APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COMBINED CLOSED AND OPEN TUBE SAMPLING

摘要

Sampler apparatus and method are provided and include both closed (12) and open (10) tube samplers, and selector valve (20) operable to select therebetween for sample supply to automated sample analysis apparatus (22). A shear valve (18) divides the samples into separate sample quantities for independent sample quantity analysis by multi-channel sample analysis apparatus. A pressure equilibration chamber (108) prevents vacuum build-up in the closed tube sampler to insure the supply of consistent sample quantities therefrom. A source of a pressurized rinse solution (102) is provided; and is operatively connected to the sampler apparatus in such manner as to insure the particularly thorough rinsing and cleansing of all relevant sample components to remove sample residue therefrom between sampling operations, thereby reducing sample carryover to levels below those of clinical significance.