Specimen collector

Abstract

A specimen trap has first and second fluid chambers, an inlet tube for introducing fluid from the body into the first chamber, the walls of the trap defining a port substantially larger than the flow cross-section of the inlet tube for flow of fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber, and an outlet tube for removing fluid from the second chamber. The outlet tube projects into the second chamber and terminates therewithin at a position spaced from the walls of the chamber. When the chamber is turned to a position with outlet tube down, the outlet tube projection defines, with the second chamber, a fluid retaining volume in which a pre-selected minimum volume of collected fluid specimen is retained. A filter is disposed across the port to filter fluid flowing therethrough, and is supported at a position spaced from the outer walls defining the second chamber to inhibit back-flow of fluid through the filter that could resuspend the collected particles despite change in trap orientation. As normal flow through the trap proceeds, suspended particles can be isolated and a quantity of filtered liquid retained in close, humidifying relationship thereto, in a manner in which substantial resuspension of the isolated solid particles is inhibited despite change in orientation of the trap during handling prior to laboratory analysis of the specimen.