Method and apparatus for detecting clots in a liquid and laboratory automation system

A method for detecting clots in serum, the serum being in a sample container, the sample container comprising a centrifuged blood sample, the blood sample being separated into the serum and at least one other component, the method comprising:

• irradiating light having a first wavelength to the sample container by a first light source at a vertical irradiating position such that the light irradiated by the first light source passes through the sample container along a first measurement path;
• measuring an intensity of light having the first wavelength passing along the first measurement path and exiting the sample container;
• moving the sample container relative to the first light source without changing the vertical irradiating position such that the light irradiated by the first light source passes through the sample container along a second measurement path being different from the first measurement path;
• measuring an intensity of light having the first wavelength passing along the second measurement path and exiting the sample container;
• and
• detecting clots in response to the measured intensity corresponding to the first measurement path and the measured intensity corresponding to the second measurement path.