FIELD: medicine.
SUBSTANCE: invention relates to medical engineering, specifically to a biopsy sampler. Sampler comprises a penetration zone for receiving a part of an organism to be sampled. Sampler includes a ram situated at a first side of the penetration zone able to be actuated to move along a path between a withdrawn position and an advanced position. Sampler comprises a sample collector that can cut a biopsy sample from tissue of said part interposed in the penetration zone. Invention includes a container that can receive the sample collector. Sample collector and container are initially located on opposite sides of the penetration zone. Sampler includes a disposable shield initially located between the ram, located in the withdrawn position, and the penetration zone. Advance action of the ram from the withdrawn to the advanced position brings together the sample collector and container at the side of the penetration zone away from the ram, and brings the disposable shield into the penetration zone. Withdrawal action of the ram from the advanced position to the withdrawn position withdraws the disposable shield to the first side of the penetration zone, leaving said part of tissue free to leave the penetration zone. In use in collecting a sample, the shield contacts tissue surfaces and the ram does not contact tissue surfaces. Disposable shield is releasably fitted to the sample collector in an initial condition, and releasably connects to a leading end of the ram as the ram advances, disconnects from the sample collector as the ram begins to withdraw, and disconnects from the ram as or before the ram reaches the withdrawn position on withdrawal.
EFFECT: preventing contamination of the tissue sample and the risk of cutting with the cutting element.
15 cl, 17 dwg
