System and Method for Sampling Device for Bodily Fluids

Abstract

There is provided a device for sampling bodily fluids. Some embodiments have a handle, a lumen, and a diverter valve. The distal end of the handle is adapted to connect with a sampling device and is in fluid communication with the lumen. There is a vacuum connection on the proximal end of the handle that is also in fluid communication with the lumen. A suction valve may desirably be located in the lumen to control the application of vacuum from the vacuum connection to the sampling device. The diverter valve directs the flow through the lumen such that a sample from the patient goes into a sputum trap when the trap is connected. The device may further have a saline port in fluid communication with the lumen, located distal to the suction valve, for rinsing the tube and diluting secretions.

1 . A device for sampling bodily fluids comprising a handle having a lumen,
 a distal end of said handle adapted to connect to a sampling device and in fluid communication with said lumen;   a vacuum connection on a proximal end of said handle and also in fluid communication with said lumen;   a diverter valve in fluid communication with said lumen to direct a sample from a patient into a sputum trap when said trap is connected to said handle.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a suction valve in fluid communication with said lumen to control the application of vacuum. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2  wherein said diverter valve is located proximal to said suction valve. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3  further comprising a saline port in fluid communication with said lumen. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4  wherein said saline port is located distal to said suction valve. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said sampling device is a suction catheter, a deep lung suctioning catheter, a bronchoscope, tubing or other airway suction catheter device. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a loss prevention media is said sputum trap to prevent said sample from escaping. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7  wherein said loss prevention media is a nonwoven fabric, breathable film or combination thereof. 
     
     
         9 . A diverter valve for taking a sample from a patient comprising a valve body containing a valve having a first position in which a distal end of said valve is in fluid communication with a source of vacuum and a second position in which said distal end of said valve is in fluid communication with a sputum trap and said sputum trap is in fluid communication with said source of vacuum. 
     
     
         10 . The diverter valve of  claim 9  wherein said valve is moved from said first position to said second position by the connection of said sputum trap to said valve body. 
     
     
         11 . The diverter valve of  claim 10  wherein said valve is moved from said first position to said second position by the connection of said sputum trap to said valve body by twisting said valve body in a keyway in said sputum trap. 
     
     
         12 . The diverter valve of  claim 9  further comprising a loss prevention media is said sputum trap to prevent said sample from escaping. 
     
     
         13 . The diverter valve of  claim 12  wherein said loss prevention media is a nonwoven fabric, breathable film or combination thereof.