US Patent 12005438 Sample collection apparatus and uses thereof

An apparatus for collecting and combining a sample, and in particular, a biological sample, with a reagent, and uses thereof. The apparatus comprises a sample collection container and a complementary sealing cap. A sealed reagent reservoir containing a reagent, such as a preservative reagent, is provided in a lower portion of the collection container. A piercing insert is nested within the collection container, above the seal of the reagent reservoir. Following the collection of the sample into the collection container, the action of sealing the collection container with the cap causes the piercing insert to engage with and disrupt the seal on the reagent reservoir, thereby exposing the collected sample to the reagent.