A device for collecting oral liquids includes a lateral flow chromatography strip
having a collection pad for insertion into the mouth. The collection pad is separated
from the remainder of the chromatography strip by a liquid impermeable removable
barrier which prevents liquid in the collection pad from entering the chromatography
strip. Once adequate oral liquid has been collected (as indicated by a sample sufficiency
indicator), the device is withdrawn from the mouth and the barrier is removed to
allow oral liquids to flow through the strip. The liquids interact with binding
partners in the strip to provide test results, such as an indication that an analyte
of interest is present in the liquid. The strip may be contained in a housing with
an access opening through which the removable barrier may be manipulated, and windows
through which test results may be viewed. This device avoids reflux of reagents
from the strip into the mouth of a test subject during use.