Cell collecting device

摘要

A universally applicable cell collecting device is provided. The device has a handle and a brush head formed of flexible bristles. The bristles can be positioned such that the cross-sectional dimensions of the brush head are substantially equal in all directions. The bristles can include central bristles surrounded completely by outer bristles that are shorter and thinner than the central bristles. The bristles also can be arranged in a pattern of concentric circles and also can be arranged so that the proximal ends are spaced from one another in a predetermined array with the distal ends contacting one another in a predetermined array. The brush head also can have an outermost row of bristles having an outwardly facing surface with a radius of curvature that matches the radius of curvature of the shape of the brush head. The brush head also can be constructed and arranged such that the bristles have a resting position and a flexed position, wherein all scraping edges of the bristles are unexposed in the resting position but are exposed in the flexed position.