Device and process for transferring reaction vessels

The present invention pertains to a reaction vessel transferring device for an automated system for testing liquid samples provided with a first analytical unit for carrying out at least one first diagnostic test comprising a rotatable first vessel holder for detachably holding reaction vessels and a second analytical unit for carrying out at least one second diagnostic test comprising a stationary linear second vessel holder for detachably holding reaction vessels. The transferring device comprises at least one gripper for gripping one reaction vessel and being capable of transferring reaction vessels from the first vessel holder to the second vessel holder and/or from the second vessel holder to the first vessel holder. The device is translatable parallel to the second vessel holder and the gripper is movable at least in part along a curved path between a picking position and at least one reaction vessel seat of the second vessel holder. It further pertains to a process for transferring reaction vessels comprising transferring reaction vessels from the first vessel holder to the second vessel holder and/or from the second vessel holder to the first vessel holder, wherein the transfer of reaction vessels comprises translating the reaction vessels parallel to the second vessel holder and moving the reaction vessels at least in part along a curved path between a picking position and at least one reaction vessel seat of the second vessel holder.