analysis category A to analysis category D) on one specimen under the control of controller  500 . Display device  250  also displays specimens (i.e., specimen identification information S 1  to specimen identification information S 8 ). 
     In the status column, an error message is displayed. Herein, information “S UP X” and information “P MISTAKE X” are displayed as error messages in the example of  FIG. 17 . The information “S UP X” corresponds to a third error message (see  FIG. 19  described below) indicating an error based on the third error process or a third error image. The information “P MISTAKE X” shows a first error message (see  FIG. 19  described below) indicating an error based on the first error process and a second error message (see  FIG. 19  described below) indicating an error based on the second error process. The information “P MISTAKE X” may correspond to the first error image or the second error image described above. 
     Also, a fourth error message “S mistake” (see  FIG. 19  described below) and a fifth error message “S shortage” (see  FIG. 19  described below) are displayed, which are not shown. “S mistake” is the fourth error image or an error message indicating an error based on the fourth error process. “S shortage” is a sixth error image or an error message indicating an error based on fifth error process. Alternatively, other error messages may be displayed. The other error messages include an error message indicating that dispensing of a reagent has failed and an error message indicating that there is not enough reagent. 
       FIG. 18  shows a list of analysis results. When data list button  908  of  FIG. 17  is operated, controller  500  displays the screen of the list of analysis results of  FIG. 18 . In the example of  FIG. 18 , request identification column  950 , specimen column  951 , rack column  952 , and an analysis result column  959  are displayed. A time described in request identification column  950  in the example of  FIG. 18  is a time at which the process by analysis apparatus  1  has completed. In the example of  FIG. 18 , four analysis results, namely, an analysis result  961  to an analysis result  964 , are displayed. 
     In analysis result  961 , an analysis result of specimen S 7  is shown, and an analysis result A10 is derived for analysis category A. However, an error of S up is detected for the next analysis category B. Herein, the error of “S up” is an error at the detection of droplet  610  by liquid surface sensor  82  in the case of  FIG. 15C . This error is an error detected when nozzle  8  contacts droplet  610 , and in many cases, droplet  610  falls and disappears as nozzle  8  contacts droplet  610 . In the present embodiment, upon detection of an error of S up, nozzle  8  is moved upward and moved downward again, thereby causing nozzle  8  to perform resuction. At the time of resuction by nozzle  8 , droplet  610  has disappeared in many cases. 
     In the present embodiment, thus, upon detection of an error of S up, analysis mechanism  723  performs analyses of categories other than a category for which the error of S up has been detected among a plurality of categories including the category for which the error of S up has been detected. In other words, when an error of S up is detected, analysis mechanism  723  analyzes a specimen in accordance with the analysis categories other than the analysis category for which the error of S up has been detected among the plurality of analysis categories. 
     In analysis result  961  of the example of  FIG. 18 , a case where an error of S up has been detected is shown in analysis category B. Thus, as to a plurality of analysis categories including analysis category B, analyses are performed in accordance with the categories (i.e., analysis category C and analysis category D) after the category (i.e., analysis category B) for which the error of S up has been detected. In the example of  FIG. 18 , the error of S up has been detected for analysis category C and analysis category D as well. 
     Then, analysis mechanism  723  again analyzes the specimen, in which the error of S up has been detected. In the example of  FIG. 18 , analysis mechanism  723  has again analyzed specimen B, in which the error of S up has been detected. In analysis result  963 , an analysis result is displayed together with a character “REEXAMINED” indicating that an analysis has been performed again. In the example of  FIG. 18 , an analysis result A12 is displayed for the analysis result of the analysis in accordance with analysis category A. An analysis result B12 is displayed for the analysis result of the analysis in accordance with analysis category B. An analysis result C12 is displayed for the analysis result of the analysis in accordance with analysis category C. An analysis result D12 is displayed for the analysis result of the analysis in accordance with analysis category D. Each of analysis result A12, analysis result B12, analysis result C12, and analysis result D12 is displayed in association with a character image “REEXAMINED”. 
     When S up is detected, error information  972  about S up is displayed, in association with a specimen (in the example of  FIG. 18 , specimen S 7 ), in which S up has been detected. Also, when S up is detected, error information  976  about S up is displayed in association with an analysis category for which an error of S up has been detected among a plurality of analysis categories. In the example of  FIG. 18 , for analysis result  961 , error information  972  about S up is displayed in association with specimen S 7 . Also, for analysis result  961 , error information  976  about S up is displayed in association with analysis categories (i.e., analysis category B to analysis category D) for which the error of S up has been detected among the plurality of analysis categories. 
     When an error of P mistake is detected, analysis mechanism  723  does not analyze a specimen in accordance with analysis categories other than the analysis category for which the error of P up has been detected among a plurality of analysis categories. When the error of P mistake is detected, analysis mechanism  723  again analyzes specimen B, in which the error of P mistake has been detected. In the example of  FIG. 18 , since a P mistake has been detected through the examination in accordance with analysis category B, analyzes have not been performed in accordance with analysis category C and analysis category D, as shown in analysis result  962 . In the example of  FIG. 18 , a character “UNEXAMINED” is displayed in analysis category C and analysis category D. In the example of  FIG. 18 , analysis mechanism  723  has again analyzed specimen B for which the error of P up has been detected, as shown in analysis result  964 . In analysis result  964 , an analysis result is displayed together with a character “REEXAMINED” indicating that an analysis has been performed again. In the example of  FIG. 18 , an analysis result A13 is displayed for the analysis result of the analysis in accordance with analysis category A. For the analysis result of the analysis in accordance with analysis category B, a P mistake has been detected again. 
     When a P mistake is detected, error information  974  about a P mistake is displayed in association with a specimen (in the example of  FIG. 18 , specimen S 8 ), in which the P mistake has been detected. When a P mistake is detected, error information  978  about the P mistake is displayed in association with an analysis category for which an error of P mistake has been detected among a plurality of analysis categories. In the example of  FIG. 18 , for analysis result  962 , error information  974  about the P mistake is displayed in association with specimen S 8 . For analysis result  962 , error information  978  about a P mistake is displayed in association with an analysis category (i.e., analysis category B) for which the error of P mistake has been detected among the plurality of analysis categories. 
     Here, when an error of S up is detected, analysis apparatus  1  alerts the user to select any of analysis result A 10  through an analysis in accordance with analysis categories other than an analysis category for which the error of S up has been detected (analysis of analysis result  961  of  FIG. 18 ) and analysis result Al 2  through reanalysis performed on a specimen, in which the error of S up has been detected (an analysis of analysis result  963  of  FIG. 18 ). In the present embodiment, thus, controller  500  displays error information  972  about S up in a manner different from that of another error information (error information about P mistake, error information about S shortage, error information about S mistake). In the example of  FIG. 18 , displaying in a different manner is indicated by differing the direction of oblique lines of hatching for error information  972  about S up and the direction of oblique lines of hatching for error information  974  about P mistake. Error information  972  about S up is displayed in a first color (e.g., orange), and error information  974  about P mistake is displayed in a second color (e.g., pink). 
     It is assumed here that droplet  610  has been located in piercer  7  at the execution of first suction (e.g., suction for an analysis in accordance with analysis category A of analysis result  961  of  FIG. 18 ), and nozzle  8  has performed idle suction in the situation of  FIG. 13 . It is further assumed that nozzle  8  has detected a liquid surface in the situation of  FIG. 11  through the execution of the second suction. In this case, controller  500  may display a P mistake (first error image) for reexamination without performing analyses in accordance with the other analysis categories of analysis result  961 . This is because when the derivation of analysis result A 10  of analysis result  961  is detected through the detection of a specimen at a position of  FIG. 13 , suction of a specimen would not have been performed properly, and accordingly, the P mistake is displayed to prevent the user from using analysis result A 10 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 18 , an example in which the manner of displaying error information which is associated with the specimen is different between S up and P mistake has been described. However, controller  500  may display at least one piece of error information among error information associated with a specimen and error information associated with the analysis category for which the error has been detected, in a manner different from that of error information indicating that another error has been detected. 
     For an error (e.g., S mistake or S shortage) different from both of S up and P mistake, for example, a mark “X” is not displayed, opposed to the cases of S up and P mistake. 
     When error button  910  of  FIG. 18  is operated, for example, a specific content of P mistake (i.e., the content that an error is based on the first error process or the second error process) is displayed. 
       FIG. 19  shows an example outline of each error message. A first error message is a message indicating that “a nozzle has detected a sample inside a piercer”. The first error message is, for example, a message indicating the case of  FIG. 11 . The first error message corresponds to the P mistake described above. A second error message is a message indicating that “a nozzle has collided with a cover member”. The second error message is, for example, a message indicating the case of  FIG. 9B . The second error message corresponds to the P mistake described above. A third error message is a message indicating that “a liquid surface has been detected above the previous height”. The third error message is, for example, a message indicating the case of  FIG. 15C . The third error message corresponds to the S up described above. 
     A fourth error message is a message indicating that “a liquid surface has been detected at a position above an upper limit”. The fourth error message is, for example, a message when liquid surface sensor  82  has detected a liquid surface at a position above the upper limit shown in  FIG. 16 . The fourth error message corresponds to the S mistake described above. A fifth error message is a message indicating that “a liquid surface has been detected at a position below a lower limit”. The fifth error message is, for example, a message when liquid surface sensor  82  has detected a liquid surface at a position below the lower limit shown in  FIG. 16 . The fifth error message corresponds to the S shortage described above. In this manner, the first error message to the fifth error message are different messages. An error indicated by the first error message is referred to as a first error. An error indicated by the second error message is referred to as a second error. An error indicated by the third error message is referred to as a third error. An error indicated by the fourth error message is referred to as a fourth error. An error indicated by the fifth error message is referred to as a fifth error. Display device  250  may display an error message in correspondence with identification information about a specimen, in which an error based on the error message has occurred. 
     [As to Setting of Threshold] 
     Next, an example screen displayed on display device  250  by controller  500  will be described. The user can freely set a threshold of a difference described above.  FIG. 20  shows an example setting screen for a difference threshold. Controller  500  displays the setting screen in a display area  250 A of display device  250 . In the setting screen of  FIG. 20 , a character image “INPUT A DIFFERENCE THRESHOLD” and an input area  260  to which the difference threshold is input are displayed. The user inputs the difference threshold to input area  260  with input device  200 . The threshold may be an allowable distance between the previous height and the most recent height or a pulse number of nozzle motor  813  which corresponds to the distance. In the example of  FIG. 20 , the threshold is a distance (e.g., in millimeters). When the difference threshold is input, controller  500  sets this difference threshold. For example, controller  500  stores the difference threshold in storage device  534 . Controller  500  performs the third error process based on the difference threshold stored in storage device  534 . 
     In the present embodiment, the user can set whether to issue an error notification to host device  270  (see  FIG. 3 ) from analysis apparatus  1 .  FIG. 21  shows an example setting screen indicating the presence or absence of an error notification. Controller  500  displays the setting screen in display area  250 A of display device  250 . On the setting screen of  FIG. 21 , a character image “PROVIDE AN ERROR NOTIFICATION TO A HOST DEVICE?”, a YES image  262 , a NO image  264 , and a cursor  266  are displayed. The user points cursor  266  to any of YES image  262  and NO image  264  using input device  200 . The user then performs a decision operation on input device  200 , so that controller  500  performs a process corresponding to the image pointed by cursor  266 . For example, when the user performs the decision operation with cursor  266  pointed to YES image  262 , controller  500  provides an error notification to host device  270 . Contrastingly, when the user performs the decision operation with cursor  266  pointed to NO image  264 , controller  500  does not provide an error notification to host device  270 . The error notification may be set by the user for each of the first error process to the fifth error process. 
     [Functional Configuration Example of Controller] 
       FIG. 22  is a block diagram of a functional configuration example of controller  500 . Controller  500  has functions of a first error processing unit  502 , a nozzle driving unit  504 , a second error processing unit  506 , a piercer driving unit  508 , a third error processing unit  510 , and an acceptance unit  542 . 
     When the amount of driving of nozzle  8  is smaller than threshold Th (e.g., an “amount of driving corresponding to L 4 +L 5 +L 2 ”), and when contact of nozzle  8  with the sample is detected by liquid surface sensor  82 , first error processing unit  502  determines that nozzle  8  has contacted droplet  610  inside piercer  7 . When determining that nozzle  8  has contacted droplet  610  inside piercer  7 , first error processing unit  502  performs the first error process. Nozzle driving unit  504  also causes nozzle driving device  81  to perform the resuction process of nozzle  8 . 
     Second error processing unit  506  performs the second error process based on the detection of a collision by collision sensor  809 . Also, piercer driving unit  508  causes piercer driving device  71  to perform the repiercing process of piercer  7 . 
     When the most recent height is above the previous height and a difference between the most recent height and previous height is not smaller than the threshold, third error processing unit  510  performs the third error process. Also, nozzle driving unit  504  causes nozzle driving device  81  to perform the resuction process of nozzle  8 . Display device  250  displays a setting screen (see  FIG. 20 ) of the difference threshold. Acceptance unit  542  accepts the difference threshold input through the setting screen. The difference threshold accepted by acceptance unit  542  is stored in storage device  534 . Third error processing unit  510  determines whether the third error has occurred using the difference threshold stored in storage device  534 . 
     [Flowchart of Analysis Apparatus] 
       FIGS. 23 to 27  are flowcharts showing an example procedure of processes performed by analysis apparatus  1 . Controller  500  performs the processes of  FIGS. 23 to 27  when a “condition on which the suction process is performed once on the sample accommodated in accommodation container  2 ” is satisfied. The “condition on which the suction process is performed once” for the first suction process on one accommodation container  2  is, for example, a “condition on which the user has performed the start operation”. Also, the “condition on which the suction process is performed once” for the suction process of the second time and the following suction processes on one accommodation container  2  is a “condition on which the previous suction process ends”. 
       FIG. 23  shows a main flow of controller  500 . At step S 2  of  FIG. 23 , controller  500  determines whether rack  3  holding accommodation container  2  that accommodates a sample is the CTS rack or SAM rack. When controller  500  determines that rack  3  holding accommodation container  2  that accommodates a sample is the CTS rack (YES at step S 2 ), the process proceeds to step S 4 . 
     At step S 4 , controller  500  moves piercer  7  downward (starts moving piercer  7  downward). When moving piercer  7  downward ends, the process proceeds to step S 5 . At the point of time at which moving piercer  7  downward has ended, piercer  7  has pierced cover member  22  in one case, while piercer  7  has not pierced cover member  22  in another case. At step S 5 , controller  500  starts moving the nozzle downward. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S 6 . At step S 6 , controller  500  then determines whether droplet  610  has been detected inside piercer  8 . When controller  500  determines at step S 6  that droplet  610  has been detected inside piercer  8  (YES at step S 6 ), the process proceeds to step S 12 . At step S 12 , controller  500  performs the first error process and the resuction process. The processes of step S 12  will be described below. When droplet  610  has not been detected inside piercer  8  at step S 6  (NO at step S 6 ), the process proceeds to step S 18 . 
     At step S 18 , controller  500  determines whether the collision of nozzle  8  with cover member  22  has been detected. When controller  500  determines at step S 18  that the collision of nozzle  8  with cover member  22  has been detected (YES at step S 18 ), the process proceeds to step S 20 . At step S 20 , controller  500  performs the second error process and the repiercing process. The processes of step S 20  will be described below. 
     When controller  500  determines at step S 18  that the collision of nozzle  8  with cover member  22  has not been detected inside piercer  7  (NO at step S 18 ), the process proceeds to step S 22 . 
     At step S 22 , controller  500  determines whether a liquid surface has been detected outside piercer  7 . When determination is NO at step S 22 , the process returns to step S 5  to continue moving nozzle  8  downward. When determination is YES at step S 22 , the process proceeds to step S 24 . At step S 24 , controller  500  performs the suction process. The process of step S 24  will be described below. 
     When determination is NO at step S 2 , that is, when the sample in accommodation container  2  which is not covered with cover member  22  is suctioned, the process proceeds to step S 26 . At step S 26 , controller  500  moves nozzle  8  downward (starts moving nozzle  8  downward). When the process of step S 26  ends, the process proceeds to step S 24 . 
       FIG. 24  is a flowchart of the “suction process” of step S 24 . At step S 242 , controller  500  determines whether nozzle  8  has detected a liquid surface. When determination is NO at step S 242 , controller  500  drives (i.e., moves downward) nozzle  8  at step S 244 . Controller  500  repeats the processes of step S 242  and step S 244  until nozzle  8  detects a liquid surface. Note that at step S 242  in step S 24  after the determination is YES at step S 22 , determination is YES. 
     When determination is YES at step S 242 , the process proceeds to step S 245 . At step S 245 , controller  500  determines whether the height of nozzle  8  at the detection of the liquid surface is within the normal range (see  FIG. 16 ). When determination is NO at step S 245 , the process proceeds to step S 256 . At step S 256 , controller  500  performs the fourth error process or the fifth error process. Typically, when determining that the height of nozzle  8  is above the upper limit at step S 256 , controller  500  performs the fourth error process. Typically, when determining that the height of nozzle  8  is below the lower limit, at step S 256 , controller  500  performs the fifth error process. The process then ends. 
     At step S 246 , controller  500  determines whether the most recent height of nozzle  8  “is above the previous height of nozzle  8  and whether the difference between the most recent height and the previous height is not smaller than the threshold”. When controller  500  determines at step S 246  that the most recent height of nozzle  8  is above the previous height of nozzle  8  and the difference between the most recent height and the previous height is not less than the threshold (i.e., when determination is YES at step S 246 ), the process proceeds to step S 254 . Contrastingly, when determination is NO at step S 246 , the process proceeds to step S 248 . At step S 246  of  FIG. 24 , the words “ABOVE HEIGHT OF NOZZLE PREVIOUSLY DETECTED?” are shown in a simplified manner. 
     At step S 248 , controller  500  deletes the previous height of the nozzle. At step  5250 , then, the most recent height of nozzle  8  (i.e., the height of nozzle  8  for which determination is YES at step S 242 ) is stored in storage device  534  as the previous height. The previous height stored at step S 242  is used at step S 246  in the next suction process. At step S 252 , controller  500  then causes nozzle  8  to suction a sample. 
     Next, an example flowchart (subroutine) of the first error process and resuction process at step S 12  will be described.  FIG. 25  is an example flowchart of the first error process and resuction process. 
     At step S 202 , controller  500  performs the first error process. At step S 204 , controller  500  then increments a number of times of nozzle automation X by one. Herein, number of times of nozzle automation Xis a number of times indicating the number of times by which the resuction process of nozzle  8  is performed. An initial value of number of times of nozzle automation Xis set to zero. At step S 206 , controller  500  determines whether number of times of nozzle automation X has reached a prescribed value Xth. Prescribed value Xth corresponds to a “first prescribed number of times” of the present disclosure. When determining at step S 206  that number of times of nozzle automation X has reached prescribed value Xth (YES at step S 206 ), controller  500  performs the alarming process at step S 210 . Herein, the alarming process of step S 210  is an alarming process different from the alarming process of the first error process of step S 202 . The alarming process of step S 210  may be the same alarming process as the alarming process of the first error process of step S 202 . When the alarming process ends, the entire process ends. 
     When controller  500  determines at step S 206  that number of times of nozzle automation X has not reached prescribed value Xth (NO at step S 206 ), controller  500  moves piercer  7  and nozzle  8  upward at step S 208 , and then, the process ends. Note that controller  500  cleans and dries piercer  7  pulled out of accommodation container  2  using a prescribed cleaning mechanism or the like, which is not particularly shown in  FIG. 25 . 
     Next, an example flowchart (subroutine) of the second error process and repiercing process of step S 20  will be described.  FIG. 26  is an example flowchart of the second error process and repiercing process. 
     At step S 122 , controller  500  performs the second error process. At step S 124 , controller  500  then increments a number of times of piercer automation Y by one. Herein, number of times of piercer automation Y is a number of times indicating the number of times by which the repiercing process of piercer  7  is performed. An initial value of number of times of piercer automation Y is zero. At step S 126 , controller  500  determines whether number of times of piercer automation Y has reached a prescribed value Yth. Prescribed value Yth corresponds to a “second prescribed number of times” of the present disclosure. Prescribed value Yth is associated with specimen identification information (e.g., specimen bar code). Prescribed value Yth and the specimen identification information associated with prescribed value Yth are stored in a prescribed area. When determining at step S 126  that number of times of piercer automation Y has reached prescribed value Yth (YES at step S 126 ), controller  500  performs the alarming process at step S 130 . Herein, the alarming process of step S 130  is an alarming process different from the alarming process of the second error process of step S 122 . When the alarming process ends, the entire process ends. 
     When controller  500  determines at step S 126  that number of times of piercer automation Y has not reached prescribed value Yth (NO at step S 126 ), controller  500  moves piercer  7  and nozzle  8  upward at step S 128 , and then, the process ends. Note that controller  500  cleans and dries piercer  7  pulled out of accommodation container  2  using a prescribed cleaning mechanism or the like, which is not particularly shown in  FIG. 26 . 
     Next, an example flowchart (subroutine) of the third error process and resuction process of step S 254  will be described.  FIG. 27  shows an example flowchart of the third error process and resuction process. 
     At step S 2542 , controller  500  performs the third error process. At step S 2544 , controller  500  then increments a number of times of nozzle automation Z by one. Herein, number of times of nozzle automation Z is a number of times by which the resuction process of nozzle  8  is performed. The initial value of number of times of nozzle automation Z is zero. At step S 2546 , controller  500  determines whether number of times of nozzle automation Z has reached a prescribed value Zth. When determining at step S 2546  that number of times of nozzle automation Z has reached prescribed value Zth (YES at step S 2546 ), controller  500  performs the alarming process at step S 130 . The alarming process of step S 2550  is an alarming process different from the alarming process of the third error process of step S 2542 . When the alarming process ends, the entire process ends. 
     When controller  500  determines at step S 2546  that number of times of nozzle automation Z has not reached prescribed value Zth (NO at step S 2546 ), controller  500  moves piercer  7  and nozzle  8  upward at step S 2548 . Then, the process ends. Note that controller  500  cleans and dries piercer  7  pulled out of accommodation container  2  using a prescribed cleaning mechanism, which is not particularly shown in  FIG. 26 . Subsequently, the process returns to step S 2 . Number of times of piercer automation Y and number of times of nozzle automation X may be the same. Alternatively, number of times of piercer automation Y and number of times of nozzle automation X may be different from each other. 
     After the processes of step S 208  of  FIG. 25 , step S 128  of  FIG. 26 , and step S 2548  of  FIG. 27  end, the process of step S 2  and the following processes are performed again, and accordingly, the resuction process is performed virtually. In the processes of step S 210  of  FIG. 25 , step S 130 , and step S 2550 , the analysis process may end together with the alarming process. 
     Controller  500  may store at least one prescribed value of prescribed value Xth, prescribed value Yth, and prescribed value Zth and specimen identification information in correspondence with each other. 
     Embodiment 2 
     Embodiment 1 has described that analysis apparatus  1  uses collision sensor  809  (see  FIG. 9 ) to notify that piercer  7  has not pierced cover member  22 . However, analysis apparatus  1  may notify that piercer  7  has not pierced cover member  22 , using another member. In Embodiment  2 , analysis apparatus  1  detects that piercer  7  has not pierced cover member  22 , using a piezoelectric element. 
       FIG. 28  is a sectional view of piercer  7  and accommodation container  2  of Embodiment  2 . A piezoelectric element  850  is provided on the periphery of piercer  7 . In the example of  FIG. 28 , piezoelectric element  850  is provided near the tip of piercer  7 . In the example of  FIG. 28 , piezoelectric element  850  is provided in a location above tapered surface  7 A of piercer  7 . 
     Piezoelectric element  850  is connected to controller  500 . Piezoelectric element  850  performs a conversion into a voltage corresponding to a force applied to piezoelectric element  850  and outputs a current based on a value of the voltage to controller  500 . Controller  500  determines the force applied to piezoelectric element  850  based on this current. 
       FIGS. 29A and 29B  each show a relationship between a pressure applied to piezoelectric element  850  and a pulse number output to piercer motor  713  by controller  500 . In  FIG. 29 , the X axis represents a pulse number output to the piercer motor by controller  500 , and the Y axis represents a pressure applied to piezoelectric element  850 . 
       FIG. 29A  shows a case where piercer  7  has pierced cover member  22 .  FIG. 29B  shows a case where piercer  7  has not pierced cover member  22 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 29A , the value of a pressure to piezoelectric element  850  is zero during a period in which the pulse number is zero to PA. The period in which the pulse number is zero to PA is a period from a time at which the piecer is located at the initial position to at a time at which piercer  7  contacts cover member  22 . A period in which the pulse number is PA to PB is a period from the time at which piercer  7  contact with cover member  22  to a time at which a tip  7 B of piercer  7  presses cover member  22 . 
     A period in which the pulse number is PB to PC is a period from the time at which tip  7 B of piercer  7  presses cover member  22  to a time at which tip  7 B of piercer  7  pierces cover member  22 . In the example of  FIG. 29A , a time at which the pulse number is PB is a time at which cover member  22  extends and tip of  7 B of piercer  7  projects most. Subsequently, when the pulse number is equal to PC, it is assumed that tip  7 B of piercer  7  has penetrated cover member  22 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 29A , there are a point of inflection a and a point of inflection β as points at which an increasing pressure value starts decreasing as the pulse number increases (see pulse number PB and pulse number PC of  FIG. 29A ). 
     Point of inflection a is a point at which the pressure value changes from increasing to decreasing. Point of inflection β is a point at which the degree (gradient) of change of a decrease in the pressure value starts decreasing. 
     Contrastingly, in  FIG. 29B , pressure changes during a period in which the pulse number is zero to PA as in  FIG. 29A . In  FIG. 29B , there are no “points at which an increasing pressure value starts decreasing as the pulse number increases” when the pulse number is not less than PA. 
     In this manner, in the present embodiment, when point of inflection β is detected as the pulse number is increased, controller  500  determines that piercer  7  has pierced cover member  22 . When point of inflection β is not detected as the pulse number is increased, controller  500  determines that piercer  7  has not pierced cover member  22 . 
     Embodiment 3 
     Analysis apparatus  1  of Embodiment 3 includes a third sensor that detects the state of collision between piercer  7  and cover member  22 . Cover member  22  is generally made of a material resistant to piercing, such as a rubber material. Piercer driving device  71  accordingly drives piercer  7  with a large force. When piercer  7  collides with impurities, which may be mixed in accommodation container  2 , for example, accommodation container  2  would be damaged because piercer  7  is driven with a large force. Also when piercer  7  is driven with a large force with piercer  7  not piercing cover member  22 , for example, accommodation container  2  would be damaged. 
     Thus, analysis apparatus  1  of the present embodiment performs the sixth error process based on the detection of a collision of piercer  7  (e.g., non-piercing into cover member  22 ) while piercer  7  is being moved downward. In the present embodiment, when detecting the state of collision of piercer  7  with cover member  22  and also detecting the state of collision even in the case where piercer  7  has been driven by an amount of additional pulse, which will be described below, analysis apparatus  1  detects “the state of non-piercing of piercer  7  into cover member  22 ”. Herein, the “state of collision” is a state in which a prescribed amount of force F is applied upward to piercer  7 , driven downward, by cover member  22  when piercer  7  is in contact with cover member  22  (see  FIG. 30B ). 
     The six error process includes at least one of a six alarming process and a sixth error storing process. The six alarming process includes a process of outputting a six alarm sound from speaker  722  and a process of displaying an error image on display device  250 . The six alarm sound is a sound indicating that piercer  7  has failed to pierce cover member  22 . The sixth error image is an image indicating that piercer  7  has failed to pierce cover member  22 . The sixth error image corresponds to the P mistake described above. The sixth error storing process is a process of storing an error history in a prescribed storage area. The prescribed storage area may be a storage area of analysis apparatus  1  or a storage area of the external device to analysis apparatus  1 . Further, when the error storing process is performed, and when the user performs an operation of displaying the sixth error image on input device  200 , the stored error history is displayed on display device  250 . A collision sensor that detects the state of collision and the state of non-piercing will be described below. 
       FIGS. 30A and 30B  are views for illustrating the collision sensor.  FIGS. 30A and 30B  each show the inside of piercer arm  711 .  FIG. 30A  shows a situation where piercer  7  is not in the state of collision.  FIG. 30B  shows a situation where piercer  7  is in the state of collision. 
     A biasing member  703 , a holding member  706 , a light shielding plate  704 , and a collision sensor  709  are arranged in piercer arm  711 . Collision sensor  709  corresponds to a “sixth sensor” of the present disclosure. Biasing member  703  is, for example, a spring, more particularly, a helical compression spring. Biasing member  703  has one end attached to the inner surface of piercer arm  711 . Biasing member  703  has the other end held on holding member  706 . Holding member  706  holds biasing member  703  and is also joined to the periphery of piercer  7 . Biasing member  703  thus biases piercer  7  downward in the Z-axis direction. Light shielding plate  704  has an L shape in sectional view. Light shielding plate  704  has one end joined to the periphery of piercer  7 . Collision sensor  709  includes a light output portion  701  and a light input portion  702 . Light output portion  701  outputs light to light input portion  702 . In a situation where light enters light input portion  802 , an optical signal is transmitted to controller  500 . The optical signal is a signal indicating that light enters light input portion  702 . 
     Piercer driving device  71  moves rotary shaft  712  downward to move piercer  7  downward. As shown in  FIG. 30A , when piercer  7  is not in the state of collision, the light from light output portion  701  is prevented from entering light input portion  702  by light shielding plate  704 . As described above, a force of biasing member  703  is applied downward to piercer  7 . In the situation where piercer  7  is not in the state of collision (e.g., in a situation where piercer  7  begins colliding with a collision object), thus, the state in which no light enters light input portion  702  (i.e., the state shown in  FIG. 30A ) is maintained by the force applied to piercer  7 . 
     However, when piercer driving device  71  moves piercer  7  downward further from the time at which piercer  7  has begun contacting cover member  22 , piercer  7  is held back by cover member  22 , and accordingly, a force is applied to piercer  7  upward in the Z-axis direction. Then, as piercer  7  continues moving downward, and accordingly, the force applied upward to piercer  7  exceeds the force applied downward to piercer  7  by biasing member  703 , piercer  7  moves upward relative to piercer arm  711 , as shown in  FIG. 30B . Herein, the “prescribed amount of force F” corresponds to the “force exceeding the force applied downward to piercer  7  by biasing member  703 ”. 
     As piercer  7  moves upward relative to piercer arm  711 , light shielding plate  704  joined to piercer  7  also moves upward. As light shielding plate  704  moves upward, light from light output portion  701  is no longer shielded by light shielding plate  704 , as shown in  FIG. 30B . Consequently, light enters light input portion  702 . When light enters light input portion  702 , an optical signal from light input portion  702  is supplied to controller  500 . Controller  500  determines that piercer  7  is in the state of collision upon input of an optical signal. 
     The examples of  FIGS. 30A and 30B  show a configuration in which piercer  7  and rotary shaft  712  project from piercer arm  711  as piercer  7  moves upward relative to piercer arm  711 . The examples of  FIGS. 30A and 30B  also show a configuration in which the state in which no light enters light input portion  702  changes to the state in which light enters light input portion  702  as piercer  7  moves upward relative to piercer arm  711 . In a configuration of a modification, the state in which light enters light input portion  702  may change to the state in which no light enters light input portion  702  as piercer  7  moves upward relative to piercer arm  711 . 
     In other words, analysis apparatus  1  includes light output portion  701  that outputs light, light input portion  702  that receives light, and biasing member  703 . 
     Biasing member  703  applies a force downward (i.e., toward accommodation container  2 ) to piercer  7 . When piercer  7  moves upward relative to piercer arm  711  and the light entrance state of light input portion  702  changes, controller  500  determines that piercer  7  is in the state of collision. The change in the light entrance state of light input portion  702  may be a “change from the state in which no light enters light input portion  702  to the state in which light enters light input portion  702 ”, as in the present embodiment. Alternatively, a change in the light entrance state of light input portion  702  may be a “change from the state in which light enters light input portion  702  to the state in which no light enters light input portion  702 ”, as in the modification. 
     Even when controller  500  determines the state of collision, controller  500  may move piercer  7  downward further to allow piercer  7  to pierce cover member  22 . In the present embodiment, thus, even when controller  500  determines the state of collision, the process of moving piercer  7  downward is performed further by outputting a prescribed amount of pulse to piercer motor  713  of piercer driving device  71 . The pulse to be output is referred to as an “additional pulse” below. The additional pulse corresponds to “a prescribed amount of driving” of the present disclosure. 
     When piercer  7  pierces cover member  22  as controller  500  outputs the additional pulse to piercer motor  713 , controller  500  performs the following process, that is, the process of driving nozzle  8 . Contrastingly, when piercer  7  fails to pierce cover member  22  even in the case where controller  500  outputs the additional pulse to piercer motor  713 , controller  500  determines the “state of non-piercing” and also performs the sixth error process. 
     In the present embodiment, when controller  500  outputs an additional pulse to piercer motor  713 , and when piercer  7  pierces cover member  22 , the application of upward force to piercer  7  is released. When the application of an upward force to piercer  7  is released, the light entrance state of light input portion  702  changes to the “no-light entrance state” owing to the downward force from biasing member  703  to piercer  7 . When controller  500  determines the change to the no-light entrance state, controller  500  determines that piercer  7  has pierced cover member  22 . Contrastingly, when this light entrance state is continued even in the case where controller  500  outputs the additional pulse to piercer motor  713 , controller  500  determines that piercer  7  has failed to pierce cover member  22  (i.e., the state of non-piercing). 
     In other words, in the present embodiment, controller  500  determines that piercer  7  has pierced cover member  22  when controller  500  performs the processes in order of “determining the light entrance state of light input portion  702 ”, “outputting an additional pulse”, and “determining the no-light entrance state of light input portion  702 ”. Contrastingly, when controller  500  performs the processes in order of “determining the light entrance state of light input portion  702 ”, “applying an additional pulse”, and “determining the light entrance state of light input portion  702 ”, controller  500  determines the state of non-piercing of piercer  7  into cover member  22 . 
     Controller  500  performs the sixth error process based on the detection by collision sensor  709  that piercer  7  has collided with the cover. More specifically, controller  500  performs the sixth error process (a) after detection of the state of collision (i.e., after a change to the light entrance state), (b) when piercer  7  is driven by a prescribed amount of driving (i.e., when an additional pulse is output to piercer motor  713 ″, and (c) when the state of collision is continued (i.e., when the light entrance state is continued). 
     In a modification, controller  500  may be able to detect that piercer  7  is at rest even though controller  500  outputs a pulse to piercer motor  713 . In this case, (c) the case where detection by the second sensor is performed may be a “case where controller  500  detects that piercer  7  is at rest”. 
     In the present embodiment, the additional pulses are set to vary per type of cover member  22 .  FIG. 31  shows example settings of additional pulses. In  FIG. 31 , a first cover member and a second cover member are defined. 
     The first cover member is a material more extensible than the second cover member. For piercer  7  to pierce the cover member, thus, the first cover member needs a larger pulse number than the second cover member. In the present embodiment, thus, a pulse corresponding to the first cover member is P 2 , and a pulse corresponding to the second cover member is P 1 , where P 2 &gt;P 1 . 
     Information indicating the settings of  FIG. 31  is stored in a second storage device  5342 . Second storage device  5342  is included in storage device  534  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     When controller  500  determines that piercer  7  has not pierced cover member  22 , that is, when controller  500  performs the sixth error process, controller  500  performs the repiercing process of piercer  7 . The repiercing process of piercer  7  is a process of causing piercer  7  to pierce cover member  22  again when piercer  7  has failed to pierce cover member  22 . The repiercing process is a process of moving piercer  7  upward once and moving piercer  7  downward again to for an attempt to pierce cover member  22 . 
     A restricted number of times is defined for the number of times of the repiercing process. If controller  500  performs the repiercing process many times, a fragment of cover member  22  would be mixed in sample  17  as a result of the collision of piercer  7  with cover member  22 . If controller  500  performs the repiercing process many times, piercer  7  would be damaged as a result of the collision of piercer  7  with cover member  22 . 
     Thus, “a possibility that a fragment of cover member  22  would be mixed in sample  17 ” and “a possibility that piercer  7  would be damaged” can be reduced by setting a restricted number of times on the number of times of the repiercing process. The restricted number of times corresponds to a “third prescribed number of times” of the present disclosure. The restricted number of times is, for example, “twice”. 
     Controller  500  performs the repiercing process until the number of times of the repiercing process reaches a prescribed number of times. When the number of times of the repiercing process reaches the prescribed number of times, controller  500  issues an alarm. Issuing an alarm is, for example, outputting an alarm sound from speaker  722 . The collision of piercer  7  is detected at, for example, step S 4  of  FIG. 23 . When the collision of piercer  7  is detected, for example, the process of step S 20  is performed. The prescribed number of times of the repiercing process corresponds to Yth of  FIG. 26 . 
     Embodiment 4 
     In the present embodiment, an error message in the case where an error of S up is detected is different from those in the above embodiments. Causes of occurrence of the error of S up include the following three causes. A first cause is a cause that air bubble  612  has been detected in accommodation container  2  (see  FIG. 15C ). A second cause is a cause that the first height is above the second height and the difference between the first height and the second height is not less than a threshold. The second cause may occur when, for example, liquid surface  17 A is curved and nozzle  8  contacts an edge of the curved shape, as shown in  FIG. 15D , due to an impact on analysis apparatus  1  or the like. A third cause is a cause that nozzle  8  has contacted droplet  610  inside piercer  7  (see  FIG. 11 ). 
     In the present embodiment, when an error of S up is detected, then, controller  500  displays a notification indicating that there is a possibility that air bubble  612  would have been detected inside accommodation container  2 , a possibility that first height H 1  would be above second height H 2  and a difference between first height H 1  and second height H 2  would not be less than the threshold, or a possibility that nozzle  8  would have contacted droplet  610  inside piercer  7 . 
       FIG. 32  shows an example display screen of the present embodiment. In the example of  FIG. 32 , a screen “there is a possibility that an air bubble of an accommodation object would have been detected inside an accommodation container, a liquid surface would have been detected above a previous height, or a droplet would have been detected inside a piercer” is displayed. As such a screen is displayed, the user can recognize the cause of occurrence of an error of S up. 
     Other Embodiments 
     (1) The above embodiments have mainly described the case where nozzle  8  suctions a sample. However, an object suctioned by nozzle  8  may be a reagent. The reagent may be accommodated in the accommodation container covered with cover member  22 . The reagent may be accommodated in the accommodation container which is not covered with cover member  22  with its opening exposed. In the present disclosure, the reagent and the specimen are each referred to as an “accommodation object”. Accommodation container  2  accommodates an accommodation object. Liquid surface sensor  82  detects a liquid surface of the accommodation object. 
     (2) The above embodiments have described that an amount of driving of nozzle  8  is used as a technique of detecting contact of nozzle  8  with droplet  610  inside piercer  7  by controller  500 . However, controller  500  may detect contact of nozzle  8  with droplet  610  inside piercer  7 . For example, analysis apparatus  1  may include an imaging device that takes an image of the inside of piercer  7 . When the imaging device takes an image of contact with droplet  610  inside piercer  7 , controller  500  may detect contact of nozzle  8  with droplet  610  inside piercer  7 . 
     (3) The above embodiments have mainly described display of an error as the notification of an error. However, the notification of an error is not limited to display of an error, and another technique may be used. For example, the notification of an error may be outputting a voice indicating the occurrence of an error, or printing information indicating the occurrence of an error on a sheet of paper and outputting the sheet of paper. 
     SUMMARY 
     (1-1) Controller  500  stores a position of nozzle  8 , which is obtained at the detection of nozzle  8  with an accommodation object (in the present embodiment, a sample), in storage device  534  (see step S 250  of  FIG. 24 ). Controller  500  also provides an error notification based on the most recent height of nozzle  8 , which is obtained when nozzle  8  has contacted an accommodation object by liquid surface sensor  82 , being above the previous height of nozzle  8 , which is obtained at the previous detection of contact of nozzle  8  with the accommodation object by liquid surface sensor  82  and which is stored in the storage device (see S up of  FIG. 18 , and the third error process of step S 254  of  FIG. 24 ). 
     The error notification is provided in a different manner from that of another error (e.g., an error of P mistake, an error of S mistake, an error of S shortage). 
     With such a configuration, an error notification is provided based on the most recent height of the nozzle, which is obtained when nozzle  8  has contacted the accommodation object, being above the previous height of the nozzle, which is obtained at the previous detection. For example, when an air bubble or the like is generated above an accommodation object and the nozzle contacts the air bubble as shown in  FIG. 15C , an error notification is provided. The error notification is provided in a different manner from that of an error notification at detection of another error. Since an error notification is provided upon detection of contact of a nozzle with an accommodation object inside a piercer and upon detection of a collision of a nozzle with a cover member, thus, the user can easily recognize a factor by which the analysis apparatus has failed to suction an accommodation object. Since nozzle  8  does not suction an accommodation object when the error notification is provided, thus, the execution of idle suction of an accommodation object can be reduced. When the user checks the error notification to find that the accommodation object is in an abnormal state (e.g., when an air bubble is generated in an accommodation object), for example, the user may change accommodation container  2  to immediately remove the abnormal state of the accommodation object. This can prevent unnecessary consumption of an accommodation object and an unnecessary analysis of a specimen. 
     (1-2) Controller  500  determines whether the most recent height is above the previous height (e.g., see step S 246  of  FIG. 24 ). Also, when the most recent height is above the previous height and the difference between the most recent height and the previous height is not less than the threshold, controller  500  performs the third error process. For example, when the most recent height is as shown in  FIG. 15C , controller  500  performs the third error process. With such a configuration, controller  500  does not perform the third error process when the most recent height is above the previous height but the difference between the most recent height and the previous height is less than the threshold. For example, when the most recent height is as shown in  FIG. 15D , controller  500  does not perform the third error process. Controller  500  can thus avoid unnecessary execution of the third error process. 
     (1-3) Acceptance unit  542  of controller  500  accepts a threshold change through the screen shown in  FIG. 20 . 
     With such a configuration, the user can change the threshold, leading to improved user&#39;s convenience. 
     (1-4) Controller  500  deletes the previous height stored in the storage device after determining whether the most recent height is above the previous height (see step S 248  of  FIG. 24 ). 
     With such a configuration, a plurality of second heights can be prevented from remaining in the storage device, reducing the storage capacity of the storage device. 
     (1-5) Controller  500  performs the process of controlling nozzle  8  to suction the accommodation object again (resuction process) and also provides an error notification (third error process), as shown in step S 254  of  FIG. 24 . 
     With such a configuration, nozzle  8  is caused to perform the resuction process, and accordingly, nozzle  8  can be caused to suction an accommodation object without any delay. 
     (1-6) Acceptance unit  542  of controller  500  accepts whether to transmit an error notification based on an error process to host device  270 , through the screen shown in  FIG. 21 . 
     With such a configuration, the user is allowed to select whether to transmit an error notification to host device  270 , leading to improved user&#39;s convenience. 
     (1-7) Controller  500  provides, as an error notification, a notification indicating a possibility that an air bubble of an accommodation object would have been detected inside accommodation container  2 , a first height would be above a second height and a difference between the first height and the second height would not be smaller than a threshold, or the nozzle would have contacted a droplet inside a piercer, as shown in  FIG. 32 . The user can thus recognize that there is a possibility that an air bubble of an accommodation object would have been detected inside accommodation container  2 , the first height would be above the second height and a difference between the first height and the second height would not be smaller than a threshold, or the nozzle would have contacted a droplet inside a piercer. 
     (1-8) Analysis mechanism  723  can analyze a specimen in accordance with a plurality of analysis categories. Also, display device  250  displays identification information for identifying a specimen (specimen column  951  of  FIG. 17 ) and a plurality of analysis categories (analysis category column  956  of  FIG. 17 ), as shown in  FIG. 17 . Upon detection of an error of S up, analysis mechanism  723  analyzes the specimen in accordance with analysis categories other than an analysis category for which an error has been detected among the plurality of analysis categories. Upon detection of an error, controller  500  displays error information  972  about S up in association with a specimen and also displays error information  976  in association with the analysis category for which the error has been detected among the plurality of analysis categories, as an error notification, as shown in  FIG. 18 . Controller  500  displays at least one piece of error information among the error information associated with a specimen and the error information associated with the analysis category for which the error has been detected, in a manner different from that of the error information indicating that another error has been detected. In the example of  FIG. 17 , the error information about S up is displayed in orange, and error information about another error (e.g., an error of P mistake) is displayed in pink. 
     Upon detection of an error of S up, analysis mechanism  723  performs analyses in accordance with categories other than a category for which the error of S up has been detected among a plurality of categories including the category for which the error of S up has been detected, as described above. Thus, upon detection of an error of S up, controller  500  can thus alert the user to select any of an analysis result through an analysis in accordance with the analysis categories other than the analysis category for which the error of S up has been detected (analysis of analysis result  961  of  FIG. 18 ) and an analysis result through a reanalysis performed on a specimen, in which the error of S up has been detected (an analysis of analysis result  963  of  FIG. 18 ). 
     (2-1) When contact of nozzle  8  with droplet  610  inside piercer  7  as shown in  FIG. 11  is detected by liquid surface sensor  82 , nozzle  8  fails to suction an accommodation object, and controller  500  provides an error notification (e.g., a P mistake of  FIG. 18  and a first error message of  FIG. 19 ). Also, when collision of nozzle  8  with cover member  22  is detected as shown in  FIG. 9B , nozzle  8  fails to suction an accommodation object, and controller  500  provides an error notification (e.g., a P mistake of  FIG. 18  and a second error message of  FIG. 19 ). The error notification is, for example, a notification indicating that piercer  7  has not pierced cover member  22 . 
     With such a configuration, the user can check an error notification to recognize a factor by which the analysis apparatus has failed to suction an accommodation object (i.e., a factor that nozzle  8  has contacted droplet  610  inside piercer  7  or a factor that nozzle  8  has collided with cover member  22 ). The user can also recognize the factor at an early stage without directly checking analysis apparatus  1  and accommodation container  2 . The user can thus recognize an analysis result without any delay by, for example, performing an operation of removing the factor. Also, nozzle  8  does not suction an accommodation object when nozzle  8  contacts droplet  610  inside piercer  7  or when nozzle  8  collides with cover member  22 , and accordingly, analysis apparatus  1  can prevent idle suction of nozzle  8 . If idle suction is performed, bad data about an analysis result may be provided, and user himself/herself has to request a reanalysis. As a result, the acquisition of an analysis result is delayed. In the present embodiment, idle suction can be prevented, thus preventing the acquirement of an analysis result from being delayed without causing the user to request a reanalysis. 
     In the present embodiment, an error notification due to contact of nozzle  8  with droplet  610  inside piercer  7  and an error notification due to collision of nozzle  8  with cover member  22  may be provided in the same manner or in different manners. 
     (2-2) As shown in  FIG. 12 , controller  500  determines that contact of nozzle  8  with droplet  610  inside piercer  7  has been detected, based on an amount of driving of nozzle  8  and an amount of driving based on the length of piercer  7  in the direction of extension. 
     With such a configuration, an error notification can be provided appropriately when contact of nozzle  8  with droplet  610  inside piercer  7  is detected. 
     (2-3) As shown in  FIG. 25 , controller  500  causes nozzle  8  to perform the resuction process when contact of nozzle  8  with droplet  610  is detected by liquid surface sensor  82 . 
     With such a configuration, the process of causing nozzle  8  to suction an accommodation object again is performed when liquid surface sensor  82  detects contact of nozzle  8  with droplet  610 , thus causing nozzle  8  to suction an accommodation object without any delay. 
     (2-4) When controller  500  detects a liquid surface inside piercer  7  (YES at step S 6  of  FIG. 23 ), controller  500  performs the process of step S 12 . In the process of step S 12 , controller  500  performs the resuction process until the number of times of the resuction process (the number of times of nozzle automation X in  FIG. 25 ) reaches prescribed value Xth, as shown in step S 206  of  FIG. 25 . After the number of times of the resuction process reaches prescribed value Xth, controller  500  provides an alarm notification as the error notification at step S 210 . With such a configuration, the user can recognize that the number of times of the resuction process of nozzle  8  has reached prescribed value Xth, based on the alarm. 
     (2-5) Controller  500  causes piercer  7  to perform the repiercing process when collision sensor  809  detects the collision of nozzle  8 , as shown in  FIG. 26 . 
     When collision of nozzle  8  is detected by collision sensor  809 , it is highly likely that piercer  7  will fail to pierce cover member  22 . With such a configuration, controller  500  can thus cause piercer  7  to perform the repiercing process, to thereby cause piercer  7  to pierce cover member  22  appropriately. 
     (2-6) When controller  500  detects a collision of nozzle  8  inside piercer  7  (YES at step S 18  of  FIG. 23 ), controller  500  performs the process of step S 20 . In the process of step S 20 , as shown in step S 126  of  FIG. 26 , controller  500  performs the repiercing process until the number of times of the repiercing process (the number of times of piercer automation Y of  FIG. 26 ) reaches prescribed value Yth. After the number of times of the repiercing process reaches prescribed value Yth, an alarm notification is provided as an error notification at step S 130 . With such a configuration, the user can recognize that the number of times of the repiercing process of piercer  7  has reached prescribed value Yth, based on the alarm. 
     When controller  500  detects a liquid surface above the previous height (YES at step S 246  of  FIG. 24 ), controller  500  performs the process of step S 254 . In the process of step S 254 , controller  500  performs the resuction process until the number of times of the resuction process (number of times of nozzle automation Z of  FIG. 25 ) reaches prescribed value Zth, as shown in step S 2546  of  FIG. 27 . After the number of times of the resuction process reaches prescribed value Zth, an alarm notification is provided as an error notification at step S 2550 . With such a configuration, the user can recognize that the number of times of the resuction process of nozzle  8  has reached prescribed value Zth. 
     (2-7) Analysis apparatus  1  includes first storage device  5341  that stores information in which “a pulse number by which detection of a collision with cover member  22  is detected” is associated with each of two or more types of cover members  22  (e.g., see  FIG. 10 ). Controller  500  obtains a type of cover member  22 . When the amount of driving of nozzle  8  at the detection of nozzle  8  is an amount of driving associated with the obtained type of cover member  22 , controller  500  determines that nozzle  8  has collided with cover member  22  and provides the second error notification. As described above, the second error notification is a notification indicating that piercer  7  has not pierced cover member  22 . 
     With such a configuration, controller  500  can appropriately determine that nozzle  8  has collided with cover member  22  even in the case of a different type of cover member  22 . 
     (2-8) Controller  500  provides an error notification (in the above example, P mistake) indicating that piercer  7  has not pierced cover member  22  when collision sensor  809  detects that nozzle  8  has collided with cover member  22 . The user can thus recognize that piercer  7  has not pierced cover member  22 . 
     (2-9) Analysis apparatus  1  includes collision sensor  709  (third sensor) that detects the state of non-piercing of piercer  7  into cover member  22 , as described in Embodiment 3. Controller  500  provides a second error notification (e.g., display of the sixth error image described above) indicating that piercer  7  has not pierced cover member  22 , based on the detection of the state of non-piercing. 
     With such a configuration, the user can recognize that piercer  7  has not pierced cover member  22  based on the second error notification. 
     (2-10) Even when piercer  7  is driven by an amount of the additional pulse number after the detection of the state of non-piercing of pierce  7  into cover member  22 , controller  500  provides a second notification when collision sensor  709  detects the state of non-piercing. 
     With such a configuration, in the case where piercer  7  is driven by an amount of an additional pulse number even when the state of non-piercing of piecer  7  into cover member  22  has been detected, piercer  7  may pierce cover member  22 . The case where the state of non-piercing of piercer  7  into cover member  22  has been detected and where collision sensor  709  has detected the state of non-piercing even when piercer  7  has been driven by an amount of the additional pulse number is a case where piercer  7  has not pierced cover member  22 . Thus, in the case where the state of non-piercing of piercer  7  into cover member  22  has been detected and where collision sensor  709  has detected the state of non-piercing even when piercer  7  has been driven by an amount of the additional pulse number, the second error notification is provided. Thus, the second error notification can be provided appropriately. 
     (2-11) Second storage device  5342  is included that stores information in which an additional pulse number is associated with each of two or more types of cover members  22  (e.g., see  FIG. 31 ). Controller  500  obtains a type of cover member  22 , and with reference to this information, obtains an additional pulse number associated with the type of cover member  22 . 
     With such a configuration, an additional pulse number can be set in accordance with, for example, the hardness of cover member  22 , thereby driving piercer  7  in accordance with an ease of extension of cover member  22  (see  FIG. 31 ). 
     (2-12) When the state of non-piercing is detected, controller  500  causes piercer  7  to perform the repiercing process and also provides the second error notification (e.g., display of the sixth error image described above). 
     With such a configuration, the process of causing piercer  7  to automatically pierce cover member  22  is performed, thus causing piercer  7  to pierce cover member  22  without any delay. 
     (2-13) Controller  500  performs the repiercing process until the number of times of the repiercing process (number of times of piercer automation Y of  FIG. 26 ) reaches prescribed value Yth. After the number of times of the repiercing process reaches prescribed value Yth, controller  500  provides an alarm notification at step S 210 . With such a configuration, the user can recognize that the number of times of the repiercing process of piercer  7  has reached prescribed value Yth. 
     [Aspects] 
     A person skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary examples described above are specific examples of the aspects below. 
     (Item 1-1) An analysis apparatus performs a biochemical analysis of a specimen by reacting the specimen and a reagent in a reaction container. The analysis apparatus includes: a nozzle that suctions an accommodation object, which is the specimen or the reagent, from an accommodation container that accommodates the accommodation object; a sensor that detects contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object; a storage device; and a controller that controls the nozzle to move upward and downward, wherein the controller causes the nozzle to suction the accommodation object based on detection of the contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object, stores a height of the nozzle at the detection of the contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object in the storage device, detects an error based on a first height of the nozzle, which is obtained at the detection of the contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object by the sensor, being above a second height of the nozzle, which is a height of the nozzle at the previous detection of the contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object and is stored in the storage device, and upon detection of an error, provides an error notification in a manner different from that of the detection of another error. 
     With such a configuration, the analysis apparatus detects an error based on the most recent height of the nozzle, which is obtained at the detection of the contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object, being above the previous height of the nozzle, which is obtained at the previous detection. Further, upon detection of an error, the analysis apparatus provides the error notification in a manner different from that of the detection of another error. Thus, the user can recognize an error based on the height of the nozzle, which is obtained at the detection of the contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object, being above the height of the nozzle, which is obtained at the previous detection of the contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object. 
     (Item 1-2) In the analysis apparatus according to item 1-1, the controller provides the error notification when the first height is above the second height and the difference between the first height and the second height is not less than the threshold. 
     With such a configuration, for example, whether the first height is above the second height is determined, and when the first height is above the second height and the difference between the first height and the second height is not less than the threshold, the error notification is provided, thus appropriately providing the error notification. 
     (Item 1-3) In the analysis apparatus according to item 1-2, the controller accepts a change in the threshold. 
     With such a configuration, the user can change the threshold, leading to improved user&#39;s convenience. 
     (Item 1-4) In the analysis apparatus according to item 1-2 or item 1-3, the accommodation container has a cover member, and the biochemical analysis apparatus further includes a piercer for piercing the cover member, wherein the nozzle passes through the piercer which has pierced the cover member and suctions the accommodation object, and the error notification is a notification indicating a possibility that an air bubble of the accommodation object would have been detected in the accommodation container, the first height would be above the second height and the difference between the first height and the second height would not be less than a threshold, or the nozzle would have contacted the droplet of the accommodation object inside the piercer. 
     With such a configuration, the user can recognize that there is a possibility that the air bubble of the accommodation object would have been detected in the accommodation container, the first height would be above the second height and the difference between the first height and the second height would not be less than the threshold, or the nozzle would have contacted the droplet of the accommodation object inside the piercer. 
     (Item 1-5) In the analysis apparatus according to any one of items 1-1 to 1-4, the controller deletes the second height stored in the storage device after determining whether the first height is above the second height. 
     With such a configuration, a plurality of second heights can be prevented from remaining in the storage device, reducing the storage capacity of the storage device. 
     (Item 1-6) In the analysis apparatus according to any one of items 1-1 to 1-5, the controller performs the process of controlling the nozzle to suction the accommodation object again and also provides an error notification. 
     With such a configuration, the nozzle is caused to perform the process of suctioning the accommodation object again, thus causing the nozzle to suction the accommodation object without any delay. 
     In the analysis apparatus according to any one of items 1-1 to 1-6, the controller accepts an input whether to transmit the error notification to the external device that performs the error notification upon receipt of an error notification based on the error process. 
     With such a configuration, the user can select whether to transmit the error notification to the external device, leading to improved user&#39;s convenience. 
     (Item 1-8) The analysis apparatus according to any one of items 1-1 to 1-7 further includes an analysis mechanism that can analyze a specimen in accordance with a plurality of analysis categories, and a display device that displays identification information for identifying a specimen and the plurality of analysis categories, wherein the analysis mechanism analyzes the specimen in accordance with analysis categories other than an analysis category for which the error has been detected among the plurality of analysis categories, and upon detection of the error, the controller displays, as an error notification, error information in association with the specimen and also displays error information associated with the analysis category for which the error has been detected among the plurality of analysis categories, and displays at least one piece of error information among the error information associated with the specimen and the error information associated with the analysis category for which the error has been detected, in a manner different from that of error information indicating the detection of another error. 
     With such a configuration, upon detection of the error as described above, the specimen can be analyzed in accordance with analysis categories other than an analysis category for which the error has been detected among a plurality of analysis categories, and the user can recognize the above error in a manner more impressive than that of another error. 
     (Item 1-9) A biochemical analysis method of performing a biochemical analysis of a specimen by reacting the specimen and a reagent in a reaction container is provided. An apparatus that performs the biochemical analysis includes: a nozzle that suctions an accommodation object, which is the specimen or the reagent, from an accommodation container that accommodates the accommodation object; a sensor that detects contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object; a storage device; and a controller that controls the nozzle to move upward and downward. The biochemical analysis method includes: causing the nozzle to suction an accommodation object upon detection of contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object by the sensor; storing a height of the nozzle at the contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object in the storage device; detecting an error based on a first height of the nozzle, which is obtained at the detection of the contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object by the sensor, being above a second height of the nozzle, which is a height of the nozzle at the previous detection of the contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object and is stored in the storage device; and upon detection of an error, providing an error notification in a manner different from that in the case of the detection of another error. 
     With such a configuration, the analysis apparatus detects an error based on the most recent height of the nozzle, which is obtained at the detection of the contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object, being above the previous height of the nozzle, which is obtained at the previous detection. Further, upon detection of an error, the analysis apparatus provides the error notification in a manner different from that in the case of the detection of another error. The user can thus recognize an error based on the height of the nozzle, which is obtained at the detection of the contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object, being above the height of the nozzle, which is obtained at the previous detection of the contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object. 
     (Item 2-1) An analysis apparatus performs a biochemical analysis of a specimen by reacting the specimen and a reagent in a reaction container. The analysis apparatus includes: an arrangement portion in which an accommodation container is arranged, the accommodation container accommodating the specimen or an accommodation object, which is the specimen and including a cover member; a piercer for piercing the cover member; a nozzle that passes through the piercer which has pierced the cover member and suctions the accommodation object; a first sensor that detects contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object; a second sensor that detects a collision of the nozzle; and a controller that drives the nozzle and the piercer. The controller provides an error notification when the first sensor detects contact of the nozzle with a droplet of the accommodation object inside the piercer, and provides an error notification when the second sensor detects the collision of the nozzle with the cover member. 
     With such a configuration, the error notification is provided when the first sensor detects the contact of the nozzle with the droplet of the accommodation object inside the piercer, and the error notification is provided when the second sensor detects the collision of the nozzle with the cover member. Thus, the user can easily recognize a factor by which the analysis apparatus has failed to suction the accommodation object. 
     (Item 2-2) In the analysis apparatus according to item 2-1, the piercer extends, and the controller drives the nozzle in a direction of extension of the piercer, and determines that contact of the nozzle with the droplet inside the piercer has been detected based on an amount of driving of the nozzle and an amount of driving corresponding to a length of the piercer in the direction of extension. 
     With such a configuration, the error process can be performed appropriately when the contact of the nozzle with the droplet inside the piercer is detected. 
     (Item 2-3) In the analysis apparatus according to item 2-1 or item 2-2, the controller performs the resuction process of controlling the nozzle to suction the accommodation object again. 
     With such a configuration, an attempt is made to cause the nozzle to automatically suction the accommodation object again, thus allowing the nozzle to suction the accommodation object without any delay. 
     (Item 2-4) In the analysis apparatus according to item 2-3, the controller performs the resuction process until the number of times of the resuction process reaches the first prescribed number of times, and when the number of times of the resuction process reaches the first prescribed number of times, provides an error notification. 
     With such a configuration, the user can recognize, based on the error notification, that the number of times of the resuction process of the nozzle has reached the first prescribed number of times. 
     (Item 2-5) In the analysis apparatus according to any one of items 2-1 to 2-4, when the second sensor detects the collision of the nozzle, the controller performs the repiercing process of controlling the piercer to pierce the cover member again. 
     With such a configuration, an attempt is made to cause the piercer to automatically pierce the cover member again. This allows the nozzle to suction the accommodation object without any delay after causing the piercer to automatically pierce the cover member again. 
     (Item 2-6) In the analysis apparatus according to item 2-5, the controller performs the repiercing process until the number of times of the repiercing process reaches the second prescribed number of times, and provides the error notification when the number of times of the repiercing process reaches the second prescribed number of times. 
     With such a configuration, the user can recognize that the number of times of the repiercing process of the piercer has reached the second prescribed number of times, based on the error notification. 
     (Item 2-7) The analysis apparatus according to any one of items 2-1 to 2-6 further includes a first storage device that stores first information in which the amount of driving is associated with each of two or more types of cover members, wherein the controller obtains a type of the cover member, and when the amount of driving of the nozzle at the detection of the collision of the nozzle by the second sensor is the amount of driving associated with the obtained type of the cover member, determines that the nozzle has collided with the cover member. 
     With such a configuration, it can be determined that the nozzle has collided with the cover member. 
     (Item 2-8) In the analysis apparatus according to any one of items 2-1 to 2-7, the controller provides the error notification indicating that the piercer has not pierced the cover member when the second sensor detects the collision of the nozzle. 
     The case where the second sensor has detected the collision of the nozzle is assumed to be a case where the piercer has not pierced the cover member. With such a configuration, when the second sensor detects the collision of the nozzle, that is, when the piercer has not pierced the cover member, the user can recognize that the piercer has not pierced the cover member, based on the error notification. 
     (Item 2-9) The analysis apparatus according to any one of items 2-1 to 2-8 further includes a third sensor that detects a state of non-piercing of the piercer into the cover member, wherein the controller provides an error notification indicating that the piercer has not pierced the cover member, based on the state of non-piercing. 
     With such a configuration, the user can recognize that the piercer has not pierced the cover member, based on the error notification. 
     (Item 2-10) In the analysis apparatus according to item 2-9, even when the piercer is driven by a prescribed amount of driving after a state of collision of the piercer and the cover member has been detected by the third sensor, the controller provides an error notification when the state of non-piercing is detected by the third sensor. 
     With such a configuration, in the case where the piercer is driven by a prescribed amount of driving even when the collision between the piercer and the cover member has been detected, the piercer may pierce the cover member. The case where collision of the piercer with the cover member has been detected and where the second sensor has detected the collision even when the piercer has been driven by a prescribed amount of driving is a case where the piercer has not pierced the cover member. Thus, in the case where the collision of the piercer with the cover member has been detected and where the second sensor has detected the collision even when the piercer has been driven by a prescribed amount of driving, the second error process is performed. Thus, the second error process can be performed appropriately. 
     (Item 2-11) The analysis apparatus according to item 2-10 further includes a second storage device that stores information in which the prescribed amount of driving is associated with each of two or more types of cover members, wherein the controller obtains a type of the cover member, and obtains a prescribed amount of driving associated with the type of the cover member with reference to the information. 
     With such a configuration, for example, a prescribed amount of driving can be set in accordance with the hardness of the cover member, and the piercer can be driven in accordance with the hardness of the cover member. 
     (Item 2-12) In the analysis apparatus according to any one of items 2-9 to 2-11, when the state of non-piercing is detected, the controller performs a repiercing process of controlling the piercer to pierce the cover member again. 
     With such a configuration, an attempt is made to cause the piercer to automatically pierce the cover member again. This allows the nozzle to suction the accommodation object without any delay after causing the piercer to automatically pierce the cover member again. 
     (Item 2-13) In the analysis apparatus according to item 2-12, the controller performs the repiercing process until a number of times of the repiercing process reaches a third prescribed number of times, and provides an error notification when the number of times of the repiercing process reaches the third prescribed number of times. 
     With such a configuration, the user can recognize, based on the error notification, that the number of times of the automatic process of the piercer and the number of times of the automatic process of the nozzle reach the second prescribed number of times. 
     (Item 2-14) A biochemical analysis method of performing a biochemical analysis of a specimen by reacting the specimen and a reagent in a reaction container is provided. An apparatus that performs a biochemical analysis includes: an arrangement portion in which an accommodation container is arranged, the accommodation container accommodating the specimen or an accommodation object which is the specimen and including a cover member; a piercer for piercing the cover member; a nozzle that passes through the piercer which has pierced the cover member and suctions the accommodation object; a first sensor that detects contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object; a second sensor that detects a collision of the nozzle; and a controller that drives the nozzle and the piercer. The biochemical analysis method includes: providing an error notification when the first sensor detects contact of the nozzle with the droplet inside the piercer; and providing an error notification when the second sensor detects a collision of the nozzle with the cover member. 
     With such a configuration, the error notification is provided when the first sensor detects contact of the nozzle with the droplet of the accommodation object inside the piercer, and the error notification is provided when the second sensor detects a collision of the nozzle with the cover member. The user can thus easily recognize a factor by which the analysis apparatus has failed to suction the accommodation object. 
     Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the scope of the present invention being interpreted by the terms of the appended claims.