Container system for releasably storing a substance

Abstract

The present invention provides a container system for releasably storing a substance. The container system includes a vial having a sample storage chamber and a piercing member for piercing is membrane in the lid, which membrane seals a substance within a reservoir in the lid until the membrane is pierced by the piercing member. The container system optionally includes a funnel. There is also provided a method and kit for use of such a container system.

1 . A container system for releasably storing a substance, comprising:
 a) a vial comprising a first open end for receiving a sample, a second end comprising a sample storage chamber and at least two piercing members; and   b) a lid configured to removably engage said vial, said lid comprising a reservoir for holding the substance, and a pierceable membrane sealing the substance within said reservoir,   
       wherein, when said system is closed by removable engagement of said vial with said lid, said vial and said lid are movable to a piercing position in which the piercing members disrupt the pierceable membrane to allow fluid communication between said reservoir and said chamber, wherein the chamber is sealed against leakage to the outside of the container system in the piercing position.