<p>Provided is technology pertaining to the transport of samples in an automated analyzer, which allows a sample container containing a sample having a high degree of urgency and priority for analysis to be moved quickly to a sample dispensing position. The analyzer is provided with a rack buffer unit (8) serving as a sample container switching section is provided between a rack transport module (4) and a rack transport module (5) that transport racks (2) carrying sample containers (1), and an urgent sample loading module (7) on which is placed a rack (2) carrying a sample container (1) containing a sample which has priority for analysis. The rack (2) carrying the sample currently being dispensed and a rack (2) which has priority for analysis are switched at the rack buffer unit (8), and the sample container (1) carried on the rack (2) which has priority for analysis is quickly moved to the sample dispensing position.</p>
