Sample processing apparatus and sample processing method

A sample processing apparatus comprising:

• an aspiration section for aspirating a sample from a sample container;
• a sample container take-out/returning section for taking out a sample container containing a sample which is to be aspirated by the aspiration section from a sample rack holding a plurality of sample containers, and for returning the sample container from which the sample has been aspirated by the aspiration section to the sample rack;
• a sample processing section for processing the sample aspirated by the aspiration section;
• a transport section for transporting the sample rack to a take-out position for taking out the sample container from the sample rack by the sample container take-out/returning section;
• and
• a transport controller for controlling the transport section to transport the sample rack to a processing position for performing a predetermined process on another sample container held by the sample rack when one sample container has been taken out from the sample rack by the sample container take-out/returning section.