Cytological cell sample collection, storage, and transport device

A cytological device, comprising:

• a collection assembly, comprising a swab head and a support shaft,
• a plunger connected to the support shaft opposite the swab head,
• a sheath having a head end and a foot end, configured to enclose at least the swab head and support shaft within its internal volume, and comprising an opening at the head end configured to pass the swab head;
• a base connected to the foot end of the sheath;
• and
• a containment vial;
• wherein the collection assembly is slidably coupled through the base at the support shaft such that at a first slide position the swab head is located within the sheath and the plunger is located external and distal to the base, and at a second slide position the swab head is displaced through the opening at the head end of the sheath and the plunger form fits onto the base;
• wherein the plunger comprises a lock located on a radially outward facing surface of the plunger and is shaped to snap fit into a radially inward facing surface of the base when the collection assembly is in the second slide position;
• and
• the base and containment vial are configured to engage with each other to form a seal and enclose the sheath and collection assembly within an internal volume defined by the containment vial and base.