Sampling device for samples containing DNA in particular

A sampling device for samples containing DNA comprising an elongate holding device and a sample collecting area provided at a free end of the elongate holding device wherein the sample-collecting area is separable from the sampling device, wherein the holding device when viewed in a longitudinal direction, has a proximal segment with an inner recess extending from a distal end thereof at least over a longitudinal area in a proximal direction, and a distal sleeve that is aligned flush with respect to the recess wherein the proximal segment and the distal sleeve are connected to one another by means of a plug that is inserted with little clearance in the inner recess and the sleeve wherein the dimensions of the plug of the sleeve and of the inner recess are adjusted to one another such that in normal operation a stable connection of the proximal segment to the sleeve is established, and wherein the sample-collecting area is arranged on an elongate extension whose free end is inserted in turn with little clearance in a distal end of the sleeve wherein lengths of the inner recess, of the sleeve of the plug and of the extension are adjusted to one another such that the plug can be completely inserted into the recess in the case of a proximally directed displacement of the extension relative to the sleeve.