Sampling needle

A method of retrieving an oocyte from a subject comprising:

• inserting an oocyte retrieval needle into a site on the subject from which the oocyte is to be retrieved;
• and
• withdrawing the oocyte from the subject by aspiration through the oocyte retrieval needle, wherein
• the oocyte retrieval needle comprises a first tubular region in fluid communication with a second tubular region, the first tubular region comprising a sharp point leading end configured for insertion into the subject and the second tubular region comprising an open trailing end, the leading end and the trailing end forming respective opposite ends of the needle, wherein:
• internal passages of the first and second tubular regions form a continuous open passage extending from the leading end to the trailing end;
• the first tubular region has an outer diameter which is less than an outer diameter of the second tubular region and the internal passage of the first tubular region has an inner, luminal diameter which is less than an inner diameter of the internal passage of the second tubular region;
• the first tubular region and the second tubular region have a combined length of from 150 mm to 500 mm, and the first tubular region has a length of from 30 mm to 100 mm;
• the first tubular region and the second tubular region are formed from one or more materials selected from stainless steel, carbon fibre, hard plastics, ceramic, or glass;
• and
• the oocyte retrieval needle is a double lumen needle.