Method and apparatus for collecting and testing biological samples

A method for collecting a sample from a test subject, the method comprising:

• providing a device adapted to capture and retain the sample, wherein the device includes a generally tubular body including a generally tubular inner surface defined by an interior layer, the inner surface defining a pocket therewithin, the pocket having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being generally closed and the proximal end being generally open, the proximal end being configured to allow the insertion of a finger into the pocket through the proximal end, and a generally tubular outer surface;
• inserting a finger into the pocket;
• and
• contacting the sample with the device.

A method for analyzing a sample, the method comprising:

• providing a device adapted to capture and retain the sample, wherein the device includes a generally tubular body including a generally tubular inner surface defined by an interior layer, the inner surface defining a pocket therewithin, the pocket having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being generally closed and the proximal end being generally open, the proximal end being configured to allow the insertion of a finger into the pocket through the proximal end, and a generally tubular outer surface;
• contacting the substance to be sampled with the device;
• and
• analyzing the device using a reader.

A method for analyzing a sample, the method comprising:

• providing a device adapted to capture and retain the sample, wherein the device includes a generally tubular body including a generally tubular inner surface defined by an interior layer, the inner surface defining a pocket therewithin, the pocket having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being generally closed and the proximal end being generally open, the proximal end being configured to allow the insertion of a finger into the pocket through the proximal end, and a generally tubular outer surface including an indicator agent;
• contacting the substance to be sampled with the device;
• and
• observing the reaction of the sample with the indicator agent on the device.

A method for analyzing a test subject, the method comprising:

• providing a device adapted to capture and release an indicator agent, wherein the device includes a generally tubular body including a generally tubular inner surface defined by an interior layer, the inner surface defining a pocket therewithin, the pocket having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being generally closed and the proximal end being generally open, the proximal end being configured to allow the insertion of a finger into the pocket through the proximal end, and a generally tubular outer surface including the indicator agent;
• contacting the test subject to be analyzed with the device, such that at least a portion of the indicator agent is released to the test subject;
• and
• observing the reaction of the test subject with the indicator agent.

A diagnostic kit comprising:

• a collection device including a generally tubular body, the body including
• a generally tubular inner surface defined by a first layer, the inner surface defining a pocket therewithin, the pocket having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being generally closed and the proximal end being generally open, the proximal end being configured to allow the insertion of a finger into the pocket through the proximal end, and
• a generally tubular outer surface generally disposed radially outwardly from the inner surface, wherein a portion of the outer surface is adapted to capture the substance;
• and
• an indicator device adapted to generate a diagnosis using the substance from the collection device.

A sample collection system comprising:

• a first collection device to collect a first substance, wherein the first collection device includes a generally tubular body, the body including
• a generally tubular inner surface defined by a first layer, the inner surface defining a pocket therewithin, the pocket having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being generally closed and the proximal end being generally open, the proximal end being configured to allow the insertion of a finger into the pocket through the proximal end, and
• a generally tubular outer surface generally disposed radially outwardly from the inner surface, wherein a portion of the outer surface is adapted to capture the substance;
• and
• a second collection device to collect a second substance.

A sample collection system comprising:

• a first a collection device including a generally tubular body, the body including
• a generally tubular inner surface defined by a first layer, the inner surface defining a pocket therewithin, the pocket having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being generally closed and the proximal end being generally open, the proximal end being configured to allow the insertion of a finger into the pocket through the proximal end, and
• a generally tubular outer surface generally disposed radially outwardly from the inner surface, wherein a portion of the outer surface is adapted to capture the substance;
• and
• a second collection device larger than the first collection device.