Sample processing apparatus with sample feeding unit

A sample processing apparatus comprising:

• a row of transporting units, each of the transporting units comprising an upstream line that transports sample containers in an upstream direction and a downstream line that transports the sample containers in a downstream direction, wherein each upstream line of each transporting unit is laterally aligned to form an upstream transport path and each downstream line of each transporting unit is laterally aligned to form a downstream transport path;
• a row of measurement units that measures samples contained in the sample containers, wherein the row of measurement units corresponds to the row of transporting units;
• an information processing unit that processes measurement data outputted from the measurement units and outputs an analysis result of the samples contained in the sample containers, wherein the analysis result includes a result of determination as to whether or not re-measuring the samples is necessary;
• a plurality of container collection units that collect respective sample containers transported by the row of transporting units, each container collection unit comprising a first upstream transport line that is laterally aligned with the upstream transport path and laterally transports the sample containers in the upstream direction;
• a container feeding unit that feeds the sample containers to the row of transporting units, wherein the container feeding unit is located between the container collection units and the row of transporting units and comprises a second upstream transport line;
• and
• a preprocessing unit comprising a reader that reads identification information of a selected sample from an identifier associated with a selected sample container holding the selected sample, wherein the preprocessing unit is arranged side by side with the container feeding unit and comprises a second downstream transport line that is laterally aligned with the downstream transport path and laterally transports the sample containers in the downstream direction;
• wherein the container feeding unit comprises a side wall including an open portion through which a sample rack is transported to the preprocessing unit;
• and
• wherein the container feeding unit, the container collection units, and the transporting units are connected such that the second upstream transport line of the container feeding unit is laterally aligned with the first upstream transport lines of the container collection units and the upstream transport path such that the sample containers are seamlessly transported to a collection destination in the upstream direction.