Abstract: In one embodiment, a portable specimen and collection kit is provided. The kit provides improved patient triage and streamlined specimen collection with a cloud-based, HIPAA-compliant and user-friendly software that is accessed by a field operations person via a tablet computer and a mobile hotspot. The kit may use a software platform currently deployed in 7 U.S. state public health labs and most of the public health labs in Canada. Once patient demographic details and answers to triage questions are captured, labels are printed on an included wireless portable label printer and affixed to the specimen container(s). The software routes the specimen to the appropriate location (public health or commercial lab) for testing based on priority and workload. The order information is transmitted electronically to the testing laboratory information system so that the specimen is immediately ready to be tested upon receipt in the laboratory.