Abstract: A sampling device and a method for taking samples. The sampling device includes a cap having two ends and a collection sponge attached on one end, wherein a collection sponge diameter is greater than a collection sponge height. A lid is removably attached to a first end of the cap to cover the collection sponge; and a bowl is removably attached to a second and opposite end of the cap. The bowl can contain an enrichment broth.

Abstract: A sampling device and a method for taking samples. The sampling device includes a cap having two ends and a collection sponge attached on one end, wherein a collection sponge diameter is greater than a collection sponge height. A lid is removably attached to a first end of the cap to cover the collection sponge; and a bowl is removably attached to a second and opposite end of the cap. The bowl can contain an enrichment broth.

Abstract: A collection broth used for recovering microorganisms on a surface is provided. The collection broth includes a buffering system and a neutralization system. All components of the collection broth are both food-grade and hypoallergenic.

Abstract: A swab for obtaining a biological surface sample has a shaft extending from a first side of a cap. A first test tube can be coupled to the first side of the cap in a detachable watertight fit, to enclose the swab. A second tube can be coupled to a second side of the cap in a manually detachable watertight fit. The first tube or the swab can include a collection solution; the second tube can be used as a handle to extend the reach of the swab when the first tube is detached; and the second tube can contain an enrichment broth and/or developer solution for the collected sample.

Abstract: A container body has a closed bottom and a peripheral wall defining a hollow interior for receipt of desired contents. A cap for the container has a depression constructed and arranged to fit tightly over a top rim of the container body to seal the contents within the hollow interior. The cap can be pried upward to an open position to allow access to the hollow interior. An opening tab hinged to the cap normally extends downward alongside the container body when the cap is closed, but is swingable upward to a horizontal orientation. The tab and cap have cooperating abutments that limit further upward swinging of the tab relative to the cap such that the tab can be used to pry the cap open.

Abstract: A collection broth used for recovering microorganisms on a surface is provided. The collection broth includes a buffering system and a neutralization system. All components of the collection broth are both food-grade and hypoallergenic.

Abstract: A container body has a closed bottom and a peripheral wall defining a hollow interior for receipt of desired contents. A cap for the container has a depression constructed and arranged to fit tightly over a top rim of the container body to seal the contents within the hollow interior. The cap can be pried upward to an open position to allow access to the hollow interior. An opening tab hinged to the cap normally extends downward alongside the container body when the cap is closed, but is swingable upward to a horizontal orientation. The tab and cap have cooperating abutments that limit further upward swinging of the tab relative to the cap such that the tab can be used to pry the cap open.

Abstract: A container body has a closed bottom and a peripheral wall defining a hollow interior for receipt of desired contents. A cap for the container has a depression constructed and arranged to fit tightly over a top rim of the container body to seal the contents within the hollow interior. The cap can be pried upward to an open position to allow access to the hollow interior. An opening tab hinged to the cap normally extends downward alongside the container body when the cap is closed, but is swingable upward to a horizontal orientation. The tab and cap have cooperating abutments that limit further upward swinging of the tab relative to the cap such that the tab can be used to pry the cap open.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a sampling device for collecting samples having a detachable handle with a threaded portion. The device for collecting samples is further provided having a connecting head with a receiving member whereby the receiving member detachably engages the threaded portion of the handle. An absorbent material is placed about the connecting head wherein the absorbent material is a single piece of generally rectangular material folded at a distal edge of the connecting head and adhered through at least one aperture of the connecting head. The detachable handle with the threaded portion is releasably attached to a connecting head with an absorbent material by rotating the detachable handle into the connecting head in a clockwise direction. The user can rotate the handle in a counter-clockwise direction and easily release the handle from the connecting head with the absorbent material into the collection bag.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a sampling device for collecting samples having a detachable handle with a threaded portion. The device for collecting samples is further provided having a connecting head with a receiving member whereby the receiving member detachably engages the threaded portion of the handle. An absorbent material is placed about the connecting head wherein the absorbent material is a single piece of generally rectangular material folded at a distal edge of the connecting head and adhered through at least one aperture of the connecting head. The detachable handle with the threaded portion is releasably attached to a connecting head with an absorbent material by rotating the detachable handle into the connecting head in a clockwise direction. The user can rotate the handle in a counter-clockwise direction and easily release the handle from the connecting head with the absorbent material into the collection bag.

Abstract: The invention is a prefilled culture medium bag with a gusseted base that is capable of standing in an upright position. The prefilled culture medium bag can be sterilized by irradiation. Or alternatively, the culture medium can be sterilized apart from the bag and subsequently placed inside the bag after the bag has been sterilized. In either case, the end product is a pre-sterilized and prefilled culture medium bag delivered to a laboratory for use. The culture medium bag is self-supporting and takes on the characteristics of a rigid container when filled. The culture medium bag is easy to open and reseal for introduction of a culture sample at the laboratory. After introduction, a sample can be incubated within the culture medium bag.

Abstract: The invention is a method for using flexible packaging in connection with incubating a sample in a liquid culture medium. A flexible, gusseted bag is first presterilized by irradiation. Then, the bag is prefilled with a presterilized liquid culture medium. The bag is self-supporting and takes on the characteristics of a rigid container when filled. Prefilling and sterilizing it enables it to be shipped to a laboratory. The bag is easy to open and reseal for introduction of a culture sample at the laboratory. After introduction, the sample is incubated in the bag.

Abstract: The invention is a method for using flexible packaging in connection with incubating a sample in a liquid culture medium. A flexible, gusseted bag is first presterilized by irradiation. Then, the bag is prefilled with a presterilized liquid culture medium. The bag is self-supporting and takes on the characteristics of a rigid container when filled. Prefilling and sterilizing it enables it to be shipped to a laboratory. The bag is easy to open and reseal for introduction of a culture sample at the laboratory. After introduction, the sample is incubated in the bag.