Sampling method

A sampling method for using a sampling unit with a cell culturing unit, the method comprising:

• moving a sample from the cell culturing unit to the sampling unit via a sample introduction channel that connects the sampling unit and the cell culturing unit and includes an aseptic filter,
• the sampling unit including a sampling channel and a detection unit disposed in the sampling channel,
• the moving including causing the sample to move to and into the sampling channel pass the detection unit;
• and
• allowing a cleaning solution to flow from a cleaning solution storage unit of the sampling unit to and into the sampling introduction channel and through the aseptic filter to remove a substance from the aseptic filter as disposed during the moving of the sample from the cell culturing unit to the sampling unit,
• the sampling unit further including a first pump that is configured to allow the cleaning solution to flow from the cleaning solution storage unit to the sampling channel, to a bypass channel that bypasses the first pump, or to the sampling channel and the bypass channel,
• the cleaning solution being able to be supplied to the detection unit by rotation the first pump and interrupting the bypass channel,
• the sample introduction channel further including a second pump that is rotatable in a first direction for introducing the sample to and into the sampling unit and a second direction for sending the cleaning solution toward the cell culturing unit,
• the allowing including stopping the rotation of the first pump and rotating the second pump in the second direction to allow the cleaning solution to flow to and into the sample introduction channel through the bypass channel.

A sampling unit configured to receive a sample from a cell culturing unit, the sampling unit comprising:

• a sample introduction channel that connects the sampling unit and the cell culturing unit that allows the sample to be received by the sampling unit and that includes an aseptic filter;
• a sampling channel that includes a detection unit and configured to receive the sample from the sample introduction channel;
• and
• a cleaning solution storage unit configured to store a cleaning solution and fluidically connected to the sampling channel such that the cleaning solution can be moved from the cleaning solution storage unit to the sampling channel,
• the sampling channel including a first pump that is configured to allow the cleaning solution to flow from the cleaning solution storage unit to the sampling channel and a bypass channel that bypasses the first pump,
• the sample introduction channel further including a second pump that is rotatable in a first direction for introducing the sample to and into the sampling channel and a second direction for sending the cleaning solution toward the cell culturing unit, and
• removal of a substance adhered to the aseptic filter including stopping rotation of the first pump and rotating the second pump in the second direction to allow the cleaning solution to flow to and into the sample introduction channel through the bypass channel.