Abstract: A swab transport apparatus for storing and transporting to a laboratory a swab containing a sample or specimen such as a micro organism sample. The uncontaminated swab is pre-packaged within a sterile swab storage chamber of the apparatus from which it can conveniently be removed for taking a sample. Disposed proximate the swab storage chamber and in communication therewith, is a squeeze bulb to which a suitable transport medium can be added either at time of manufacture of the device, or shortly prior to use. Following addition of the transport medium the squeeze bulb and the return of the contaminated swab to the apparatus, the squeeze bulb is squeezed to cause the transport medium to flow, preferably via a circuitous path, into the swab storage chamber. The apparatus can then be forwarded to the laboratory for testing with the swab safely immersed within the appropriate transport medium. In an alternate form of the apparatus, a second squeeze bulb is provided.

Abstract: A disposable liquid dispensing pipette and method of making same which delivers an accurate and uniform drop of liquid of a given size and which incorporates an integral paddle stirrer, so that a chemical or biological sample can be dispensed and spread or mixed before disposing of the device. The device comprises a hollow drawing and dispensing tube connected to a flexible and resilient bulb and paddle stirrer. The open end of the tube can be made in various sizes (i.e. outside diameter) to accommodate different drop size required. The device can be fabricated inexpensively, such as by molding from polyethylene which is generally hydrophobic, non-toxic and inert to most chemicals found in a clinical laboratory.