A sample inspection automation system comprising: a plurality of processing units; a main transport path which transports holders loaded with samples to be processed in said plurality of processing units; an empty holder transport path (111, 115) which transports sample-free empty holders, wherein said empty holder transport path (111, 115) is formed with a plurality of loop transport paths (1-3, 11, 12, 21-23) disposed in a looped manner; a supply means which supplies the holders on said empty holder transport path to said processing units or to said main transport path; a stopper which stops a plurality of holders collectively on a part of said loop transport paths (1-3, 11, 12, 21-23); and a sensor (251, 252) which detects the number of holders being stopped by said stopper; wherein said plurality of processing units are made up of a plurality of processing unit groups including a first processing unit group supplied with holders from a first loop transport path of the plurality of loop transport paths (1-3, 11, 12, 21-23) and a second processing unit group supplied with holders from a second loop transport path of said plurality of loop transport paths (1-3, 11, 12, 21-23); and wherein the system further comprises: a designation means capable of designating a specific processing unit group from among said plurality of processing unit groups; and a detachment means which stops the processing unit included in said processing unit group designated by the designation means and temporarily sets the loop transport path (1-3, 11, 12, 21-23) supplying holders to the designated processing unit group offline. a plurality of processing units; a main transport path which transports holders loaded with samples to be processed in said plurality of processing units; an empty holder transport path (111, 115) which transports sample-free empty holders, wherein said empty holder transport path (111, 115) is formed with a plurality of loop transport paths (1-3, 11, 12, 21-23) disposed in a looped manner; a supply means which supplies the holders on said empty holder transport path to said processing units or to said main transport path; a stopper which stops a plurality of holders collectively on a part of said loop transport paths (1-3, 11, 12, 21-23); and a sensor (251, 252) which detects the number of holders being stopped by said stopper; wherein said plurality of processing units are made up of a plurality of processing unit groups including a first processing unit group supplied with holders from a first loop transport path of the plurality of loop transport paths (1-3, 11, 12, 21-23) and a second processing unit group supplied with holders from a second loop transport path of said plurality of loop transport paths (1-3, 11, 12, 21-23); and wherein the system further comprises: a designation means capable of designating a specific processing unit group from among said plurality of processing unit groups; and a detachment means which stops the processing unit included in said processing unit group designated by the designation means and temporarily sets the loop transport path (1-3, 11, 12, 21-23) supplying holders to the designated processing unit group offline. a designation means capable of designating a specific processing unit group from among said plurality of processing unit groups; and a detachment means which stops the processing unit included in said processing unit group designated by the designation means and temporarily sets the loop transport path (1-3, 11, 12, 21-23) supplying holders to the designated processing unit group offline.