Abstract: A method for determination of calcium in a sample derived from a living body, by the reaction of calcium in the sample with Chlorophosphonazo-III or a compound analogous thereto in the presence of vanadate ions, followed by determination of calcium in the sample on the basis of an optical change caused by the reaction product, is excellent in various respects as follows: it is free from the problem of absorption of carbonic acid gas caused by a high pH; it is free from the problem of use of a toxic reagent containing arsenic; it makes it possible to subject a large number of samples to determination in a short time because it can be applied to an autoanalyzer; and it permits determination in a wide range because of low sample blank values.

Abstract: An apparatus main body which is arbitrarily elevated is provided in the middle of a guide rail which transports a test tube containing a blood specimen. A first movable base which turns around a first rotary shaft is provided at the apparatus main body, and a second movable base which turns around a second rotary shaft is provided on the first movable base. A pinch mechanism which pulls up the test tube and a sampling and dispensing probe which is retractably driven with respect to the test tube to sample the blood specimen inside the test tube are provided on the second movable base. When the blood specimen is sampled by the sampling and dispensing probe, the first movable base is turned to incline the test tube, and the second movable base is turned to incline the test tube with respect to the axis of the sampling and dispensing probe.

Abstract: A sample-conveying system has first and second conveying paths which are separated from each other. A first transition base is located at a conveyance terminal end portion of the conveying path. A second transition base is located at a conveyance starting end portion of the conveying path. A mobile unit moves between the first and second conveying paths. The transition base is provided with a receptacle carrier and a rack carrier. The receptacle carrier transfers receptacles on the conveying path to a rack on the transition base. The rack carrier transfers the rack on the transition base onto the mobile unit. The transition base is provided with a rack carrier and a receptacle carrier. The second rack carrier transfers the rack on the mobile unit onto the transition base. The second receptacle carrier transfers each receptacle held in the rack to a holder in the conveying path.