Abstract: A valve assembly (50) comprising a three-way connector (51) operatively interconnecting: an inlet (58), an outlet (56) and a vent (66), the inlet (58) being operatively connectable, in use, to an aspirator tube; the outlet (56) being operatively connectable, in use, to a syringe (82); and the vent (66)comprising a one-way valve (70) permitting, in use, the flow of a fluid out of the three-way connector (51), wherein the inlet (58) comprises a receptacle (60) containing a porous or perforated element (62) which, when dry, permits the flow of gasses into the three-way connector (51), but which when wetted by a liquid, inhibits or prevents the flow of liquid into the three-way connector (51).

Abstract: A valve assembly (50) comprising a three-way connector (52) operatively interconnecting: an inlet (54) operatively connectable, in use, to an aspirator tube (60), the inlet (54) comprising a first one-way valve (66) permitting, in use, the flow of a fluid from the tube (60) into the three-way connector (52); a first outlet (70) operatively connectable, in use, to a receptacle (63), the first outlet (70) comprising a second one-way valve (67) permitting, in use, the flow of a fluid from the three-way interconnector (52) into the receptacle (63); and a second outlet (90) operatively connectable, in use, to a syringe (96), wherein the receptacle (63) comprises a vent aperture (78) and a porous or perforated element (80) overlying the vent aperture (78).