The advantages, disadvantages, and precautions of the iClean® Saliva Swab Collection Kit are as follows:

Advantages

• Non-invasive Sampling: Compared with traditional methods such as blood sampling, saliva sampling is a non-invasive procedure that does not cause pain or trauma to the person being sampled. It is especially suitable for children, the elderly, and those with a fear of blood collection, which improves the acceptance of sampling.
• Simple Operation: The sampling process is relatively straightforward. It does not require professional medical personnel to perform the operation. The person being sampled can collect the saliva sample by themselves. According to the instructions in the manual, they can simply spit saliva into the collection tube or use the swab to wipe inside the mouth and then put it into the collection tube, saving time and labor costs.
• Good Sample Stability: The biological components in the saliva sample have good stability under appropriate storage conditions. Genetic materials such as DNA and RNA in the saliva, as well as various biomarkers, can remain in a relatively stable state for a certain period, which is convenient for transportation and storage and is beneficial for subsequent detection and analysis.
• Multiple Sampling Possible: Saliva samples can be collected multiple times as needed for dynamic monitoring or repeated testing. For some diseases or research projects that require long-term follow-up observation, multiple collections of saliva samples can better reflect the physiological changes of an individual.

Disadvantages

• Limited Sample Volume: The secretion volume of saliva is relatively limited. Especially in some special populations or specific physiological states, such as patients with xerostomia or those under stress, it may be difficult to obtain a sufficient amount of saliva for testing. Multiple samplings or methods to stimulate saliva secretion may be required, which may increase the complexity and time cost of sampling.
• Susceptible to Oral Environment Influence: Factors such as food residues, bacteria, and viruses in the oral cavity may contaminate the saliva sample and affect the accuracy of the test results. For example, collecting saliva shortly after eating may cause changes in the concentration of certain components in the saliva and interfere with the test results.
• Limited Testing Items: Although saliva testing has a wide range of applications in many fields, there are still some testing items that cannot be accurately detected through saliva samples, or the sensitivity and specificity of the detection are not as good as those of other samples such as blood.

Precautions

• Before Sampling
  • Dietary Restrictions: Within 30 minutes before sampling, avoid eating, drinking, smoking, chewing gum, etc., to prevent affecting the composition and concentration of saliva.
  • Oral Hygiene: Keep the oral cavity clean before sampling. You can rinse your mouth with clean water first to remove food residues and debris in the mouth, but do not use toothpaste or mouthwash to avoid the chemical components in them from interfering with the test results.
• During Sampling
  • Sampling Method: Collect the saliva sample correctly according to the requirements of the product instructions. When using the swab for sampling, ensure that the swab fully contacts the mucosal surface in the mouth to obtain enough cells and biological components.
  • Sampling Time: Try to perform the sampling during the period when saliva secretion is relatively sufficient. Generally, the morning is a suitable time for sampling.
• After Sampling
  • Storage and Transportation: The collected saliva sample should be stored and transported as required. Usually, the sample needs to be placed in a low-temperature and dry environment and sent to the testing institution as soon as possible. Avoid exposing the sample to a high-temperature or humid environment for a long time to prevent the sample from deteriorating.
  • Clear Labeling: Clearly mark the name of the person being sampled, the sampling time, and other information on the collection tube to avoid confusion during subsequent testing.