Abstract: The present invention provides a portable self-contained device for the detection of microorganisms in a sample of a liquid, semi-liquid or solid test material. Within a single hermetically sealable vessel are a combined sampling and assay assembly, with means for withdrawal of a sample from a material to be tested, and means for applying the withdrawn sample or portions thereof to the assay assembly. The combined sampling and assay assembly includes a carrier member having a head portion with a cap for sealing the vessel, a main body portion having at least one surface that bears a culture medium, and a tip portion. A slide on the carrier member is reciprocal between the head portion and the tip, comprising a resilient sleeve with at least one applicator tongue being resiliently biased into contact with the culture medium.