A sample container carrier handling apparatus is presented. A first revolving device located at a first level moves sample container carriers along a first path. A second revolving device located at a second level different from the first level moves sample container carriers along a second path. A first transport device transports sample container carriers to or away from a first handover position associated with the first revolving device. A second transport device transports sample container carriers to or away from a second handover position associated with the second revolving device. A lifting device lifts a sample container carrier from a first lifting position associated with the first revolving device to a second lifting position associated with the second revolving device. An operating position is associated with the first or second revolving device. A sample container is loaded or unloaded into a sample container carrier placed at the operating position.