Abstract: The apparatus for providing a passage in a sealing member, in particular a stopper of a container of a fluid sample, by using a penetrating sleeve defining the passage, comprises a displaceable sticking tool. The latter comprises a spike with a pointed end. During operation the spike is inserted into the sleeve and brought into a position in which its pointed end protrudes through the front end of the sleeve. The spike together with the sleeve are then stuck through the sealing member. Subsequently, the spike is pulled out of the sleeve, while the sleeve is left inside the sealing member. In this way, the sleeve may be inserted into the sealing member along a predetermined path, while any cutting or shearing of particles off the sealing member may be avoided.