Sample processing apparatus and sample processing method

A sample processing apparatus for performing a process including a plurality of steps on a sample, the sample processing apparatus sequentially processing a plurality of samples, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of units corresponding to the respective steps in the process; a transfer section which transfers a sample to the units according to a flow of the steps; and a controller. Specifically, when an operation of the transfer section or one of the plurality of units was not performed successfully, the controller controls the transfer section and the plurality of units to: interrupt the process for a sample that had not reached the unit or the portion of the transfer section at which the operation was not performed successfully while continuing the process for a sample that had already passed the unit or a portion of the transfer section; retry the operation that was not performed successfully, and resume the interrupted process when the retried operation has been performed successfully.