Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for collecting vaginal fluid and exfoliated vaginal cells for medical diagnostic purposes. An absorbent media is placed interlabially or intravaginally. Fluid is collected within the absorbent media. The absorbent media is removed, and the fluid is extracted therefrom. For intravaginal collection, the absorbent media may be placed in a housing having fluid receiving apertures therein. Medical diagnostic testing is performed on the extracted fluid.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for the rapid identification of fungal pathogens. In a preferred method, a sample of human body fluid is obtained and subjected to analysis comprising inoculating a nutritive medium, incubating said inoculum for such time and temperature as is necessary for visible fungal colony formation, thereafter plating a sample of said visible fungi on miniature culture plates for example having the dimensions of about 33.times.75.times.5 millimeters, said plates containing differential fungal media, and thereafter identifying funal pathogens in a manner consistent with said medium selected.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for the rapid identification of fungal pathogens. In a preferred method, a sample of human body fluid is obtained and subjected to analysis comprising inoculating a nutritive medium, incubating said inoculum for such time and temperature as is necessary for visible fungal colony formation, thereafter plating a sample of said visible fungi on miniature culture plates for example having the dimensions of about 33.times.75.times.5 millimeters, said plates containing differential fungal media, and thereafter identifying fungal pathogens in a manner consistent with said medium selected.

Abstract: A culture container having a convenient size for use under a conventional microscope stage. The container having media of a composition and amount effective to induce germ tube production in Cryptococcus. The media, which includes purified saponin, oxgall, a substrate for phenol oxidase, water and ammonia ions, is in an amount up to 5 milliliters at a depth up to 4.5 milliliters.