Abstract A device for collecting samples for microbiological studies in which a holder, or stopper member, is provided having a rod extending therefrom to which a cotton swab, or the like, can be connected. The holder, or stopper member, includes a first region adapted for sealing engagement with the neck of an inner container, or tube, surrounding the swab to keep the swab in a sterile condition. An outer container, or tube, is also provided which surrounds the inner container and which is also adapted for sealing engagement with the holder, or stopper member. The outer container is adapted for receiving a nutrient medium. When the containers are removed and a microbiological sample is taken by the swab, the outer container can immediately be replaced on the holder thereby maintaining the swab in uncontaminated condition and with the sample taken by the swab in the presence of a medium which will preserve the growth potential of the sample.
In a device for collecting and preserving samples for microbiological studies and the like; a rod adapted for supporting a swab element at one end, a stopper member surrounding the rod in a region spaced from said one end and sealingly engaging the rod, an inner tubular container closed at one end and open at the other adapted for being placed over the rod from said one end of the rod and with the open end of the inner container sealingly engaging the stopper member, an outer tubular container surrounding said inner container and having an open end sealingly engaging said stopper member and a closed end axially spaced from the closed end of the inner container, said stopper member maintaining the interiors of said containers isolated from one another and from the atmosphere.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
134 words
In a device for collecting and preserving samples for microbiological studies and the like; a rod adapted for supporting a swab element at one end, a stopper member surrounding the rod in a region spaced from said one end and sealingly engaging the rod, an inner tubular container closed at one end and open at the other adapted for being placed over the rod from said one end of the rod and with the open end of the inner container sealingly engaging the stopper member, an outer tubular container surrounding said inner container and having an open end sealingly engaging said stopper member and a closed end axially spaced from the closed end of the inner container, said stopper member maintaining the interiors of said containers isolated from one another and from the atmosphere.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
69 words
A device according to claim 1 in which said outer container is adapted to receive a nutrient or preservative medium near the closed end thereof and said rod being axially adjustable in said stopper member for movement of the swab into the axial range of said medium when said containers are removed and a sample taken by the swab and the outer container is replaced on the stopper member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
A device according to claim 1 in which said stopper member includes a first axial portion for sealing engagement with the open end of said inner container and a second axial portion for sealing engagement with the open end of said outer container.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
A device according to claim 1 which includes means in the outer container in the axial space between the closed ends of said containers for receiving a medium compatible with the sample to be taken in respect of preservation of the growth potential of the sample.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
A device according to claim 1 in which said rod extends axially completely through said stopper member and at the end opposite the swab end includes means for axial adjustment of the rod in the stopper member.