Automated biological sample collection system and methods

A method for use in an automated sample collection system for collecting a set of biological samples from at least one fertilized egg, said system comprising:

• at least one incubator configured to control the environment of said at least one fertilized egg;
• a shell removal apparatus configured to remove at least a section of the shell providing access to a chorioallantroic membrane (CAM) of said at least one fertilized egg;
• at least one applicator configured to deliver exogenous material to the fertilized egg;
• at least one sampler configured to collect samples from said at least one fertilized egg;
• and
• at least one controller unit,
• said method for operating said sample collection system such that the associated process of collecting the samples is performed in an improved manner, the method comprising the steps:
• configuring, by said controller unit, the automated sample collection system according to at least one automated setup parameter;
• pricking, by said shell removal apparatus, the chorioallantroic membrane (CAM) of the at least one fertilized egg;
• delivering, by said at least one applicator, at least one exogenous material to said at least one fertilized egg using at least one delivery mechanism associated with said at least one sampler;
• incubating, by said at least one incubator, the at least one fertilized egg for a period of incubation;
• and
• harvesting, by said at least one sampler, at least one sample from the at least one fertilized egg.