Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a specimen enclosure apparatus. The specimen enclosure apparatus includes a container having a cavity configured to receive the specimen and an opening extending through a neck of the container to the cavity. An internal flange is positioned intermediate the neck of the container. The specimen enclosure apparatus further includes a closure device configured to be received in the opening. The closure device has a flange seal portion configured to contact the internal flange to form a flange seal proximate the cavity and further has a radial travel limiter integrally formed with the closure device that is configured to contact the container in the opening to limit radial movement of the flange seal portion relative to the internal flange. Containers and closure devices are also provided.

Abstract: An applicator device for a flat element (1) for sampling of microorganisms has a flat recess (3) for containing and retaining a culture medium (4), and with at least one border (5) arranged to the outside of the recess, wherein the applicator device has a plate (6), a base (7) for holding the plate at a distance from the surface (2) from which the sample is to be taken, defining a support surface (9), and forming an opening (7a) for engaging the sampling element (1) parallel with respect to the support surface (9), and with the free surface (4a) of the culture medium directed downwards, a pusher (10) mounted so as to be free in terms of translation on the plate (6) perpendicular to the support surface (9), with a bearing head (11) which protrudes from the inside of the base (7), a device (12) for returning the pusher towards the support surface (9) and at least one shoulder (13) defining a bearing surface (14) for retaining the border (5) of the sampling element (1).