Method and apparatus for discharging contents of sealed container

A method and apparatus is disclosed for discharging the contents of a sealed container (10), such as a test tube, having a resilient closure (18). A plurality of tubes or needles (32, 38) are mounted in a socket or holder (50). The tubes needles (32, 38) puncture the closure (18) to establish fluid flow paths between the interior and exterior of the container (10). A pump (66) is positioned at one end (34) of the first fluid flow path (32), and a discharge tube (70) extends through the second fluid flow path (38) such that upon activating the pump (66), air or the like is introduced into the interior of the container (10) creating a pressure therein, in response to which fluid from the container (10) is discharged through the discharge tube (70) onto a specimen plate (88) or the like.