Abstract: A suction collection system for use in collecting body fluids from a patient prior to, during or after surgery includes a rigid, cylindrically shaped hollow canister having a cylindrical side wall and disc-shaped top and bottom walls. A thin flexible plastic sheet material covers the entire outer surface of the canister to form an airtight receptacle. A first port in the top wall is adapted to be connected to a vacuum source for reducing the pressure within the receptacle. A second port is adapted to be connected to an aspirator for collecting blood and other body fluids. Within the canister and connected to the second port is a gross filter for removing particles from the fluid before it passes into the receptacle. Fluid within the receptacle can be removed through a normally closed outlet port in the bottom wall of the canister.