Abstract: A specimen collecting apparatus, with variations, providing for all, or part, or combinations of the following:Self-contained in-line transport and culture container that maintains the sealed state of its chamber within, before, during, and after the entry of the collected specimen.Aerobic or anaerobic swab devices, with swab rods of varying lengths and curvatures.Removable protective tubes for taking specimen from its existing environment, directly to sealed chamber without passing specimen thru ambient air.Self-contained transport media.Self-contained culture media and means for inoculating specimen on said media within said chamber for direct placement in incubators.Self opening protective tips for contamination protection during insertion and withdrawal from specimen locations.All parts, integratable for an assembly for collecting and maintaining specimen, and the method of operation of same.