COLLECTION TUBE WITH PRE-COLLECTION EVACUATOR

摘要

A closed fluid sample collection tube evacuating apparatus (70) is disclosed for evacuation of a closed fluid sample collection tube (40) just prior to collection of a fluid sample of predetermined volume in relation to the volume of the sample tube (40), the apparatus (70) comprising: evacuation means (62, 61) mounted in or on a housing (60), and adapted to evacuate a closed sample tube (40) to a required vacuum being derived from a predetermined degree of vacuum or to one of a series of predetermined degrees of vacuum, and communication means (68) for connection of the evacuating means (61, 62) to the sample collection tube (40) to enable evacuation of said tube (40) to the required vacuum. The specification also discloses various methods of evacuating a tube (40), inter-tube transfer of fluid and a system for collecting a fluid sample. A method of collection of a biological fluid sample, particularly a blood sample is also disclosed.