Specimen transport apparatus, specimen measurement apparatus, specimen transport method, and holder

A specimen transport apparatus comprising:

• a holder which includes a first trench and a second trench extending in a direction different from an extension direction of the first trench and which is configured to hold a specimen;
• a first transporter which includes a first protrusion to engage with the first trench and which is configured to transport the holder by transferring the first protrusion in engagement with the first trench in the extension direction of the second trench;
• a second transporter which includes a second protrusion to engage with the second trench and which is configured to transport the holder by transferring the second protrusion in engagement with the second trench in the extension direction of the first trench, wherein
• the first trench is formed in at least one of an upper surface or a lower surface of the holder,
• the second trench is formed in at least one of the upper surface or the lower surface of the holder, and is formed to extend to a lateral surface of the holder,
• the second transporter positions the second protrusion at a position where the second protrusion slides in the second trench as the first transporter transports the holder in the extension direction of the second trench, thereby engaging the second protrusion with the second trench, and
• the second transporter transports the holder by transferring the second protrusion, engaged with the second trench, in the extension direction of the first trench so as to let the first protrusion slide out of the first trench.