Abstract: An insert for the passive, painless, noninvasive self-collection of free endocervical cells by a subject includes a body and a substrate for cell collection. The body has a proximal end for manipulation by the subject and a distal end on which the cell-collecting substrate is disposed. The body is configured so that the substrate is positionable by the subject within the vagina, preferably near the vaginal portion of the cervix, to allow collection of free endocervical cells onto the cell-collection surface. After cells have been collected, the subject may place the cell-retaining substrate into a cell-suspension preservative contained in a sealable receptacle for transport to a laboratory for conventional analysis.