Abstract: A device (1410) for collecting a blood sample from an animal has a holder for holding a sampling media (1456), one or more spikes (1418) that first pass through the sampling media (1456) and penetrate into the flesh of the animal to create a puncture site to allow blood emerging from the site to be collected by the sampling media (1456) during and/or after penetration of the flesh. The device has a retainer (1427) for temporarily retaining the device (1410) on the animal whilst blood is collected and for allowing the device (1410) to be removed from the animal substantially intact for subsequent removal of the sampling media (1456) from the device.

Abstract: A device (1410) for collecting a blood sample from an animal on sampling media placed (1456) next to the animal's flesh, the device comprising holding means () for holding the sampling media (1456) for placement on the flesh of an animal; spike means (1418) operable to first pass through the sampling media (1456) and to then penetrate into the flesh of the animal to create a puncture site to allow blood emerging from the site to be collected by the sampling media (1456) during and/or after penetration of the flesh, and retaining means (1427) for temporarily retaining the device (1410) on the animal whilst blood is collected on the sampling media and for allowing the device (1410) to be removed from the animal substantially intact for subsequent removal of the sampling media (1456) with the blood from the device.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for use in the sterile sampling of liquid from a container, the apparatus having a normally vertical tubular sight chamber coupled by its lower end to a sample port assembly. The upper end of the chamber is fitted with an inlet tube through which sample liquid can be received and a filtered vent to allow air to flow to and from the sight chamber while preventing the ingress of bacteria in to the chamber. The sample port assembly has a tubular body encasing a sheathed needle assembly so that evacuated phials can be inserted into the body and pressed onto the needle assembly to withdraw samples of liquid collected in the sight chamber, the sight chamber preferably having transparent walls that are marked with graduations so that each phial can be withdrawn from the needle assembly after the desired amount of liquid has been collected.