A dispenser for holding multiple doses of fluids or other substances, and
for dispensing the substances, has a variable volume storage chamber. A
filling valve is coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber
and defines (1) a normally closed, fluid-tight position hermetically
sealing the storage chamber from the ambient atmosphere, and (2) an open
position allowing the passage of fluid through the valve both to evacuate
the storage chamber and to introduce fluid through the valve to fill the
storage chamber. A dispensing valve is coupled in fluid communication
with the storage chamber and defines (1) a normally closed, fluid-tight
position preventing the passage of fluid out of the dispenser, and (2) an
open position for dispensing fluid therethrough. The sealed, empty
dispenser is sterilized, such as by applying gamma radiation thereto.
Then, the sterilized, sealed, empty dispenser is filled with fluid by
engaging the filling valve with a filling member and introducing fluid
from the filling member through the filling valve and into the storage
chamber. The fluid in the storage chamber is dispensed through the
dispensing valve.