Patent ID: 11864741
Assignee: NORMAN ERIC JOHNSON
Field: Measurement (Instruments)
Classification: CPC A  B  G | IPC A  B  G

Claim 11:
12. A specimen collection method, the method comprising:
providing an apparatus comprising a container having an opening and a peripheral sidewall, a mesh positioned within said container, said mesh configured to support a sputum specimen and further configured to allow passage of a wash fluid, a flange extending from said mesh to said peripheral sidewall, said flange having a decanting port located between said mesh and said peripheral wall, and a removable lid that comprises a first circumferential rib extending from a lower surface of said removable lid;
depositing the sputum specimen on said mesh;
sealing said container using said removable lid, wherein upon sealing of said container said first circumferential rib presses the flange so as to form a barrier between said mesh and said decanting port, said barrier capable of blocking transfer of the sputum specimen from said mesh to said decanting port along an upper surface of said flange;
agitating the sputum specimen in the presence of the wash fluid to remove a contaminant from the sputum specimen;
unsealing said container; and
draining the wash fluid from said container via said decanting port.