Method and apparatus for transferring a biological specimen to a cellular suspension

摘要

An apparatus and method for transferring exfoliated cells from a variety of specimen collection devices to a preservation fluid contained in a specimen vial. The apparatus comprises an interior frame member which is inserted into the specimen vial. The interior frame member includes a cross-bar member and an open-ended well. The cross-bar member includes a blade which provides an edge for scraping exfoliated cells from a spatula type specimen collection device. The cross-bar member also provides a lower edge for disconnecting a broom sampling head from a broom type collection device of disconnecting a combination type sampling head from a Combi(TM) type specimen collection device. The open-ended well comprises a sloped interior wall and a lower edge for removing exfoliated cells from a brush sampling head on a brush type collection device.