%0 Journal Article
%T SHEAR saliva collection device augments sample properties for improved analytical performance.
%A Song SW
%A Gupta R
%A Jothilingam N
%A Qian X
%A Gu Y
%A Lee VV
%A Sapanel Y
%A Allen DM
%A Wong JEL
%A MacAry P
%A Ho D
%A Blasiak A
%J Bioeng Transl Med
%V 8
%N 6
%D 2023 Nov
%M 38023718
%F 10.684
%R 10.1002/btm2.10490
%X 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.