Cartridge having an integrated collection element for point of care system

An integrated collection device for collecting fluid samples and performing fluid sample analysis, comprising:

• a housing comprising an inlet orifice and a top and bottom containment wall, said top wall mechanically coupled to said bottom wall to define a containment chamber, wherein said containment chamber is accessible through said inlet orifice, said housing further having an integrated collection mechanism and an electrical connector;
• said integrated collection mechanism comprising a distal port and a body cavity in fluid communication with said distal port adapted to collect fluid from a patient and communicate a fluid sample of said collected fluid into said containment chamber via said inlet orifice;
• said electrical connector of said housing comprising a first set of electrical contacts adapted to engage a second set of electrical contacts located on an analytical device, said first set of electrical contacts electrically coupled to a sensory apparatus disposed about said containment chamber;
• and
• said sensory apparatus comprising at least one sensor adapted to detect fluid properties, said sensory apparatus electrically coupled to said first set of electrical contacts and accessible by said analytical device via said electrical connector.