Patent ID: 8839944

Claim:
A sample processing apparatus comprising: a transporting device configured to transport a sample rack holding a sample; and a sample processing device configured to process the sample held by the sample rack transported by the transporting device, wherein the transporting device comprises: a first transport path configured to transport a sample rack so that the sample rack does not pass through a sample supplying position for supplying the sample to the sample processing device; a second transport path configured to transport a sample rack so that the sample rack does not pass through the sample supplying position, the second transport path being disposed parallel to the first transport path; a third transport path configured to transport a sample rack so that the sample rack passes through the sample supplying position, wherein the first transport path is arranged between the second transport path and the third transport path; a post-analysis rack holder, which is arranged between the first transport path and the third transport path, configured to hold the sample rack transported by the third transport path, the sample rack holding the sample transported to the sample supplying position; a rack moving mechanism configured to move the sample rack from the post-analysis rack holder through the first transport path to the second transport path; a guide member, which is arranged between the first transport path and the second transport path and movable in vertical directions, configured to allow the sample rack to be moved through the first transport path to the second transport path when the guide member is at a predetermined position, and configured to prevent the sample rack from being moved through the first transport path to the second transport path and prevent a sample rack being transported on the first transport path or the second transport path from deviating from the first or second transport path when the guide member is above the predetermined position; and a drive source configured to move the guide member in vertical directions.