Filter contamination control device

Abstract

A biological specimen filter, for use in a biological specimen collection and transfer system having a vacuum source, comprises a tubular body having an exterior surface, an interior chamber, a first end configured to couple to the vacuum source, and a second end having an opening in communication with the chamber, and a fluid trap extending around at least a portion of a circumference of the exterior surface of the tubular body and sized and shaped to catch fluid flowing along the exterior surface as the tubular body is inverted from a first position, in which the opening is submerged in a fluid source, to a second position, in which the opening is removed from the fluid source.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A biological specimen collection and transfer system, comprising:
 a biological specimen slide processor, including a grasper configured to submerge an open end of a specimen filter into a fluid source, withdraw the open end of the specimen filter from of the fluid source, and invert the specimen filter; and   a fluid trap extending around at least a portion of a circumference of the exterior surface of the tubular body and sized and shaped to catch fluid flowing along the exterior surface as the tubular body is inverted by the grasper.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , the fluid trap comprising an absorbent member. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , the absorbent member comprising an absorbent ring. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the fluid trap comprising a channel. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the channel has a u-shaped cross-section. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the channel has a v-shaped cross-section. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 14 , further comprising an absorbent member disposed in the channel. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the fluid trap comprises an annular flange attached to the tubular body. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the fluid trap is integrally formed from the tubular body. 
     
     
         20 . (canceled)