ASEPTIC SAMPLING SYSTEM

摘要

An aseptic sampling system comprises a sampler assembly and an interface assembly. Each assembly comprises a housing, each housing defining a separate sterile enclosure for each of the assemblies. An air lock is arranged to provide, in use, the aseptic joining of the sterile enclosures within the sampler and interface assemblies, and a re-sealable liquid connection mechanism is positioned to operate within the air lock. The sampler assembly and interface assembly are arranged such that, when connected together, they form an outer protective surface comprising the housings of each of the sampler and interface assemblies, theouter protective surface providing a sterile internal enclosure and air lock and an air-tight barrier between the outer non-sterile atmosphere and the inner sterile atmosphere. The re-sealable liquid connection mechanism is contained within the sterile enclosure and contains at least one liquid connector from each of the sampler and interface assemblies and is configured such that, in use, at least one of the liquid connectors can move across the sterile enclosure and air lock to connect with the other connector in the liquid connection mechanism, without contacting any internal surfaces within the air lock, and is configured such that the liquid connectors, in use, can subsequently be re-sealed, disconnected and separated.