Abstract: A specimen collector includes an elongated outer hollow tube having a forward end and a rearward end, and an inner elongated rod having a forward and rearward end portions slidably mounted within the outer tube. A specimen collector swab is mounted to the forward end of the inner rod, while a rearward extension including a gripping means is attached to the rearward end of the inner rod in order to effect sliding movement of the inner rod relative to the outer tube.A coaxial space between the inner rod and the outer tube is divided by a plurality of axially spaced seals. The first or forward seal is mounted to the forward end of the outer cylindrical tube and is openable to permit the specimen collector or swab to pass through the seal when the inner rod is moved forward relative to the outer tube. This first or forward seal has a rounded or dome-like forward portion and a rearward cylindrical portion which terminates in a rearward end.

Abstract: A porous molded plastic swab construction for microbiological or other use including a swab element attached to an elongated carrier member. The swab is constructed from molded porous plastic materials such as high density polyethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyledene fluoride, ethylene-vinyl acetate, styrene-acrylonitrile, polytetrafluoroethylene and silicone rubber having a pore size of from about 10 to about 2,000 microns with a density of about 35% to about 60% void volume. The swabs are designed for incorporation into specimen collection instruments, or for individual use as collectors or applicators.

Abstract: The coaxial annular space between a rod and a slidably received outer cylinder is divided into three serial chambers by four seals. Two seals are spaced apart and affixed to the front of the rod. Two seals are spaced apart and affixed to the cylinder rearwardly of the first two. By relative forward rod movement, a specimen capturing zone is exposed at the desired site of a biological specimen. Thereafter, rearward rod movement reseals the capturing zone. Further, rearward rod movement reduces the volume of a media containing chamber and thereby moves the collection zone into contact with the desired medium. The third chamber prevents contamination of the biologically active portions of the structure during operation. Pre-scored break lines formed in the cylinder and rod facilitate severance of unneeded portions after collection of a biological specimen and/or after transportion to a suitable laboratory facility. Color-coded indicia are used on the rod and/or cylinder so as to facilitate proper operation.