Improved sterile sampling methods and apparatus

摘要

Apparatus (50) and method for use in the sterile sampling of liquid from a container such as a flexible pouch, the apparatus having a normally vertical tubular sight chamber (56) coupled by its lower end (70) to a sample port 5 assembly (80). The upper end of the chamber (56) is fitted with an inlet tube (52) through which sample liquid can be received and a filtered vent (66) to allow air to flow to and from the sight chamber (56) while preventing the ingress of bacteria in to the chamber. The sample port assembly (80) has a tubular body encasing a sheathed needle assembly (96) so that evacuated 10 phials can be inserted into the body and pressed onto the needle assembly (96) to withdraw samples of liquid collected in the sight chamber (56), the sight chamber preferably having transparent walls that are marked with graduations so that each phial can be withdrawn from the needle assembly (96) after the desired amount of liquid has been collected. A hinged cap (90) 15 is preferably affixed to the open end of the sample port body so that it can be closed to protect the user from in advertent contact with the needle assembly.