Compared to a Culex Automated Sampler configured for bile sampling, the SM Bile Shunt Probe is the next best way to sample from bile. Like Culex bile sampling, the bile sampling shunt probe does not deplete the animal’s bile.  In this case, the bile continues to circulate.  This is via a shunt that diverts the bile past a linear microdialysis probe and then back into the bile duct. This approach maintains bile flow during microdialysis sampling and conserves bile salts. Drugs excreted in bile may be further metabolized in the gut and bile salts are recycled there. Brain and vascular microdialysis can be performed at the same time.  An ever better option for sampling metabolites in bile is to use the Culex and Empis to perform simultaneous blood and bile sampling and use a metabolic cage to collect urine and feces. This provides you with a full metabolic profile. In contrast, the traditional way of sampling bile is via a continuous flow open cannula, which can deplete bile salts and fluids, potentially to the detriment of both the animal and the soundness of your data.