Abstract: A carrier holder that prevents contamination of a carrier before, during or after performing a test using the carrier is disclosed. The carrier holder includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. The elongated member is substantially hollow and is configured to open radially outward at the second end. Further, the carrier holder includes one or more carriers within the elongated member. For performing a test using a carrier, one or more of a gaseous or a fluid sample is allowed to enter the elongated member through the second end. Thereafter, the carrier is dispensed directly into a receptacle when the receptacle is inserted into the second end.