Abstract: Apparatus (1) for withdrawing respective liquid samples from vials (2) which are closed by closure caps (4) penetratable by a pointed cannula comprises a plurality of racks (7) for accommodating the vials (2). A device (10) comprising a housing (25) is slideably carried on a gantry (9) which in turn is slideably carried on guide tracks (12) to provide two degrees of movement of the device (10) for selective alignment of the device (10) with the vials (2). An abutment member (43) which is vertically slideable in the housing (25) of the device (10) is driven by a second gearwheel (51) by a drive shaft (27) along which the housing (25) is slideably mounted through a first gearwheel (40) and a dog clutch (52). A cannula which is secured within a first gear rack (33) is driven upwardly and downwardly within the housing (25) by the first gearwheel (40) which is driven by the drive shaft (27).

Abstract: A well plate (1) for holding samples of a bodily fluid during analysis thereof, typically in an analytical apparatus, comprises a plate (2) having a plurality of first wells (3) extending downwardly therefrom for holding a sample during optical analysis of the sample, and a plurality of second wells (4) for holding samples during mechanical analysis of the samples. A plurality of holding wells (8) are provided for initially receiving and holding samples of the bodily fluid to be analysed so that samples of relatively accurate size can be pipetted from the holding wells (8) to the first and second wells (3,4).

Abstract: A sampling cap (10) for a cuvette (72) or other liquid sampling device is provided, which includes a cap body (12) having a fixedly mounted, axially extending capillary collection tube (40). The body (12) includes first and section end sections (14, 16) with in an intermediate shoulder (18). Each of the sections (14, 16) is equipped with friction fitting ribs (24, 30). In use, the second end section (16) of cap body (12) is positioned within the open end of a holder (68) or cuvette (72), and the assembly is manipulated to cause a fluid sample (e.g., blood) to be drawn into capillary tube (40). The cap body (12) is then detached and inverted, and the first end section (14) is pressed into the open end (70) of cuvette (72) with capillary tube (40) thereby located within the confines of the cuvette (72). The liquid sample within the capillary tube (40) is then discharged into the cuvette (72) by shaking or the like.