A biopsy valve for an endoscope includes a valve body that is laterally divided into an upper portion having a first height and a lower portion having a second height, a through hole provided along a central, longitudinal axis of the valve body, and a tab disposed between the upper portion of the valve body and the lower portion of the valve body. The upper portion and the lower portion are hingedly connected such that the upper portion is configured to rotate about a hinge and move relative to the lower portion, which is generally stationary. The upper portion is biased in a closed position in which suction is maintained in the endoscope. Exerting an upward or a downward force on the tab rotates the upper portion about the hinge into an open position in which suction is released in the endoscope.
