Automatic analyzer

Abstract

An automatic analyzer of the type equipped with a sample preprocessing function pretreats a desired sample in a pretreating unit before pipetting the sample into an analyzing unit for analysis. When all samples are carried to the analyzing unit via the pretreating unit, irrespective of whether the sample is to be pretreated, this causes loss in terms of both costs and installation space requirements. In the case where the preprocessing is required, a minimal quantity of the sample is also necessary in order to make the sample react to the preprocessing liquid. In addition, the possible presence of a residual sample left in the pretreating unit could affect analytical results. The automatic analyzer which includes an analyzing unit and a pretreating unit further includes a sample-pipetting mechanism constructed to have a function that allows the mechanism to access a plurality of pipetting positions without a sample sucking/discharging position being fixed.