Disposable blood check device|comprising swab for culturing samples and tube for feeding obtained gases to analyser

A device for analysis of microorganisms has a tubular element(10) with a porous swab (12) at one end. A sample is obtained on the swab (12) and placed in a receptacle (14) sealed by a cap (16). A gas flow-through arrangement into the receptacle passes through the swab (12) and is affected by the sample and flows out (106) through member (10) to an analyser.The swab is preferably of polyethylene mesh or porous ceramic.USE - The device is useful in the detection of microorganisms (e.g. bacteria, yeasts, fungi, viruses, prions or their fragments) by analysis of gases and vapours formed by microbial metabolism (see WO9533848). Typically bacteria are detected in a sample taken from a patient's body.ADVANTAGE - A bacteria sample can be cultured on swab (12), and the gases produced are blown by carrier gas into an analyser. The device thus has a dual function as a swab and an integral part of a gas sampling system.