There is provided a highly reliable automatic analysis apparatus in which a piercing type reagent container is loaded. The apparatus reduces the load on a reagent sampling mechanism, alarms and reagent splashing which are caused by contact between a dispensing nozzle and a piercing cap. In reagent dispensing operation, in specific zones A and B before and after the dispensing nozzle 31 descends and passes through the piercing cap 34, the decent velocity of the dispensing nozzle 31 is temporarily set to a low velocity (velocity: 0.02 m/s) and after the nozzle has passed over the zones, it is set to a normal velocity (velocity: 0.04 m/s), so as to decrease the frictional force generated when the dispensing nozzle 31 comes into contact with the piercing cap 34, reduce false abnormal descent detection and reduce the load on the reagent sampling mechanism.