Abstract: A specimen collecting and transporting device is provided which includes a container, a swab in the container connected to a closure cap closing one end of the container, and a reservoir attached to the other end of the container and containing a liquid culture-sustaining medium sealed in a chamber of the reservoir. The bottom end of the container has an opening covered by an absorbent pad and which is in contact with the swab tip. The container has a projection which when moved relatively toward the reservoir, pierces the chamber seal to allow the medium to flow through the opening to the pad and swab tip.