Sample collection and testing system

1. A device for use in the collection and testing of a sample, comprising:

a. a sample collection device;

b. a housing having an internal recess open to the exterior via first and second apertures,

wherein said first aperture and recess are adapted to receive at least a portion of said sample collection device inserted into said recess via said first aperture, and

c. a cover strip sealing said second aperture and remaining open along one edge,

wherein said cover strip is adapted to receive an insertable testing element inserted under said cover strip, and

wherein said second aperture provides fluid communication between at least a portion of said sample collection device and said insertable testing element when inserted therein.

2. A testing device for use in the collection and testing of a sample, comprising:

a. a sample collection device;

b. a housing having a base and a cover, said base having a recess and said cover having first and second apertures connecting to said recess;

wherein said recess and first aperture are adapted to receive at least a portion of said sample collection device inserted into said recess via said first aperture,

c. a cover strip sealing said second aperture and remaining open along one edge,

wherein said cover strip is adapted to receive an insertable testing element inserted under said cover strip, and

wherein said second aperture provides fluid communication between said at least a portion of said sample collection device and said insertable testing element when inserted therein.

3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2 , wherein, on insertion of the testing element into the housing, the testing element is in direct liquid-conductive communication with a sample collected on the sample collection device.

4. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2 , wherein the sample collection device is a swab.

5. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2 , wherein the sample collection device collects a predetermined amount of the sample.

6. A device according to claim 5 , wherein the sample collection device comprises a hydrophilic, porous matrix of defined volumetric capacity, affixed to the base of a dipstick or handle.

7. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2 , wherein the housing further comprises a solvent application aperture in communication with the internal recess.

8. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the housing is configured to position the test element so that a sample-carrying portion of the sample collection device is interposed between the housing and the testing element.

9. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2 , wherein said device further comprises an insertable testing element.

10. A device according to claim 9 , wherein the testing element is a guaiac-based test strip.

11. A device according to claim 9 , which comprises two or more testing elements each of which, when inserted into the housing, is in liquid-conductive communication with a sample collected on the sample collection device.

12. A device according to claim 11 , wherein the testing elements are the same elements.

13. A device according to claim 11 , wherein the testing elements are different elements.

14. A device according to claim 11 , wherein at least one of said testing elements is an immunochromatographic test strip.

15. A device according to claim 11 , wherein at least one of said testing elements is a guaiac-based test strip.

16. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2 , wherein said device further comprises a cover over said second aperture, wherein said cover is open on at least one side and adapted to receive said testing element.

17. A method for the identification of an analyte of interest in a sample, comprising:

a. collecting a sample on a sample collection device,

b. inserting at least a sample-carrying portion of said sample collection device into a housing having a base and a cover, said base having a recess and said cover having first and second apertures connecting to said recess;

wherein said recess and first aperture are adapted to receive at least a portion of a sample collection device inserted into said recess via said first aperture,

wherein said second aperture is sealed by a cover strip with the cover strip remaining open along one edge and said cover strip adapted to receive a testing element inserted under said cover strip, and

wherein said second aperture provides fluid communication between said at least a portion of a sample collection device and said testing element when inserted therein, and

c. subsequently inserting an insertable testing element under said cover strip such that the testing element is in liquid-conductive communication with said sample.

18. A method according to claim 17 , further comprising:

d. applying a solvent to said sample to enable transfer of at least part of said sample, or a component thereof, to the testing element.

19. A method according to claim 17 wherein the collecting step includes using the sample collection device to obtain the sample from a patient.

20. A method according to claim 19 wherein the sample collection device comprises a swab.

21. A method according to claim 19 wherein the sample collection device comprises a hydrophilic, porous matrix of defined volumetric capacity, affixed to the base of a dipstick or handle and configured to obtain a sample from the patient.

22. A method according to claim 17 wherein steps (b) and (c) are performed at different geographic locations.

23. A method according to claim 17 wherein steps (b) and (c) are performed on different dates.

24. A method according to claim 17 further comprising, between steps (b) and (c), allowing the sample to become dehydrated within the housing.