Abstract: An ovum collection device (20) includes a handle (4) and a collection needle (3) extending from the handle. The collection needle has a sharpened tip (44) for insertion into a follicle of an ovary. A collection duct (5) in fluid communication with the collection needle extends from the handle to a collection bottle (6). A heating arrangement (14) is used to maintain the collection needle at a selected temperature to prevent damage to an oocyte. The heating arrangement may be associated with a needle guide (72) on an ultrasonic probe such as a transvaginal ultrasonic probe (70).

Abstract: A bung for an aspiration assembly sample collection tube, the bung (1) has a top surface (3), a tapered side surface (7) for fitting into the sample tube and a lower surface (5). First and second apertures (9, 11) extend through the bung from the top surface to the bottom surface, the first aperture (9) being for an inlet tubing and the second aperture (11) being for an aspiration tubing, the first aperture has a recess (13) in the lower surface of the bung. This recess is adapted to sealingly receive a supply nozzle of a flushing fluid supply device such as a syringe so that in use flushing fluid may be directed through the inlet tubing.

Abstract: An aspiration and flushing needle assembly having separable flushing and aspiration assemblies. The flushing assembly (2) has a flushing needle (27) extending from a handle (25) and a flushing fluid line (35) which can be connected to a source of flushing liquid. The aspiration assembly (1) has an aspiration needle (5) with a connector (9) which connects into the rear of the handle and an aspiration line (13) which can be connected to an aspiration arrangement. The flushing and aspiration needle assemblies are joined for use with the aspiration needle extending coaxially within the flushing needle to the distal end (29) of the flushing needle.