A device for handling instruments used in technical cytological examinations has a holder base with at least two separate and moveable holders each carrying one instrument and each being coupled with a drive for switching the holders between two defined positions, one of which is a working position and the other is a rest position. In the working position, the distal end of the instrument located in the holder is aligned during a technical cytological intervention in the region of cellular material which is to be treated. In the rest position, the instrument held in the holder is kept at a safe distance from the cellular material which is to be treated. The drives are coupled with each other so that, when activated, they switch the holders between their rest and working position, respectively.