A biopsy sampler comprising a penetration zone for receiving a part of an organism to be sampled, a ram situated at a first side of the penetration zone able to be actuated to move along a path between a withdrawn position and an advanced position, a sample collector that can cut a biopsy sample from tissue interposed in the penetration zone, and a container that can receive the sample collector, the sample collector and the container being initially located on opposite sides of the penetration zone, a disposable shield initially located between the ram (with the ram in the withdrawn position) and the penetration zone, advance action of the ram from the withdrawn to the advanced position bringing together the sample collector and container at side of the penetration zone away from the ram, and bringing the disposable shield into the penetration zone, withdrawal action of the ram from the advanced position to the withdrawn position withdrawing the disposable shield to the first side of the penetration zone, leaving the tissue free to leave the penetration zone, such that in use in collecting a sample the shield contacts tissue surfaces and the ram does not contact tissue surfaces.
