iClean® Saliva Swab Collection Kit

I. Composition of the set

1.Saliva Swab

This kind of saliva swab usually consists of a head and a shaft. The head is generally made of special fibrous materials with good water – absorption ability, which can effectively adsorb saliva. For example, polyester fibers or similar synthetic fibers may be used. These fibers can quickly absorb liquid when in contact with saliva and ensure the integrity of the saliva sample during subsequent processing. The shaft is usually made of plastic, with certain strength and flexibility, which is convenient for users to operate and can prevent breakage during the collection process.

2.Collection Tube

The collection tube is a container used to store the collected saliva samples. It is generally made of transparent or semi – transparent plastic, which is convenient for observing the condition of the samples. The interior of the collection tube usually contains a preservation solution. The function of the preservation solution is to maintain the stability of biological components (such as DNA, RNA, proteins, etc.) in the saliva sample and prevent their degradation or deterioration during storage and transportation. The preservation solution may vary according to different testing purposes. For example, for genetic testing, the preservation solution may contain components that can protect nucleic acids.

3.Labels

The kit will be equipped with labels for identifying relevant information of the sample collector, such as name, collection date, sample number, etc. These labels are usually self – adhesive, which is convenient for pasting on the collection tube to ensure accurate identification of the sample throughout the sample processing and testing process.

4.Instruction Manual

The instruction manual describes in detail how to correctly use the saliva swab collection kit. The content includes preparation work before collection, such as whether fasting is required and how to clean the mouth; operation steps during the collection process, such as how to correctly put the swab into the mouth to collect saliva and the length of the collection time; and post – collection handling methods, such as how to put the swab into the collection tube and how to seal the collection tube. The instruction manual may also include some precautions, such as avoiding sample contamination and sending the sample to the testing institution within the specified time.

II. Collection steps

1.Preparation

Before collecting saliva, the user should first read the instruction manual carefully to understand the collection requirements and precautions. If necessary, oral cleaning should be carried out according to the instructions of the instruction manual, such as rinsing with clean water. However, it should be noted not to use mouthwash containing drug ingredients to avoid affecting the quality of the sample. At the same time, prepare a clean and stable operating table to ensure that the collection tube will not be accidentally knocked over during the collection process.

2.Collection Process

The user takes out the saliva swab and carefully puts the head of the swab into the mouth. Generally speaking, the swab needs to be rotated in the mouth to ensure that enough saliva can be collected. The rotation time usually ranges from 30 seconds to 2 minutes, and the specific time may vary according to the specific requirements of the kit. During the rotation of the swab, contact with other non – saliva parts in the mouth, such as teeth and tongue (if not specifically collecting saliva on the tongue surface), should be avoided to prevent sample contamination.

3.Sample Storage

After collecting saliva, carefully take the swab out of the mouth and immediately put the head of the swab into the collection tube. Make sure that the head of the swab is completely immersed in the preservation solution, so as to ensure that the biological components in the saliva sample can be effectively protected. Then, tightly close the cap of the collection tube to ensure good sealing and prevent leakage of the preservation solution and contamination of the sample from the outside.

4.Fill in relevant information, such as name, collection date, sample number, etc. according to the prompts on the label, and then firmly paste the label on the collection tube. Accurate sample identification is very important for subsequent sample processing and testing and can avoid problems such as sample confusion.
III. Areas of application

1.Medical Diagnosis

In terms of disease diagnosis, this saliva swab collection kit can be used for the detection of various diseases. For example, in the diagnosis of oral diseases, by collecting saliva samples, pathogens such as bacteria and viruses in the oral cavity can be detected to help doctors diagnose diseases such as oral ulcers and periodontitis. In the diagnosis of some systemic diseases, saliva may contain biomarkers related to diseases. For example, specific proteins or nucleic acid fragments may appear in saliva for certain cancers. By collecting and analyzing saliva samples, clues for the early diagnosis of diseases can be provided.

2.Genetic Testing

For genetic testing, this kit is very practical. Whether it is screening for hereditary diseases or genotyping of individuals, saliva is a good source of samples. By collecting saliva samples, DNA can be extracted and then the gene sequence can be analyzed. For example, in prenatal diagnosis, saliva samples of pregnant women can be collected for the detection of certain hereditary diseases to determine whether the fetus is at risk of disease; in personalized medicine, by analyzing individual saliva gene samples, their drug – metabolizing abilities to certain drugs can be understood, thus providing a basis for precise drug use.

3.Forensic Identification

1. • In the field of forensic medicine, saliva samples can be used as important identification evidence. For example, for saliva traces found at a crime scene, this saliva swab collection kit can be used for sample collection. Then, by analyzing the DNA in the saliva, the identity of the criminal suspect can be determined. In addition, in some cases involving paternity tests, the saliva swab collection kit can also conveniently collect saliva samples of the parties for DNA comparison to determine paternity.