Abstract:
Despite being a convenient clinical substrate for biomonitoring, saliva\'s widespread utilization has not yet been realized. The non-Newtonian, heterogenous, and highly viscous nature of saliva complicate the development of automated fluid handling processes that are vital for accurate diagnoses. Furthermore, conventional saliva processing methods are resource and/or time intensive precluding certain testing capabilities, with these challenges aggravated during a pandemic. The conventional approaches may also alter analyte structure, reducing application opportunities in point-of-care diagnostics. To overcome these challenges, we introduce the SHEAR saliva collection device that mechanically processes saliva, in a rapid and resource-efficient way. We demonstrate the device\'s impact on reducing saliva\'s viscosity, improving sample\'s uniformity, and increasing diagnostic performance of a COVID-19 rapid antigen test. Additionally, a formal user experience study revealed generally positive comments. SHEAR saliva collection device may support realization of the saliva\'s potential, particularly in large-scale and/or resource-limited settings for global and community diagnostics.
摘要:
尽管是生物监测的方便临床基质,唾液的广泛利用尚未实现。非牛顿,异质,唾液的高度粘性使自动流体处理过程的发展变得复杂,这对于准确诊断至关重要。此外,传统的唾液处理方法是资源和/或时间密集的,排除了某些测试能力,随着这些挑战在大流行期间加剧。常规方法还可以改变分析物结构,减少即时诊断中的应用机会。为了克服这些挑战,我们介绍了机械处理唾液的SHEAR唾液收集装置,以快速和资源有效的方式。我们展示了该装置对降低唾液粘度的影响,提高样品的均匀性,并提高COVID-19快速抗原测试的诊断性能。此外,一项正式的用户体验研究显示,总体上是积极的评论。剪切唾液收集装置可以支持唾液潜能的实现,特别是在全球和社区诊断的大规模和/或资源有限的环境中。