Abstract: A sample container turning apparatus including: a holding member for holding a plurality of sample containers in a predetermined direction; an intermittent conveyor for conveying the holding member intermittently; an arm member; a rotary member rotatably mounted on the arm member; a hand member attached to the rotary member and including a plurality of grip hands hinged to the rotary member so as to pivot on hinge shafts for gripping and releasing the one of the sample containers; a couple member coupled to the hand member and including a shaft member adapted to reciprocate through the rotary member; a first drive mechanism for pivoting the hand members by reciprocating the shaft member of the coupling member; a second drive mechanism for rotating the rotary member; and controller for controlling the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism.