A valve assembly (50) comprising a three-way connector (52) operatively interconnecting: an inlet (54) operatively connectable, in use, to an aspirator tube (60), the inlet (54) comprising a first one-way valve (66) permitting, in use, the flow of a fluid from the tube (60) into the three-way connector (52)； a first outlet (70) operatively connectable, in use, to a receptacle (63), the first outlet (70) comprising a second one-way valve (67) permitting, in use, the flow of a fluid from the three-way interconnector (52) into the receptacle (63)； and a second outlet (90) operatively connectable, in use, to a syringe (96), wherein the receptacle (63) comprises a vent aperture (78) and a porous or perforated element (80) overlying the vent aperture (78).
