A system for collecting and shipping a sample of nucleic acid, the system comprising a receptacle, a removable cap for the receptacle having a breather port and sample connection port, and a filter column removably attached to the inside of the receptacle cap in fluid communication with the sample connection port and containing a substrate for collecting the nucleic acid. A sample collection container interlocks to the sample collection port. A shipping container, closeable by a lid, is configured to detach the filter column from the receptacle cap and contain the column for shipping. Methods for collecting samples using the system preferably include a dehydrating wash step, such as with ethanol, and placement of a dessicant in the shipping container, so that nucleic acid samples can be transported under ambient, non-climate-controlled conditions, with stability for at least up to 4 weeks, ideal for collecting samples from undeveloped regions.