A sexually transmitted infection (STI) sampling device includes an elongated shaft that defines a first end separated from a second end, and an absorbent sampler coupled to one of the first and second ends. The absorbent sampler includes an absorbent core disposed on a longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft, and a plurality of fibers extending from the absorbent core. The plurality of fibers is configured to exfoliate and capture cells from a tissue surface of a patient, and the absorbent core is configured to absorb exfoliated cells not captured by the fibers.
