Abstract: A transport system for shipping microbiological specimen samples which maintains the life of the bacteria contained in the sample and protects the environment from escape of samples comprises:(a) a first container provided with removable closure and containing a medium for storing the sample, and(b) a second container provided with a removable closure cap having an elongate chamber into which one end of a rod disposed therein can be pushed, said rod bearing a swab at its other end,the dimensions of the first and second containers, of the chamber in the closure cap and of the rod carrying the swab being so selected that the first container and a rod inserted therein in the medium and carrying the swab can be contained in the second container closed by the closure cap.