| abstract |
A sample collection system capable of collecting, storing and dispensing a liquid sample is disclosed. The collection system includes a collector composed of a material which has the unique ability to express constituents of interest at levels which are much more concentrated than their levels in the fluid samples from which they are expressed, where the expressed highly concentrated sample can then be used with modern rapid screening/testing protocols, such as solid phase assays, to test for the constituents of interest. Thus, it is now possible to obtain analytes of interest, such as the HIV protein antibodies, from saliva samples at concentrations that are detectable with systems and/or devices that are typically utilized only for blood serum or plasma testing. The collector is sized and shaped to fit within a recovery container, which, in turn, is sized and shaped to fit within a collection tube. The recovery container includes an aperture which does not permit passage of fluid under ambient conditions, but facilitates transfer thereof when subjected to pressure. An optional channel within the collection tube facilitates dispensing of the sample for further processing. |