A gel extraction device comprising a hollow cutting member having a cutting edge at one end and a squeeze bulb at the other end. In a further embodiment, the air passage between the cutting edge and the bulb has a constriction zone to prevent any extracted gel from being drawn too deeply into the extractor. In a further embodiment, a blow-hole in the hollow cutting member or in the squeeze bulb provides for the passage of air displaced by gel through the extractor. The blow-hole may be covered to secure the gel in the receptacle for transfer from the matrix to a sample container.