Endoscope suction trap and associated method

A method for use in endoscopic investigations, comprising the steps of:

• providing an endoscopic insertion member with a suction line;
• connecting a port member into said suction line;
• sliding a port cover on said port member with respect to said suction line to open a recess in said port member;
• inserting a specimen container into said recess and attaching said container to said port member at said recess so that said suction line communicates with said container;
• applying a vacuum to said suction line to draw a fluid specimen into said container;
• detaching said container from said port member and removing said container from said recess;
• and
• sliding said port cover back into position to again cover said recess.

A suction trap assembly for use in endoscopic investigations, comprising:

• a port member including:
• a body having an inlet coupling at one end and an outlet coupling at an opposite end, said inlet coupling and said outlet coupling being adapted for connection to segments of a suction line of an endoscope, said body being formed with a recess;
• and
• cover means movably connected to said body for removably covering said recess to enable fluid flow through said body from said inlet coupling to said outlet coupling;
• a specimen container member including:
• a vial;
• a head component secured to said vial, said head component including means for defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening both communicating with said vial, said head component being received into said recess upon a shifting of said cover means to uncover said recess;
• and
• cap means movably connected to said vial for removably covering said head component, thereby enabling closure of said vial upon a detachment of said container member from said port member;
• and
• cooperating means on said head component and said body for temporarily establishing a fluid flow path from said inlet coupling through said inlet opening, said vial, and said outlet opening to said outlet coupling while said head component is seated in said recess.