A specimen transporting apparatus and method are provided, in which a specimen container having a non-printed region and a printed region on a side surface of the specimen container is rotated intermittently, each time through a certain angle, during a first rotation. Information printed on the printed region is read during the first rotation, and the location of the non-printed region is identified based on the success or failure of the reading. Next, a second rotation is performed, in which the specimen container is rotated continuously. The information printed on the printed region is read during the second rotation, and the location of the printed region is identified based on the success or failure of the reading. Accordingly, the location of an end portion of the printed region is identified, and the orientation of a specimen bar code is aligned relative to a transfer destination rack.

In the prior art, variability arises in a rotational stopping position depending on the location in which reading of a bar code begins, and it is possible to conceive of situations in which there is inadequate orientational alignment of the bar code relative to the slit after rack transfer, as a result of which it is not possible for the bar code to be read by an analysis system. Accordingly, a first rotation is performed, in which a specimen container having a non-printed region and a printed region on a side surface thereof is rotated intermittently, each time through a certain angle. Additionally, information printed on the printed region on the side surface of the specimen container is read while the first rotation is being performed, and the location of the non-printed region of the specimen container is identified on the basis of the success or failure of said reading. Next, a second rotation is performed, in which the specimen container is rotated continuously. Additionally, the information printed on the printed region on the side surface of the specimen container is read while the second rotation is being performed, and the location of the printed region of the specimen container is identified on the basis of the success or failure of said reading. By this means, the location of an end portion of the printed region is identified, and control is implemented to align the orientation of the specimen bar code relative to the transfer destination rack.