Pathogen sampling and testing

A method of detecting a pathogen in a breath sample, comprising:

• a. collecting a sample of expired breath from a subject in a filter comprising a filter material;
• b. extracting the sample from the filter using an amount of a liquid buffer to create a sample liquid;
• c. adding to the sample liquid a conjugate comprising an indicator conjugated to a capture antibody, wherein said capture antibody is specific to a first protein of a pathogen of interest;
• d. providing an assay strip comprising a test zone having a test antibody immobilized therein;
• e. contacting the sample liquid to the assay strip so that the sample liquid moves through the assay strip to encounter the test zone;
• and
• f. detecting presence of the pathogen in the sample by measuring presence of the conjugate in the test zone.

A system for detecting a pathogen in a breath sample, comprising:

• a. a device comprising:
• i. a tube extending between a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end comprises a filter holding element;
• ii a filter situated in the filter holding element;
• iii a cap removably secured to the proximal end, and
• iv a plug removably secured to the distal end;
• b. an assay strip comprising:
• i. a support bearing a lateral flow layer, wherein said lateral flow layer includes:
• a sample receiving end;
• a test zone having a test antibody immobilized therein;
• and
• a control zone having a control antibody immobilized therein, wherein
• the control antibody is specific to a capture antibody, wherein said capture antibody is specific to a first protein of a pathogen of interest, and the test antibody is specific to the first protein or a second protein of the pathogen of interest;
• and
• ii. a wicking pad comprising an absorbent material, wherein the assay strip is situated within the tube and enclosed within the device by the cap.