A device for collecting a biological sample in an esophagus of a patient includes a swallowable collection portion for collecting a sample at a collection site in the esophagus. A stylet is connected with the collection portion for placing the collection portion into the back of a throat of a patient for swallowing. The device may have a collection portion having a first axial end portion and a second axial end portion. A sleeve is in the first axial end portion. The device may have at least one tissue collecting projection extending from an outer surface of the collection portion； a first side wall of the tissue collecting； a second wall of the tissue collecting projection. A method for collecting a biological sample includes moving the swallowable collection portion with the stylet into the back of a throat of a patient for swallowing.
