Abstract: An apparatus for handling blood or other material between the time a sample thereof is removed from the patient and the time the sample is presented to the laboratory for placement on a slide or in other test structure for analysis. More specifically, a blood handling container basically cylindrical in shape and rigid enough in construction to be evacuated and with a mid-section that is flexible after filling the container with blood. The flexible section may be chemically different from the end portions or having structurally different shapes such as ribbed support members. Said device being air tight so as to be capable of maintaining a vacuum therein. One or both the ends of said device being composed of a stopper such as rubber or other useful material that is easily pierceable by a hollow needle for filling or discharging.