System and method for monitoring health based on collected bodily fluid

A method for extracting and preserving components of a biological sample of a subject in their original state, comprising:

• (a) using a sample collector to non-invasively collect said biological sample from a vaginal canal of said subject, wherein said sample collector collects and retains said biological sample from said vaginal canal;
• (b) bringing said sample collector in proximity to an extractor comprising (i) a sample receptacle configured to receive said sample collector via an opening, (ii) a breakable buffer pouch comprising a buffer for preserving said components of said biological sample in their original state during storage or shipping of said biological sample for subsequent processing or analysis of said biological sample, wherein said breakable buffer pouch is separate from said sample receptacle and configured to release said buffer to contact said sample collector in said sample receptacle when said breakable buffer pouch is broken, and (iii) a collection reservoir that is in fluid communication with each of said sample receptacle and said breakable buffer pouch when said breakable buffer pouch is broken, wherein said collection reservoir is separate from said sample receptacle and said breakable buffer pouch;
• (c) depositing said sample collector through said opening into said sample receptacle;
• (d) receiving, in said collection reservoir, a solution comprising said buffer from said breakable buffer pouch and said biological sample from said sample receptacle;
• and
• (e) docking a cartridge comprising a chamber with said extractor, thereby bringing said chamber in fluid communication with said collection reservoir, wherein upon said chamber coming in fluid communication with said collection reservoir, said solution comprising said buffer and said biological sample is subjected to flow from said collection reservoir to said cartridge.