Abstract: An aspiration needle apparatus for collecting cell samples by withdrawing aspirate from tissue in a living body. An aspiration needle is provided which has a flow passage extending from its proximal extremity to its distal extremity. The proximal extremity has a hub end a cell collection chamber therein in communication with the flow passage. A vacuum container is provided which has an enclosed evacuated space evacuated to a subambient pressure to provide a predetermined volume of evacuated space devoid of a solid or a liquid and devoted solely to providing the desired vacuum. The vacuum container is sealed by a penetrable diaphragm providing access to the evacuated space. An adapter mounted on the hub and making a fluid-tight connection therewith is formed to receive the vacuum container. The adapter includes a needle having a flow passage in communication with the flow passage in the aspiration needle. A spring is carried by the adapter.