Abstract: A septum piercer and sample extractor for removing a sample from a specimen contained in a container closed by a penetrable septum, a needle having a body with a sharp closed point on its first end. The needle extends axially and contains a first channel and a second channel, which extend toward the second end of the needle. A first side port passes through the body into the first channel. A second port passes through the body into the second channel. The first side port is axially farther from the second end than the second side port. The channels are both open near the second end of the needle. The needle is movable axially to pierce the septum. Its first end can be moved through the septum and into the container so that one of the ports is submerged in a fluid sample in the container while the other of the ports remains out of the sample.