Abstract: A method for determining the relative mortality risk of an individual as compared to their age/sex/tobacco-use peers. This relative mortality risk may be used in underwriting a life or medical insurance policy.

Abstract: A system for processing a fluid sample includes a tube and a piston. The tube has an open end and a closed end, and a volume defined therebetween. The volume is further defined by an interior surface of the tube. The tube is designed to receive a collection media holding the fluid sample. The piston has a first side and a second side, and is designed to be inserted into the tube via the open end of the tube. The piston is further designed to be translatable within the tube, and to compress the collection media between the closed end of the tube and the first side of the piston such that at least a portion of the fluid sample is removed from the collection media and driven to the second side of the piston.