Abstract: A portable receptacle is vacuumized for use in taking an air or gas sample for subsequent examination to determine type, origin, components of the air or gas. Critical to a long shelf life of the vacuumized receptacle is a valve which virtually seals the receptacle for months or years permitting storage of the receptacle in a state ready for immediate use at a site. The valve utilizes a positionable member plated with a noble metal. A filter serves to collect particulate from the air or gas flow into the receptacle. A funnel shaped collector aids in the collection.