Abstract: An endoscopic biopsy device for collecting samples. The device includes a tubular body having distal and proximal ends and jaws hinged to the distal end. The jaws operate between OPEN and CLOSED positions to secure a tissue sample. In the CLOSED position, the jaws define a sampling chamber. A collecting chamber for receiving samples is located within the body near the sampling chamber. A collecting member for transfixing secured samples is displaceable between a retracted position in the collecting chamber and a deployed position where the collecting member penetrates into the sampling chamber. The jaws include retaining elements projecting inwardly on a portion of the jaws. The retaining elements engage when the jaws are CLOSED, separating the sampling and collecting chambers from each other. The retaining elements disengage when the jaws are OPEN, providing a passage for the transfer of transfixed samples into and out of the collecting chamber.