SHEAR saliva collection device augments sample properties for improved analytical performance

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.

Automated summary

Despite the potential of saliva as a convenient clinical substrate for biomonitoring, its widespread utilization has not been fully achieved due to challenges in handling its non-Newtonian, heterogenous, and highly viscous nature. Conventional saliva processing methods are time and resource intensive, limiting testing capabilities especially during a pandemic. To address these challenges, the SHEAR saliva collection device is introduced, which mechanically processes saliva in a rapid and resource-efficient manner. The device has shown improvements in reducing saliva viscosity, enhancing sample uniformity, and increasing diagnostic performance for COVID-19 rapid antigen tests.