Patent ID: 8329461

Claim:
A hand-held implement for removing microbiological matter from a surface to which the matter is adhered, and storing the matter for subsequent examination, the implement comprising: a housing comprising a handle and terminating in a handle distal end having an opening; a sonic horn located within the housing and being in communication with the opening, the sonic horn being configured to produce sonic waves for passing through the opening and breaking up a film of microbiological matter on a surface; a suction producing device also located within the housing and being in fluid communication with the opening, the suction producing device drawing the microbiological matter broken up by the sonic horn into the implement; a swab assembly, comprising: a wand comprising a generally tubular configuration and having a bore and the wand being configured to be releasably mounted to the handle distal end so that the bore is in fluid communication with the opening, the wand also comprising a break point so that the wand may be broken by hand into two separate portions; a swab for contact with the surface and collecting the microbiological matter and the swab being located at an end of the wand distal to the handle and wherethrough sonic waves from the sonic horn pass and the suction of the suction producing device occurs; and a trap located within the bore and configured for collecting the drawn biological matter for subsequent examination thereof by functioning of the suction producing device.