Apparatus and method for processing a sample

1. An apparatus for processing a sample, comprising:

a sample-receiving component;

an filtrate-receiving component; and

an analyte-capture element;

wherein the sample-receiving component comprises:

a first hollow body with first end, a second end, and a first chamber extending from the first end to the second end;

a filter element disposed in the first chamber between the first and second ends; and

optionally, a porous shield or a porous support;

wherein the first end includes a first opening configured to receive a sample;

wherein the second end includes a second opening;

wherein the filtrate-receiving component comprises a second hollow body with a third end, a fourth end, and a second chamber extending from the third end to the fourth end;

wherein the second end is adapted to be inserted into the second chamber and moved through the second hollow body to a point at which it contacts the analyte-capture element, porous support, or porous shield;

wherein the third end includes a third opening configured to receive the second end of the sample-receiving member;

wherein the fourth end includes a fourth opening;

wherein, the analyte-capture element is removably coupled to the filtrate-receiving component;

wherein, when the sample-receiving component is coupled to the filtrate-receiving component, the apparatus forms a flow path that facilitates fluid passage through the first chamber, the filter element, and the second chamber, the flow path facilitating contact between a fluid sample and the analyte-capture element;

wherein the second end is shaped and proportioned to fit within and move longitudinally through at least a portion of the second chamber.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the analyte-capture element further is disposed in the second chamber.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a removable inner sleeve with a fifth end having a fifth opening and a sixth end having a sixth opening, wherein the sleeve is disposed in the second chamber.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the porous support or at least a portion of the porous shield is disposed in the second hollow body between the analyte-capture element and the fourth opening.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the analyte-capture element is coupled to the porous support or porous shield.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the filter element further comprises a plurality of layers.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the fourth end is configured to couple to a source of negative pressure.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the sample receiving component or filtrate-receiving component further comprises a positioning element that, when the sample-receiving component is coupled to the filtrate-receiving component, controllably retains a position of the sample-receiving component relative to the filtrate-receiving component.

9. A method of detecting the presence or absence of an analyte in a sample, comprising:

providing a liquid sample and the apparatus of claim 1 ;

passing the liquid sample through the filter element;

contacting the filtered liquid with the analyte-capture element;

separating the analyte-capture element from the apparatus; and

detecting the presence or absence of the analyte.

10. The method of claim 9 , further comprising attaching the apparatus to a source of negative pressure, wherein passing the liquid sample through the filter element further comprises using a negative pressure to draw the sample through the filter element to produce a filtered sample.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein using negative pressure to draw the sample through the filter element further comprises using the negative pressure to contact the filtered sample with the analyte-capture element.

12. The method of claim 9 , wherein separating the analyte-capture element from the apparatus further comprises using the second end to separate the analyte-capture element from the apparatus.

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein using the second end further comprises urging the second end through the second chamber to separate the analyte-capture element from the apparatus.

14. The method of claim 9 further comprising, after separating the analyte-capture element, treating the analyte capture element with a cell lysis agent.