Proliferation and delivery apparatus

A portable, disposable, unitary microorganism proliferation and delivery apparatus ( 10 ) is provided. The apparatus ( 10 ) comprises a proliferation chamber ( 12 ) for containing a growth medium ( 14 ); and an inoculation chamber ( 16 ) for containing an inoculum ( 18 ). The proliferation and inoculation chambers ( 12 and 16 ) are connected by a tube ( 19 ) defining a passage ( 20 ), which is closed by a separating means in the form of a septum ( 22 ). The inoculation chamber ( 16 ) is provided or defined by a flexible vial having a mouth ( 16.1 ) and the septum ( 22 ) closes the mouth. Opening means in the form of a spike ( 24 ) is mounted in the passage ( 20 ) directed at the septum ( 22 ). The mouth ( 16.1 ) of the inoculation chamber ( 16 ) is connected to one end of the tube ( 19 ) by an advancement means in the form of a screw thread connection ( 26 ).