A personal cellular collection apparatus and method for collecting a non-intrusive
cell or tissue sample for medical testing such as cervical cancer screening is
provided. The apparatus includes a cervical guide ring, an insertion handle, a
means for movably attaching the guide ring, and a means for directing a tissue
sampling tool to a woman's cervix. The means for movably attaching the guide ring
to the insertion handle is a hinge or rachet mechanism having a tab or latch on
the ring and a catch on the proximal end of the insertion handle. The method of
the invention includes insertion of the collection tool through the introitus of
the user's vagina, digital positioning of the guide ring to encircle the user's
cervix, guiding a sampling tool to the cervix, wiping the cervix with the sampling
tool to collect a tissue sample and removing the sampling tool and cervical guide
from the user's vagina.
