Swab and method of taking cell smears for diagnostic examination

Abstract

A device for taking a cell smear comprised of an applicator and a swab located on the end portion of the applicator, the swab is used to collect the cellular material when the cell smear is taken. The swab consisting of a material which is soluble in a solvent that has no detrimental effect on, or is innocuous to, the collected cellular material. A method of taking cell smears for diagnostic examination which comprises collecting a specimen of or from the skin, mucous membrane or other body area or surface to be examined by means of a swab, which is described above. The swab is dissolved in a solvent that has no detrimental effect on, or is innocuous to, the collected cellular material in the specimen. A solution is formed containing the cellular material. The cellular material is then diagnostically examined.

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