Sample analyzer and sample analyzing method

A sample analyzing method, comprising:

• if a sample container containing a priority sample is installed in a sample analyzer when a sample container containing a normal sample has been transported along a transport path to a suction position by a suction unit, retracting the sample container containing the normal sample from the suction position and transporting the installed sample container containing the priority sample to the suction position;
• penetrating a stopper installed in an opening of the sample container positioned at the suction position by the suction unit to suction the priority sample in the sample container positioned at the suction position;
• measuring the priority sample suctioned from the sample container positioned at the suction position;
• and
• analyzing the priority sample based on a measurement result of the priority sample.

A sample analyzer comprising:

• a suction unit configured to suction a sample in a sample container;
• a rack transport unit configured to transport a sample rack holding a sample container along a transport path, and position the sample container held by the sample rack at a suction position by the suction unit;
• a sample transport unit comprising a holding member configured to hold a sample container other than the sample container transported by the rack transport unit, and a rotation drive unit configured to rotate the holding member in a horizontal direction to transport the sample container held by the holding member to the suction position;
• a measurement unit configured to measure a sample suctioned by the suction unit from the sample container positioned at the suction position;
• and
• an analysis unit configured to analyze the sample based on the measurement result of the measurement unit, wherein
• a transport route of the sample container by the rack transport unit and a transport route of the sample container by a rotational operation of the rotation drive unit intersect at the suction position, and
• the holding member is arranged to hold the sample container at a position away from the transport path, and the rotation drive unit transports the sample container held by the holding member to the suction position from the position away from the transport path.