A method and apparatus for analyzing a fluid sample. More particularly, this relates to a specimen analysis tube (2) for containing the specimen (12) sample and to a method of drawing the specimen sample (12) into the tube (2) by capillary action. When the sample (12) is drawn into the tube (2), air is expelled from the tube (2) in the direction which is counter to the flow of the sample (12) into the tube (2). The tube (2) can be U-shaped or it can be linear and can be disposed in a closed-ended holder (22) that is operative to vent air from the tube (2) in a direction which is counter to the direction of flow of the sample into the tube (2).