Abstract: A universally applicable cell collecting device is provided. The device has a handle and a brush head formed of flexible bristles. The bristles can be positioned such that the cross-sectional dimensions of the brush head are substantially equal in all directions. The bristles can include central bristles surrounded completely by outer bristles that are shorter and thinner than the central bristles. The bristles also can be arranged in a pattern of concentric circles and also can be arranged so that the proximal ends are spaced from one another in a predetermined array with the distal ends contacting one another in a predetermined array. The brush head also can have an outermost row of bristles having an outwardly facing surface with a radius of curvature that matches the radius of curvature of the shape of the brush head.

Abstract: In a device for obtaining a smear sample from a body cavity, in particular the uterus mouth or cervix, a plurality of substantially parallel flexible bristles (3) is connected to a carrier (2) provided at one end of a stem (1). In order to ensure that cells from all the portions of the body cavity are sampled the bristles (3) extend substantially parallel to the stem (1) and the bristles (3) each have at least one longitudinal sharp edge (6). The said sharp edge (6) is adapted to scrape cells from the body cavity when the device is rotated about the stem axis.