Abstract:
An improved suction apparatus, which may be used by health care providers, emergency medical teams, or a corpsmen, to remove debris, fluid and other foreign matter from the airways and/or wounds of injured persons. The suction apparatus which includes: a venturi tube having a forward end, a rear end and an inlet, a valve located on the top rear end portion of the venturi tube, a body for housing at least one can of propellant or compressed gas, an airtight cap, and a trigger mechanism. The improved suction apparatus that forces the propellant passed the inlet of the venturi tube, wherein the inlet is located toward the distal end of the cap.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a portable suction device, in particular a portable suction device, which may be used for, cleaning and removing debris associated with wounds, rapidly clearing fluid from airways for easier intubations and collecting and isolating powders, liquids, and gases for rapid screening tests for specific agents. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/632,134, the contents of which are herein incorporated by its reference. 
         [0003]    There is a present need for a device that can collect and/or remove unwanted matter. For example a doctor or emergency service person may need to remove fluid or unwanted matter from a wound area. Or, another example may where a poison control technician may have to collect suspicious matter. One will briefly discuss the need of the present invention with regards to the former example and then discuss the need of the present invention with the latter example. 
         [0004]    Fluid buildup in the lungs, pulmonary edema, can be a life threatening condition. Pulmonary edema is generally suspected due to findings in the medical history and physical examination: end-inspiratory crackles during auscultation (listening to the breathing through a stethoscope) can be due to pulmonary edema. The diagnosis is confirmed on X-ray of the lungs, which shows increased vascular filling and fluid in the alveolar walls. In addition, low oxygen saturation and disturbed arterial blood gas readings may strengthen the diagnosis and provide grounds for various forms of treatment. There can be many causes pulmonary edema. Pulmonary edema is either due to direct damage to the tissue or as a result of inadequate functioning of the heart or circulatory system. Generally pulmonary edema is categorized into two classifications, cardiogenic causes and non-cardiogenic causes, better known as ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome). The cardiogenic causes are generally caused by: heart failure, tachy- or bradyarrhythmias, severe heart attack, hypertensive crisis, excess body fluids, e.g. from kidney failure, and pericardial effusion with tamponade. The non-cardiogenic causes, or hereinafter, ARDS generally include: inhalation of toxic gases, multiple blood transfusions, severe infection, pulmonary contusion, i.e. high-energy trauma, multitrauma, i.e. severe car accident, neurogenic, i.e. cerebrovascular accident (CVA), aspiration, i.e. gastric fluid or in case of drowning, certain types of medication, upper airway obstruction, reexpansion, i.e. postpneumonectomy or large volume thoracentesis, reperfusion injury, i.e. postpulmonary thromboendartectomy or lung transplantation, and lack of proper altitude acclimatization. Therapies include, when circulatory causes have led to pulmonary edema, treatment with nitrates (nitroglycerien), positive pressure oxygen, and loop diuretics, such as furosemide or bumetanide, is the mainstay of therapy. Secondly, one can start with noninvasive ventilation. Other useful treatments include glyceryl trinitrate, CPAP and oxygen. There are no causal therapies for direct tissue damage; removal of the causes (e.g. treating an infection) is the most important measure. 
         [0005]    Most forms pulmonary edema, those associated with cardiogenic causes, is readily treatable with a variety of medications. However, those forms of pulmonary edema caused by complication of ARDS, which symptoms include difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, excessive sweating, anxiety and pale skin, if left untreated, can lead to death. It is this type of pulmonary edema that has taken the life&#39;s of so many. As mentioned above ARDS, may be caused by an accidental trauma, as in a car accident, or ARDS may be the result of an intentionally inflicted wound, as in combat. Whether, in combat or any emergency situation, when one is afflicted with ARDS, time is of the essence, it is imperative that the response team or corpsman be able to administer oxygen to the afflicted. However, in more severe cases, intubations may be accompanied by mechanical respirations and a ventilator. In order to facilitate intubations, physicians and corpsman alike, need a portable suction device to remove objects, such as shattered teeth and other foreign matter, and fluids such as plasma, pleural fluid, saliva, blood, and secretions, that may become lodged in the airway or airspace of the injured. In addition, physicians and/or corpsman may need to excise a bullet fragment, and maintain a clear surgical field. In this example however the bulky oversized equipment, such as compressors, associated with most hospital setting would not be a practical tool to implement. If one was equipped with a portable suction device, as in the present invention, the need for such bulky equipment would not be necessary. 
         [0006]    In addition to removing foreign matter from wounds and/or air passageways the present invention can also be used to collect, contain and test different matter. The need for such a device is ever increasing especially with the constant threat of bioterrorist attacks. The matter that terrorist may use to implement their diabolical schemes may be in liquid, gas or solid form. There are a variety of different pathogens that bioterrorists may use Bacterium, Viruses, Protozoa and Fungi are but a few. One example of a bacterial pathogen is anthrax, a popular toxin among bioterrorists, it generally comes in a solid form, i.e. a powder. In the United States in the year 2001, over the course of several weeks beginning on Sep. 18, 2001 (after the Sep. 11, 2001 attacks) several letters containing anthrax bacteria were mailed to several news media offices and two U.S. Senators, killing five people. With the United States increasing their efforts on the current war on terror it is only a matter of time before the next terror attack will occur. 
         [0007]    Bioterrorists may also use proteins to facilitate their terror campaign. For example, the Ricin protein is a toxin from the castor bean. Ricin can be extracted from castor beans and is known to have an average lethal dose in humans of 0.2 milligrams ( 1/5,00 th  of a gram), though some sources give higher figures, Ricin is considered twice as deadly as cobra venom. Ricin is poisonous if inhaled, injected, or ingested, acting as a toxin by the inhibition of protein synthesis, making it ideal for a bioterrorist attack. 
         [0008]    The present invention relies on principles based, in most part, on Bernoulli&#39;s continuity equation and the Venturi meter. According to the continuity equation, the speed of fluid flow can vary along of the paths of the fluid. The pressure can also vary; it depends on the speed of flow. From Bernoulli&#39;s continuity equation p 1 +½ρυ 1   2 =p 2 +½ρυ 2   2 , and, υ 2 =(A 1 /A 2 )υ 1 . Where ρ is the density of the liquid, υ 1  and υ 2  are the velocities at points 1 and 2 respectively, p 1  and p 2  are the respective pressures, and A 1  and A 2  are the respective areas. The Venturi meter, which is used to measure flow speed in a pipe, has a narrow part called a throat, A 2 , and a wide part, A 1 , and two inlets to measure the pressure at points 1 and 2. When fluid flows through the venturi meter, because A 1  is greater than A 2 , υ 2  is greater than υ 1  and the pressure p 2  in the throat is less than p 1 . A net force to the right accelerates the fluid as it enters the throat, and a net force to the left slows it as it leaves, this is known as the Venturi effect. 
         [0009]    This principle has been further developed throughout the years. For instance rather than use a venturi meter to measure fluid flow, one may implement a venturi tube to create a vacuum, as in the present invention. A venturi tube is a tube that has a restricted portion with an inlet located thereto; the restricted portion acts as the throat in the venturi meter. The venturi tube utilizes similar principles of fluid flow and pressure to create a vacuum, with one additional concept; when the pressure at any given point is less than atmospheric pressure, it is called a vacuum pressure, a vacuum. Thus, if one were to allow the pressure, p 2 , at point 2, in the venturi meter to fall below atmospheric pressure than a vacuum would be formed. Hence, one may form a suction device via a venturi tube with an inlet located at the confined portion. 
         [0010]    To sum up, the Venturi effect is a special case of the Bernoulli effect, in the case of fluid flow or air flow through a tube or pipe with a constriction in it. The fluid must speed up in the restriction, reducing its pressure and producing a partial vacuum via the Bernoulli effect. A venturi tube to form a vacuum has been implemented in the past, as seen in U.S. Pat. No. 6,094,778, issued to Boukas, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,845,542, assigned to the research Foundation of State University of New York, Albany N.Y. In the above prior art the venturi tube is attached to a container, which houses an aerosol propellant. In addition the venturi tube has opening at both ends with an inlet located at the confined portion of the tube. When the propellant is released through the venturi tube a vacuum is formed at the inlet, thus creating a vacuum and allowing for removal of any debris or fluid. The debris or fluid can also be collected, contained and tested via an attachment comprising of a filter, a testing strip and a buffering agent, located inside and at the front end of the venturi tube. 
       OBJECTS OF INVENTION 
       [0011]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a fluid apparatus for rapidly clearing fluid from an airway or wound site. 
         [0012]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a fluid removal apparatus which can be held in a single hand and is human powered. 
         [0013]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a fluid removal apparatus which is portable, cost effective and easy to maintain. 
         [0014]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide a fluid removal apparatus for removing excess fluids from a surgical field to allow doctors and pre-hospital care personal to operate more effectively. 
         [0015]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a fluid removal apparatus with increased propellant flow. 
         [0016]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide a fluid removal apparatus that may be connected to a separate tank of compressed gas so as to allow for extended use in mass casualty situations. 
         [0017]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an attachment for the fluid removal apparatus that may be easily connected. 
         [0018]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide an attachment for the fluid removal apparatus that may be operated by doctors, pre-hospital care personal, disease control technicians and those not skilled in the art. 
         [0019]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an attachment for the fluid removal apparatus that may detect a multitude of different pathogens, toxins and the like. 
         [0020]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide an attachment for the fluid removal apparatus that implements a filter that can be used to contain matter in a solid, liquid or a gas state. 
         [0021]    It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide an attachment for the fluid removal apparatus that can give a positive or negative test result for the contained matter in a rapid efficient manner. 
         [0022]    It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an attachment for the fluid removal apparatus that is disposable after a test is performed. 
         [0023]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an attachment for the fluid removal apparatus that may be reused after a test is performed. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0024]    The present invention implements a venturi tube configuration for the suctioning of foreign unwanted matter, from airways or airspaces and wounds from trauma victims. In one embodiment the suction device comprises a generally cylindrical cavity. The cavity includes an inside and outside surfaces for maintaining a propellant or compressed gas. In addition, the outside wall may have a trigger mechanism located on the bottom portion of the suction device, and a tube that may be attached to the outside surface of the suction device. The suction device further comprises a release valve, which is connected to an airtight pocket. The airtight pocket receives and forces the compressed gas or propellant to the export duct, which sends the compressed gas or propellant to the venturi tube, wherein a vacuum is created. 
         [0025]    In a similar embodiment the suction device comprises, a trigger that is located on the top portion of the suction device, wherein the trigger performs the same function as the trigger in the previous embodiment. The trigger in this embodiment is either attached to the release valve or rests on the release valve. The suction device further comprises a release valve, which is connected to an airtight pocket. The airtight pocket receives and forces the compressed gas or propellant to the export duct, which sends the compressed gas or propellant to the venturi tube, wherein a vacuum is created. 
         [0026]    In all embodiments a multitude of different attachments may be implemented with the present invention, from suctioning tools to containment bags. In addition, any of the aforementioned embodiments may also include a collection, isolation and testing attachment, which may be used for rapid screening of toxins, pathogens and the like. The collection device may include an immunoassay test strip, which is a biochemical test that measures the level of a substance in a biological liquid, typically serum or urine, using the reaction of an antibody or antibodies to its antigen. The addition of this collection attachment allows the user to collect and isolate suspicious foreign matter. It is especially useful in the identification of toxins and/or pathogens used by bioterrorist agents, it achieves this by implementing the immunoassay test strip located in the flexible hose portion of the attachment. 
         [0027]    One of the main disadvantages of the prior art is that the duration of propellant flow through the venturi tube is limited. As the propellant in the canister changes from a liquid to a gas when flowing out, it requires and absorbs heat from the remaining liquid and immediate area. As the canister cools, the vapor pressure of the propellant greatly decreases, thus causing some of the propellant to remain in the canister, which reduces the outward flow of propellant and diminishes the venturi effect. The present invention improves on the prior art by implementing different methods of heating the canister of propellant or compressed gas. Either by using an outside heating source, heat sink, or by adding a PCM or other additive, such as water 
         [0028]    In all the embodiments the inlet of the venturi tube is located near the rear end portion of the suction device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is a front vertical cross-sectional view of canister embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  is a vertical cross-sectional view of a single-canister embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the device shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the device shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a second embodiment of a single-canister version of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 7  is a front view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 9  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 10  is a top view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a test tube containing a buffer solution. 
           [0040]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the immunoassay test strip inside of the test tube with a buffer solution. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0041]    As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
         [0042]    In  FIG. 1 , the fluid removal apparatus is generally shown at  10 . The venturi tube  11  may be of any length (hereinafter tube). Tube  11  may be constructed of any suitable material known in the art capable of handling gases, liquids, or small particles. In the present embodiment the tube  11  was constructed of a clear flexible plastic. Tube  11  may be attached to body  12  by any suitable known attachment method in the art, but not limited to Velcro, adhesive, or adhesive tapes. Tube  11  has a forward end  13  and a rear end  14 . In one embodiment tube  11  may have a valve  200  located on the outside rear-end portion  201  of hose  11 . Valve  200  may act as a connection device for additional equipment, such as an external compressed gas container. Tube  11  may have an attachment coupling  15  located on forward end  13 . Any type of suitable attachment coupling may be used, but not limited to a ring or sleeve that creates a frictional fit between the inner surface of the sleeve or ring and the outer surface of the tube. Conversely one may use an adhesive to attach coupling  15  to tube  11 . Coupling  15  may be constructed of any suitable known material in the art but not limited to rubber, glass, metal, metal alloy, or plastic. In the present embodiment coupling  15  was constructed of plastic. There are a variety of different attachments that may be coupled to hose  11 . In the present embodiment an elongated hose with a means for removing debris was implemented. Coupling  15  may provide a vacuum seal between hose  11  and attachment device. 
         [0043]    In one embodiment, as seen in  FIG. 1 , tube  11  may be permanently attached to body  12 , either on top surface  17  and /or side surface  18 . In another embodiment, tube  11  may be only attached to body  12  when vacuum device is being used. This may allow for cleaning and replacement of tube  11 . 
         [0044]    Body  12 , as seen in  FIG. 1 , is of generally cylindrical shape, however any suitable known shape in the art may be implemented. Body  12  has inside and outside surfaces,  201  and  202  respectively, which form cavity  203 . Cavity  203  may be of such dimensions so as to be able to house one or multiple cans of propellant. In the present embodiment cavity  203  was constructed to house two cans of propellant  19 . In addition to housing propellant, body  12  may be adapted to receive a variety of different types of propellant, such as compressed gas or aerosol. Furthermore, body  12  may be designed to harness propellant  19  in a multitude of methods, i.e. friction fit, threaded fit, or any other type of fastening means that are associated with aerosol or compressed gas cans. In the present embodiment body  12  was adapted to receive propellant via a frictional fit. Depending on the nature of the intended use, the suction apparatus may be designed as a one shot disposable device or a rechargeable multi use device. In the present embodiment propellant  19  was readably replaceable when fully discharged. In addition, one may attach an outside source of compressed gas to valve  200  in situations where it is not practical to continuously replace individual cans of propellant; e.g. in mass casualty situations, where constant changing of cans of propellant would waste valuable time, one could hook up a large tank of compressed gas such as oxygen to the portable fluid removal apparatus. Each can of propellant  19  have a release valve  20 , which is connected to tube  11  by an export duct  21 . When activated, the release valves feed compressed gas into export duct  21 , which passes into tube  11  at inlet or port  22 . The export duct may be made of any suitable tubing material for handling a gaseous material. In addition export duct  21  extends longitudinally toward rear end of suction device  10 . 
         [0045]    As mentioned above, one of the disadvantages of the prior art is that the venturi effect is diminished during discharge do to heat loss. Based on fundamental thermodynamic principles, the amount of heat added to effect the various phase changes is equal to the change in enthalpy; the change of enthalpy between a liquid and a vapor phase is the latent heat of vaporization. As the propellant in the canister changes from a liquid to a gas, it requires and absorbs heat from the remaining liquid and the immediate area. When the propellant is released canister  22  cools, thus decreasing the internal pressure of the canister. The end result is excess propellant remaining in the canister. In order to compensate for this heat loss, one may implement an additional outside heat source, as seen in  FIG. 1 . Between the cans of propellant  10  can be a battery  23 . The battery  23  may be connected to resistor wire  24  which is wrapped around each can. When activated, the current in the resistor wire heats the cans to increase the pressure of the gas inside the cans and thus increase the suction created. Heat sensitive fuse blocks (not shown) may be employed to prevent overheating. 
         [0046]    In another embodiment one may implement a heat sink to heat the canister of propellant. Generally, a heat sink is an environment or object capable of absorbing heat from another object with which it is in thermal contact (either direct contact or radiational contact). In common use, it is a device made of metal brought into contact with the hot surface of an object. In this type of embodiment one could wrap aluminum or copper, or any other good thermal conductor, around the outside surface of the canister and create a reverse heat sink, i.e. one could use the ambient temperature to heat the canister. 
         [0047]    In yet another embodiment one may implement a PCM in the can of compressed gas. The PCM should be a material that is capable of latent heat storage. A PCM is a material that will stay relatively the same temperature during phase change. For example, PCM&#39;s absorb and retain heat when changing from solid to liquid, but release heat when changing from a liquid to solid. Some PCM&#39;s that can be implemented with the can of compressed gas are paraffin waxes, normal paraffin, and Fischer-Tropsch hard waxes. Preferably, the PCMS have a melting point between about −3° Celsius and 100° Celsius. When compressed gas is expelled from the can and the temperature decreases, the PCM will release heat, which may keep the suction effect constant. 
         [0048]    In still another embodiment, in order to maintain an enough heat to produce total vaporization of the propellant, one may mix the desired propellant with an additive. For example, in one embodiment, one may use a propellant such as tetrafluoroethane, R134a. However, any suitable known propellant in the art including but not limited to CO 2 , as in the preferred embodiment, Argon and the like may be implemented. CO 2  was the preferred propellant, because of it&#39;s non-flammability, and higher pressure, which can increase suction. During discharge, as the R134a in the canister changes from a liquid to a gas, it requires and absorbs heat from the remaining liquid and the immediate area, the latent heat of vaporization for R134a is 216.8 kJ/kg. As the canister cools, the vapor pressure of the propellant greatly decreases which reduces the outward flow and diminishes the venturi effect to zero in about 15 seconds (assuming 3.5 ounces of R134a in canister). This results in ˜100 ml of water suctioned up into a collection bag, and about 1 ounce of R134a left in the container. As mentioned previously, one may implement any of the above methods for increasing heat to increase internal pressure. However, one may also use an additive to increase the latent heat of vaporization. In the present embodiment equal parts of pure water and R134a were mixed, which resulted in ˜200 ml of water being suctioned up into the collection bag and an additional ˜1.8 ounces of R134a being vaporized. There are a multitude of propellants and additives that may be implemented to achieve similar results, and as such this embodiment is for illustrative purpose and is should not be limited to the above suggestions. 
         [0049]    In one embodiment activation means  26  runs along side surface  18  of body  12 . At one end  25 , the activation means  26  may be in the vicinity of or attached to export duct  21 . At a second end  27 , the activation means  26  may be attached to a first end  29  of a trigger  28 . At a second end  30  of trigger  28  is a depression means  31 . Depression means  31  may be molded as a hand grip, with a finger indentation to allow the user to grip and squeeze easily. The trigger  28  is operated as a lever with a fulcrum  32  resting, or hingedly attached, to the bottom surface  33  of body  12 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 2  depicts another embodiment of the present invention at  101 . In this embodiment, only a single can of compressed gas  102  is preferably utilized. While the tube  103  placement is similar to the previous embodiment, the release of compressed gas differs. 
         [0051]    Device  101  may attach to a can of compressed propellant  102  by an airtight cap  104 . Cap  104  encapsulates the release valve  105  on the top of can of compressed propellant  102 . A trigger mechanism  106  similar, to the trigger mechanism in our previous embodiment, may be implemented. Trigger  106  may attach to release valve  105 , as seen in  FIGS. 2-5 , or trigger  106  may rest on release valve  105  as seen in  FIGS. 6-10 . In either embodiment trigger  106  is depressed via the user&#39;s digit, thus releasing the propellant out of the canister and into airtight pocket  107 . Pocket  107  maintains airtight integrity, which forces the propellant out through export duct  108  into venturi tube  103 . Export duct  108  is adjacent to pocket  107  and longitudinally extends toward the rear end of suction device  101 , as in previous embodiments. Venturi tube  103  is of basic design; a tube comprising of a conduit and an inlet. In simplest form when a fluid moves through an inlet, a low pressure develops at the inlet, if the pressure is sufficiently low relative to the external pressure; a partial vacuum is created, as mentioned previously. In the prior art the venturi device is located on the top forward end of the suction device. In the present invention, the inlet of the venturi tube is located toward the distal end of cap  104 , near the rear end of suction device  101 . 
         [0052]    It is understood that the body, tube, and can of propellant or compressed gas may be of any size, shape, or material. Preferably, the tube will be soft plastic and the body will be hard plastic for easy maintenance and cleaning. Additionally, the body may have a clip for attachment top a belt or strap of a bag. Also, in the present invention the cans of propellant or compressed gas are easily replaceable, by either removing them from the body, or removing the clip. 
         [0053]    In any embodiment, a container (not shown) may be attached to rear end  14  of tube  11 . Preferably, the container is a bag or pouch that will enable the user to collect any fluid or debris that is suctioned through tube  11 . The container may have an open end, which will preferably create an airtight seal around rear end  14  of tube  11 . In some manner, the bag may allow gas to escape, while suctioning liquid, debris or polluted air. In one embodiment the container will be equipped with an attachment port, which can mate with a filter. The filter may allow gas to escape, while retaining liquid, debris, or polluted air. In a second embodiment, the container itself may be manufactured from a gas-permeable, liquid retaining compound. In a further embodiment, the container may be equipped with vents that will allow gas to escape. In each embodiment, the container may be equipped with a sealing means, which will allow the user to remove and seal the container. A sealing means, which may be an adhesive strip or cap, can be used if the container houses hazardous material, or a liquid that can be reused after being filtered. 
         [0054]    As mentioned previously the present invention may include a variety of different attachments, such as a collection, isolation and test attachment  300 . Attachment  300  may further include flexible hose  310 , immunoassay test strip  320 , filter portion  330  and test tube buffer  340 , as seen in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0055]    Drawing one&#39;s attention again to  FIG.12  is hose  310 . Hose  310  may have a front end  311   b  and a rear end  311   a.  Rear end  311   a  may be any suitable shape known in the art. For example rear end  311   a  can be circular, square or rectangular in shape. The shape of rear end  311   a  will depend on the shape of the couple used to attach collection device  300  to one of the aforementioned suction devices. In a preferred embodiment one used a generally rounded shape for rear end  311   a.  Rear end  311   a  may be connected to any of the aforementioned suction devices via any suitable connection methods known in the art including but not limited to press fitting, screwing and the like. With any connection methods used rear end  311   a  may be either the male or female end. In a preferred embodiment rear end  311   a  was press fitted into the suction device, i.e. rear end  311   a  was the male end, this ensures that no collected matter can escape between the outside coupling surface and the inside surface of rear end  311   a.  Front end  311   b  may be generally circular in shape, however any suitable shape known in the art may be used. In the preferred embodiment front end  311   b  has aperture  313 . Aperture  313  may be any suitable shape known in the art, including but not limited to a square, rectangle and the like. Aperture  313  may taper off in a direction toward filter portion  330 , also seen in  FIG. 12 , this ensures that the gathered matter is confined to filter portion  330 . Also aperture  313  may have a diameter equal to or less then front end  331  of filter  330 . Filter  330  may be any suitable type of filter known in the industry. In the preferred embodiment a highly dense non-reactive material was used. The length and amount of filter  330  will depend on the desired use, i.e. the type of matter being collected, contained and tested. Filter  330  may have a front end  331  and a rear end  332 . Front end  331  of filter  330 , as mentioned above is adjacent to front end  331   a  of hose  310 , this ensures that the matter being collected and contained does not get exhausted out the rear. 
         [0056]    Inside of hose  310  may be immunoassay test strip  320 . In one embodiment test strip  320  may be attached to rear end  332  of filter  330  and extend the entire length of hose  310 , or only partially therefrom. In the preferred embodiment test strip  320  was adjacent to rear  332 , but not attached and it extended the entire length of flexible hose  310 . Test strip  320  may have one color indicator, or many color indicators, this will also depend on the matter to be collected. In the preferred embodiment one used a test strip with 3 color bands  321 , as may be seen in  FIG. 12 . Test strip  320  can be designed to detect a multitude of different toxins and/or pathogens, in the preferred embodiment it was desirous to detect the presence of Anthrax and Ricin. 
         [0057]    As mentioned previously attachment  300  may include a test tube  340 . Test tube  340  may be seen in more detail in  FIG. 11 . Test tube  340  may any suitable test tube shape known in the art. It shall be pointed out now that in the preferred embodiment test tube  340  will fit snuggly around hose  310 . To ensure this snug fit one used a test tube with a tapered inside surface. Test tube  340  may also contain a buffer solution, the type of solution used will depend on the type of chemical reaction desired. For example, there can be one type of buffer solution for detecting Anthrax and a different type of buffer solution to detect Ricin. 
         [0058]    In normal operation, when the user desires to collect, isolate and test suspicious foreign matter, the user will connect attachment  300  to one of the aforementioned suction devices. The user will then place the suction device in the vicinity of the suspicious foreign matter. The user will then activate the suction device in a manner described previously. The vacuum created by the suction device will then pull the suspicious foreign matter up through aperture  313  of tube  310 . As the foreign matter is being sucked up it will become trapped into anterior filter  330 . The user will then remove the buffer test tube cap and place it over tube  310 . The buffer solution will then be contact anterior filter  330  where it will dissolve and stabilize the trapped foreign matter. The reactive solution will then be absorbed up through test strip  320 . If a toxin and/or pathogen are present it will cause one of the color indicators to develop. If a toxin and/or pathogen are not present then the color indicators will not develop. 
         [0059]    As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. In the view above it will be seen that several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.