Device for cell sampling in a body cavity

Single use apparatus for collecting cells from a body cavity for cytodiagnosis, the apparatus being self-administrable by a user and disposable after analysis of the collected cells, comprising:

• an elongated absorbent carrier sized to be substantially completely inserted into the body cavity;
• sterile fluid containing means located in said absorbent carrier to store a predetermined amount of sterile fluid, said containing means having at least a rupturable component;
• protective means associated with said absorbent carrier to prevent said rupturable component from being inadvertently ruptured by radial compression of said absorbent carrier;
• actuating means located at the back end of said absorbent carrier to be operated by the user for causing said rupturable component to be ruptured while said absorbent carrier is substantially completely positioned in the body cavity of the user;
• and
• an absorbent outer covering on said absorbent carrier for dislodging and retaining cells from the surface of the body cavity of the user, rupture of said containing means releasing sterile fluid to moisten said absorbent outer covering to aid in collecting and preserving a cell sample.