Patent ID: 7879293

Claim:
A sample collection device for assay comprising: a handle portion having a first end and a second end; a collector portion having a first end and a second end, the collector portion first end detachably coupled to the handle portion second end and the collector portion second end having a base being movable relative to the handle portion second end when the collector portion first end is coupled to the handle portion second end; a plunger arm coupled to the base and including a first diameter portion and a second diameter portion, the first diameter portion being smaller than the second diameter portion; and an expandable sponge coaxially disposed on the first diameter portion and on the second diameter portion of the plunger arm between an end wall of the collector portion and the base resulting in an extended collection size of the sponge; and wherein the plunger arm is moved relative to the handle portion second end such that the second diameter portion of the plunger arm engages a flange reconfiguring the sponge to a smaller sample retaining size and discharging a first portion of the sample for assay and retaining a second portion of the sample in the sponge for subsequent assay.