Sampling Device and Method for Collection and Preservation of Live Cells from Tissues and Cell Cultures

A sampling system for collection and preservation of live cells, comprising:

• a sampling apparatus comprising:
• a collection tube having a growth medium therein;
• a capillary tube extending distally and substantially axially from the collection tube, the capillary tube having a first capillary tube section defining a first capillary tube inside diameter;
• and
• a luer hub engaged proximally and substantially axially on the collection tube substantially opposite the capillary tube, the luer hub having a luer passage formed therethrough;
• and
• a linear actuator assembly capable of providing a vacuum, comprising:
• a filter coupling configured for removable receipt of the luer hub so as to be in fluid communication with the luer passage and thus to operably accept the sampling apparatus;
• and
• an X-Y control stage operably connected to the filter and configured for selective positioning of the sampling apparatus installed therein;
• whereby installation of the sampling apparatus in the linear actuator assembly as by engaging the luer hub with the filter coupling of the linear actuator assembly enables selective suctioning through the luer passage, the collection tube, the collection tube buffer, and the capillary tube so as to collect one or more cells within the growth medium of the collection tube.

A sampling apparatus for collection and preservation of live cells, comprising:

• a collection tube formed having an internal and substantially coaxial collection tube buffer and a growth medium deposited within the collection tube substantially about the collection tube buffer;
• a capillary tube extending distally and substantially axially from the collection tube, the capillary tube having a first capillary tube section and a second capillary tube section proximal of and contiguous with the first capillary tube section and distal of and substantially coaxial and contiguous with the collection tube buffer;
• and
• a luer hub engaged proximally and substantially axially on the collection tube substantially opposite the capillary tube, the luer hub having a first luer hub boss and a second luer hub boss projecting proximally and substantially axially therefrom and further having a luer passage formed therethrough so as to communicate between the first and second luer hob bosses, whereby installation of the sampling apparatus in a linear actuator assembly capable of providing a vacuum as by engaging the luer hub with a filter coupling of the linear actuator assembly enables selective suctioning through the luer passage, the collection tube, the collection tube buffer, and the capillary tube so as to collect one or more cells within the growth medium of the collection tube.