Sample collector

A method for collecting a sample of bodily fluid, the method comprising:

• receiving, with a collector, a sample of bodily fluid, the collector having a first configuration and a second configuration and being adapted to hold the sample when the collector is in the first configuration and to release the sample when the collector transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration;
• connecting the collector operably to an extractor, the extractor having a passage providing fluid communication between the collector and a container, and the container being adapted to receive and store the sample released from the collector;
• and
• operating the collector to transition the collector from the first configuration to the second configuration to release a volume of the sample.

A method of collecting an oral fluid specimen from an oral cavity for testing comprising the steps of:

• (a) inserting a compressible, detergent-treated collecting element into the oral cavity;
• (b) contacting the collecting element with an oral fluid within the oral cavity for a sufficient time to collect an oral fluid sample and without masticating the collecting element;
• and
• (c) removing the collecting element from the oral cavity.