Saliva samples have been increasingly used for SARS-CoV-2 research due to the ease, safety and non-invasiveness of the sample collection method. While relatively easy to access compared with other specimens, typical saliva samples still require low or ultra-low temperature storage to preserve viral RNA, and additional steps must be taken to ensure the samples can be handled safely. A new saliva collection kit recently launched by Thermo Fisher Scientific aims to increase the safety and efficiency of this important research with a stabilization solution that inactivates viruses and preserves nucleic acids in pre-filled, automation-friendly collection tubes.
The SpeciMAX Stabilized Saliva Collection Kit includes the pre-filled tubes along with a spill-resistant funnel and screw cap to secure the sample. The individually packaged and barcoded tubes come in a standardized 6 mL size requiring just 1 mL of self-collected saliva for research use. The tubes are designed to fit seamlessly into automated workflows for viral RNA extraction and high throughput processing of samples.
The stabilization solution included in the kit inactivates SARS-CoV-2 along with other enveloped viruses and medium resistance unenveloped respiratory viruses by targeting the lipid membrane and highly ordered capsid proteins needed for infection. Additionally, the solution does not contain guanidinium or ethanol and does not react with bleach, making it compatible with disinfection protocols. The stabilizing agent preserves viral nucleic acid, RNA and gDNA, allowing storage at ambient temperature for up to 14 days, or up to two years for gDNA.
“Labs need a non-invasive and non-hazardous collection kit that works with their current instruments,” said Ellie Mahjubi, vice president and general manager of sample preparation at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “SpeciMAX Stabilized Saliva Collection Kits are compatible with downstream automation workflows to help reduce the costs and time of viral research.”
The new kit complements Thermo Fisher Scientific’s recently launched SpeciMAX Saliva Collection Kit for raw saliva, which is compatible with both direct-to-PCR and viral RNA extraction workflows. Both kits are designated for research use only.