Apparatus for collecting and/or growing protected biological cultures

Abstract

Abstract The coaxial annular space (16) between a rod (12) and a slidably received outer cylinder (10) is divided into three serial chambers by four seals (20, 14, 22, 26). Two seals (20, 14) are spaced apart and affixed to the front of the rod. Two seals (22, 26) are spaced apart and affixed to the cylinder rearwardly of the first two. By relative forward rod movement, a specimen collection zone (16) is exposed at the desired site of a biological specimen. Thereafter, rearward rod movement reseals the collection zone. Further, rearward rod movement reduces the volume of a media containing chamber (18) and thereby moves the collection zone (16) into contact with the desired medium. The third chamber prevents contamination of the biologically active portions of the structure during operation. Prescored break lines (100, 102', 102, 104) formed in the cylinder and rod facilitate severance of unneeded portions after collection of a biological specimen and/or after transportation to a suitable laboratory facility. Color-coded indicia are used on the rod and/or cylinder so as to facilitate proper operatiion. Reusable extension pieces (10', 12') may be attached to the cylinder and/or rod so as to adapt a standard size module to different desired end uses.

Inventors

• 👤 Laurel Ardean Koll

Bibliographic Details