a device and method for automating the handling and testing of microbiological specimens are provided . a portable specimen collection vehicle is provided which comprises a protective housing , a specimen chamber for receiving a biospecimen sample , a plurality of culturing chambers each for receiving a portion of the biospecimen sample and each containing a different culture medium , a system of fluid ducts connecting the specimen chamber to each of the culturing chambers , and an actuator that facilitates flow of portions of the biospecimen sample from the specimen chamber through the system of fluid ducts and into each of the culturing chambers , wherein biological organisms in the biospecimen begin to grow in one or more of the culturing chambers and cultured portions of the biospecimen sample can be withdrawn selectively from the apparatus . a microbiology automation platform includes a computer system that integrates microbiology laboratory instruments and workflow logic in order to perform organism detection and susceptibilities on specimens contained in an scv . the platform is intended to automate the work of a medical technologist which is characteristically labor intensive . the work performed by the platform includes accession of the specimen , pre - test processes , detection and susceptibility assays , post - test handling and reporting of results .