Patent ID: 7384794

Claim:
A solid phase microextraction sampling device for collecting a component from an animal or animal tissue, said sampling device comprising: at least one fibre consisting of a coated end which is at least partially coated with a polymeric extraction phase for extracting said component; and a positioning device for guiding said coated end into position within a blood vessel of the animal or animal tissue, said positioning device comprising: a catheter for placement within the blood vessel, through which said fibre extends, said catheter having an open end for positioning within the blood vessel, and said catheter being immobilized during sampling with respect to the blood vessel; and a fibre holding region attached to the end of the fibre opposite to the coated end of the fibre, said fibre holding region being movable with respect to the catheter, to move said coated end of the fibre into or out of the blood vessel; wherein said fibre is a flexible wire; and wherein said extraction phase is loaded with a calibrant prior to sampling.