a system is provided which may be used for collecting and testing fluid samples at a patient point of care location . a disposable cartridge and collection device is provided for collecting a fluid sample directly into a cartridge containing testing mechanisms for immediate evaluation of the collected sample . the cartridge contains an array of electrical contacts , electrochemical sensors and circuitry configured to electrically couple with a hand - held analytical device , such as a personal digital assistant or a stand - alone computer workstation , which controls the testing of the fluid sample within the cartridge and provides a rapid indication of test results at the point of care .