Abstract: A method of collecting bodily substances from a subject, comprising the steps of (a) positioning a member in an undergarment; (b) collecting at least one bodily substance from the genital, anal, or urinary regions from the subject on the sampling strip; and (c) removing the sampling strip from the member for analysis of the bodily substances collected thereon. The member comprises a sleeve, a sampling strip, and an absorbent layer. The sleeve comprises upper and lower sheets and is at least partially open ended at one longitudinal end. The upper sheet of the sleeve at least partially comprises a receiving surface, and the lower sheet has an impermeable outer surface with an adhesive thereon for securing the member to the subject's undergarments. The sampling strip is between the absorbant layer and the receiving surface and is removable from the sleeve through the opening at one longitudinal end.

Abstract: A collection device for enabling the patient to self-collect substances from the body, such as fluids, secretions, cells, and infectious and non-infectious agents, takes the form in the case of substances from the genital, anal or urinary regions of a sanitary napkin used in a conventional manner in an undergarment and which comprises a porous outer sleeve open ended at one longitudinal end thereof and including upper and lower sheets. An outer surface of the lower sheet is provided with an impermeable sheet coated with an adhesive covered, before use of the sanitary napkin, with a removable protective peel-off strip. The sanitary napkin also comprises between the upper and lower sheet an absorbent layer and a removable sampling strip or filter, the latter being slidably received in the outer sleeve and extending between the upper sheet and the absorbent layer and protruding from the open end of the sleeve for removal from the sanitary napkin once bodily substances have collected thereon.