Sample collection device

摘要

A device (1) for acquiring cell samples by aspiration into an evacuated container (3) comprising:a front hollow needle portion (7) to be inserted into the body from which a sample is to be taken;a rear hollow needle portion (5) for communication with the evacuated container;a conduit (11) connecting the front needle portion (7) to the rear needle portion (5);and a normally closed pinch valve mechanism (6) to open and close the conduit;The valve mechanism (6) is manually operable by one hand and controls the application of negative pressure in the front needle portion (7). The conduit may comprise a flexible tube and the valve mechanism (6) may comprise releasable means (8) to pinch the flexible tube in a pressure-tight manner. The valve mechanism (6) may comprise a spring-biased push-button (8) operable by one digit of a user's hand.