Saliva Collection Card: A New Assistant for Disease Diagnosis

In the field of modern medical testing, the saliva collection card is gradually emerging as a highly promising testing tool.

I. Functional Features

The saliva collection card has many remarkable functional features. Firstly, it is convenient. Compared with traditional blood collection methods, collecting saliva doesn’t require professional phlebotomists or complex blood – collection equipment, and ordinary people can operate it with simple instructions. This non – invasive collection method greatly reduces the discomfort of the person being sampled. Secondly, the sample stability is high. The material and design of the collection card can ensure that the biological components in the saliva sample remain stable for a certain period. This means that the sample can be stored and transported at room temperature for a period of time after collection without affecting the test results. For example, after collecting samples in remote areas, the effectiveness of the samples can be ensured without immediate cold – chain transportation. Moreover, the cost of the saliva collection card is low. Both the production cost of the collection card itself and the associated collection operation cost are far lower than those of some complex test sample – collection methods, making large – scale sample collection and testing more economically feasible.

II. Usage Methods

Using the saliva collection card is not complicated. Before collection, the user needs to wash their hands thoroughly to ensure a clean collection environment. If the collection card is equipped with swabs, check whether the swabs are in intact and sterile packaging. During collection, if saliva is collected by direct spitting, the person being sampled should open their mouth wide and gently spit saliva onto the collection area marked on the collection card until a sufficient amount of saliva is collected. Generally, the amount of saliva required varies depending on the test items, but usually a few drops to about one milliliter is sufficient. If using swabs for collection, place the swab in the mouth and gently rotate it in the oral cavity so that the swab fully absorbs saliva, and then place the swab with saliva on the corresponding area of the collection card. After collection, let the saliva on the collection card dry naturally in a well – ventilated and dry environment. This process usually takes from a few minutes to half an hour, depending on the amount of saliva and environmental humidity. After drying, place the collection card properly in a clean and dry place and label important information such as the collection date and the name of the person being sampled on the collection card.

III. Specific Applications

The saliva collection card has a wide range of applications in medical diagnosis. In the detection of infectious diseases, for example, in the detection of influenza virus, the presence of the virus can be detected by collecting saliva samples. When influenza breaks out, using saliva collection cards can quickly screen a large number of people to timely identify infected individuals and control the spread of the epidemic. In the diagnosis of hereditary diseases, since human saliva contains oral epithelial cells, which contain DNA. Using saliva collection cards can conveniently obtain DNA samples and then detect gene mutations related to some hereditary diseases. For example, in the screening of some single – gene hereditary diseases, this simple collection method can make more people willing to accept testing and improve the early diagnosis rate of diseases. In addition, the saliva collection card can also play a role in the monitoring of some chronic diseases. For example, by detecting certain biomarkers in saliva, the blood glucose control of diabetic patients can be monitored as an auxiliary, providing a basis for doctors to adjust treatment plans.