The present invention relates to a device for the identification of microorganisms, comprising: a) a carrier 1, wherein an absorbent material 2 is arranged on the carrier 1, b) at least one intermediate sealing layer 3, with at least one cut-out 4, which is designed to receive the microorganisms to be identified, these being present on a micropore filter 5, c) at least one nonwoven reaction fabric comprising an absorbent material 2 on which at least one absorption field 7 and/or at least one liquid-transporting structure 8 is arranged for the taking up of reagents to identify microorganisms, and d) a cover plate 9. Furthermore, a method for the identification of microorganisms is used in conjunction with the device according to the invention.With the present invention, microorganisms in a sample can be identified very quickly—within a few minutes. In this, the test system is isolated from the environment, so avoiding danger to people and the environment from a positive test finding.