System and method for storing and retrieving vessel holders

An automated system for storing and retrieving of vessel holders for holding sample vessels containing samples, the system comprises:

• a first storage compartment comprising a plurality of first storage sections disposed on different levels for storing of vessel holders;
• a first translating mechanism for vertically translating the first storage sections so as to translate one storage section at a time to a loading level of a loading zone for loading vessel holders into the first storage compartment and to translate one storage section at a time to a handing-in level of a handing-over station for handing in vessel holders to at least one analyzer for analyzing the samples;
• a second storage compartment comprising a plurality of second storage sections disposed on different levels for storing of vessel holders;
• a second translating mechanism for vertically translating the second storage sections so as to translate one storage section at a time to a handing-out level of the handing over station and to translate one storage section at a time to an unloading level of an unloading zone for unloading vessel holders from the second storage compartment;
• a first transport mechanism comprising a first conveyor for transporting vessel holders from a first storage section at the handing-in level to the handing-over station;
• a second transport mechanism comprising a second conveyor for transporting vessel holders from the handing-over station to a second storage section at the handing-out level;
• and
• a controller to operate the mechanisms.