Abstract: An apparatus for automatically drawing a blood sample from a sealed container having an internal pressure below that of atmospheric pressure comprises an aspirating needle which serves to pierce the sealed container to aspirate liquid from the container, and to vent the interior of the container to the surrounding atmosphere through a suitable vent line connected to the needle. Such apparatus further comprises a vacuum pump connected to the needle through an aspiration line for aspirating blood from the sealed container. To warn the user of the possibility that fluid (e.g. cleansing diluent) in the aspirating needle has been drawn into the sealed container in the event of a vent line failure, apparatus is provided for detecting the pressure in the container immediately after the aspirating needle has pierced the container seal, and for comparing this pressure with a predetermined nominal value (typically, the negative pressure rating of the vacuum pump).

Abstract: An aspiration apparatus primarily including a biohazard-safe aspirating cartridge assembly for use with material which might be hazardous to humans. The cartridge assembly includes a longitudinally expandable and contractible washing chamber, within which a fluid aspirating needle is longitudinally positioned. Opposite ends of the washing chamber are secured to a pair of telescopically slidable mounting members, which are pluggably mountable to an operably associated support. A locking element surrounds one of the mounting members, for preventing accidental/premature telescoping. Intentional release of the locking element enables the pair of slidable members to be telescoped together by the drive means, causing the washing chamber to contract, permitting the tip of the aspirating needle to be extended out of the chamber, for penetration of an operably associated sealed container of material, for example whole blood.