Biopsy sampler and sample collector

A biopsy sampler comprising:

• a penetration zone for receiving a part of an organism to be sampled,
• a ram situated at a first side of the penetration zone, the ram able to be actuated to move along a path between a withdrawn position and an advanced position,
• a sample collector that can cut a biopsy sample from tissue from said part interposed in the penetration zone, and a container that can receive the sample collector, the sample collector and the container being initially located on opposite sides of the penetration zone to each other,
• a disposable shield initially located between the ram and the penetration zone, when the ram is in the withdrawn position,
• an advance action of the ram from the withdrawn position to the advanced position brings the sample collector to the container, so the sample collector and the container are together at a side of the penetration zone away from the ram, and brings the disposable shield into the penetration zone,
• a withdrawal action of the ram from the advanced position to the withdrawn position withdrawing the disposable shield to the first side of the penetration zone, leaving the tissue free to leave the penetration zone,
• such that in use in collecting a sample the disposable shield contacts tissue surfaces and the ram does not contact tissue surfaces, and
• wherein the disposable shield is releasably fitted to the sample collector in an initial condition, and releasably connects to a leading end of the ram as the ram advances, and disconnects from the sample collector as the ram begins to withdraw, and disconnects from the ram as or before the ram reaches the withdrawn position on withdrawal.