The present invention provides devices, methods, and kits for the collection of a solid or semi-solid sample and analysis for the presence, absence, or quantity of an analyte. The invention provides an assay device having a housing containing a test element, a results window, and a docking area for receiving and engaging a sample collection slide. The docking area has a sample receiving orifice with one or more fluid transfer structures. In one embodiment the collection slide and device can be used to detect the presence of fecal occult blood (human hemoglobin) in a stool sample. Many other embodiments are described herein.