Abstract: A punching apparatus (10) and method for delivering disk samples (20) from media containing a dried bio-sample into a receptacle for use in an assay. In one aspect, the shape of the disk is altered, such as by folding, so that a disk of larger cross sectional size may fit into a receptacle having a cross sectional size less than the disk punched from the media.

Abstract: A method and storage medium (100) for collecting, storing and analysing a plant sample. The storage medium (100) is configured to provide for multiple portions of the sample to be withdrawn from the storage medium (100) by moving a punch through one of a plurality of apertures (120) through the lid (102) and base (104) of the storage medium. The storage medium includes a gripping region on its interior surface (110) to grip a sample between the lid (102) and the base (104) of the storage medium (100).