Sample vial cap and sample vial for use in preparing cytological specimen and method of preparing cytological specimen

A sample vial for use in an automated test apparatus, comprising:

• a vial body comprising an outer surface, with at least one anti-rotation lug disposed about the vial body outer surface;
• a cap removably attachable to the vial body, said cap comprising
• a cap body having a top surface defining an opening therethrough,
• a torque pattern disposed on the top surface of the cap, and
• a pierceable and self-resealing membrane disposed across the opening,
• wherein, when the membrane is intact or resealed, the membrane forms a fluid-tight seal across the opening;
• and
• a seal disposed between an interior of the vial body and the cap so as to be capable of forming a substantially fluid-tight seal therebetween when the membrane is intact or resealed.

A method of accessing a fluid in a biological specimen container without removing a cap attached thereto or creating a permanent opening in the cap, the method comprising:

• applying torque to a torque pattern disposed on a top surface of the cap to confirm a fluid-tight seal exists between the cap and an interior region of the container;
• piercing a membrane disposed on the cap with an elongate member;
• accessing the fluid inside the biological specimen container through the membrane using the elongate member;
• and
• removing the elongate member from the membrane to thereby allow the membrane to self-reseal.