Sample Rack Handling Unit

The invention relates to a sample rack handling unit (100) comprising a rack onload section (10) for loading one or more sample racks (60) holding at least one sample container (62). The rack onload section (10) comprising a rack onload edge (13) and a rack receiving area (12) with an onload rail (11) longitudinally arranged on the rack receiving area (12) parallel to the rack onload edge (13). The onload rail (11) is engageable with a recess (61) located at the bottom of a rack (60) such that the rack (60) is longitudinally slidable on the rack receiving area (12) along the onload rail (11) when the rack (60) is engaged. The onload rail (11) has a cross-section comprising a wedged or substantially triangular base portion and a protrusion (11') extending from the base portion, wherein the protrusion faces the rack onload edge (13) and the base portion comprises an inclined onload rail side (11") arranged opposite to the rack onload edge (13), such that the recess (61) is engageable with the onload rail (11) when the rack (60) is loaded on the rack receiving area (12) from the rack onload edge (13) in a direction transverse to the onload rail (11) and the recess (61) is disengeagable from the onload rail (11) by sliding the rack (60) in the direction of the rack onload edge (13).