The disclosure is of a novel assembly and method for transporting aerobic, anaerobic and facultative microorganisms from clinical patient to laboratory. The disclosure is also of a novel protective medium for maintaining viability of microorganisms during transportation.

Laboratory identification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae is facilitated through distribution of sterile, self-administrable, fibrous catamenial swab devices, transportable containers and holding media to asymptomatic individuals for anonymous use and submission of subculture specimen samples to a clinical testing station. The containers are marked with coded references which allow the individual or her authorized representative to anonymously inquire as to the determination made on the transported swab specimen at the clinical testing station. The holding medium is composed of phosphate-buffered saline with ethanol, a secondary protein derivative, progesterone, starch, agar, antibiotics and bicarbonate, in a semi-solid gel.

A microbial transport medium for the collection, transport and storage of samples suspected of having Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma or viral pathogens comprises a balanced salt solution, a proteinaceous stabilizer, and carbohydrate and amino acid nutrient sources. The medium is buffered to maintain physiological pH and includes a pH indicator in order to indicate variation of pH outside the physiological pH range. The medium further comprises antimicrobial and antifungal agents and can include gelatin. Samples can be stored in the medium at temperatures ranging from room temperature to minus 70.degree. C. Additionally, the transport medium can be used in standardized commercial ELISA and PCR assays.