Abstract: A swab assembly (10) comprises an external housing (11) formed from two interengageable housing parts (12, 13). A hollow tubular member (14) having swab material (16) at one end is attached to one housing part (12) at the other end. The Interior of the tubular member (14) is closed off with a seal member and contains a suitable reagent (18) which is held in spaced disposition from the swab material by capillary action. When the assembly is to be used, the two housing parts (12, 13) are separated revealing the inner tubular member (14) and the swab material (16) can be utilised to collect a sample. If it is desired to dispense reagent (18) onto the swab material (16) prior to or after collection of the sample, the tubular member (14) can be deformed in the region of a seal (17) to separate the tubular member from the housing part (12) thereby allowing the reagent (18) to flow onto the material (16).