A kit for obtaining and shipping personal cell samples is provided. The kit contains such items as a transport tube, and collection swabs for obtaining a cell sample. The tube has a media plug impregnated with dehydrated media positioned within the tube near the top of a region of restricted diameter, and a compartment of rehydrating fluid located in a cap on the tube. Upon crushing the cap, the rehydrating fluid is released and rehydrates the media plug. When the collection swab is inserted into the transport tube, the swab pushes the rehydrated media plug through the region of restricted diameter and into the bottom of the tube. The collection surface of the swab thus maintains contact with the rehydrated media plug.