Method and device for collecting, preserving and transferring samples

A method for collecting a biological sample, such as a forensic sample, using a swab. The swab has a handle with an end or tip that is coated with fibres (e.g. polyester fibres) that form an absorbent flocked head. The head has a surface area of 3 to 80 mm2 and fits into a 10-200 microlitre volume reaction well/tube. The biological sample comprising nucleic acid is collected on the head by contacting the head and the sample. Amplification is carried out on the nucleic acid in the sample. The flocked head may be a sphere or drop-shape and have a diameter of 1 to 6 millimeters. The flocked head can be treated with a predetermined concentration of chaotropic agent(s), such as 500 to 1500 mM guanidium thiocyanate. Treatment can be contacting the flocked head with a solution of the chaotropic agent(s) before collecting the biological sample. The nucleic acid sample may be contacted with a solution of the chaotropic agents before adding the flocked head for collecting the sample. The sample may or may not be released from the head before amplification. Alternatively, the fibres may be coated with a chaotropic agent.