When collecting saliva using the iClean® Saliva Swab Collection Kit, the following precautions should be noted:

I. Preparation before Collection

1. Check the Integrity of the Kit
   Before use, carefully check whether the iClean® Saliva Swab Collection Kit is complete. Examine if the swab packaging is damaged, and whether the preservation solution tube is well – sealed without any leakage. If the packaging is broken, it may contaminate the swab, affecting the quality of the sample and the accuracy of the test results.
2. Understand the Collection Purpose and Requirements
   Clarify the purpose of saliva collection, as different test items (such as virus detection, genetic testing, etc.) may have different requirements for sample volume, collection time, etc. For example, genetic testing may require a relatively large amount of saliva to ensure sufficient DNA extraction; while some virus detections may have strict regulations on the storage time and temperature of the sample after collection.
3. Oral Cleaning (if necessary)
   Decide whether to perform oral cleaning according to the specific situation. If it is for the detection of the oral microbiome, excessive oral cleaning is generally not recommended, as it may affect the natural state of the oral microorganisms. However, if it is for the detection of viruses or other non – oral – microorganism – related projects, you can gently rinse your mouth with clean water before collection to remove food debris and other impurities in the mouth. But avoid using mouthwashes containing bactericidal ingredients, as this may kill the target pathogens in the mouth, resulting in an inability to detect the true infection status.

II. Key Points during the Collection Process

1. Correct Collection Posture and Position
   Generally, ask the person being collected to tilt their head slightly forward and open their mouth slightly, allowing saliva to naturally accumulate at the bottom of the mouth. The collector should stand in front of or beside the person being collected for easy operation.
2. Proper Use of the Swab
   After opening the swab packaging, hold the handle of the swab, avoiding contact with the swab head to prevent contamination. Gently place the swab head into the mouth, usually in the area under the tongue or between the inner cheek and teeth, where saliva secretion is relatively abundant. Avoid the swab head coming into contact with teeth, the tongue coating on the surface of the tongue, or other objects outside the oral mucosa, such as the lips, as these areas may contain other impurities or microorganisms that can interfere with the test.
   Gently rotate or roll the swab in the saliva to fully absorb the saliva. The rotation should be gentle and slow to avoid damaging the oral mucosa. For example, the swab can be gently rotated 3 – 5 times at the same position in the mouth to ensure that the swab head can absorb an adequate amount of saliva.
3. Prevent Sample Contamination
   During the entire collection process, pay strict attention to preventing sample contamination. The collector should wear clean gloves and avoid talking, coughing, or sneezing during the operation to prevent droplets or other substances in the mouth from entering the sample. If the swab accidentally touches a non – target object, immediately replace the swab and collect again.

III. Operations after Collection

1. Sample Preservation
   After collection, immediately place the swab into the supporting preservation solution. Ensure that the swab head is completely immersed in the preservation solution, which can maintain the activity of cells or pathogens in the sample and prevent them from degrading or inactivating. According to the instructions of the kit, tightly close the lid of the preservation solution tube to prevent leakage.
2. Label the Sample
   Clearly and accurately labeling the sample is very important. The label should include information such as the name, age, gender, collection date, and collection purpose of the person being collected. Use waterproof labels or markers for labeling to ensure that the label does not become blurred or lost during storage and transportation.
3. Sample Transportation Conditions
   Transport the sample in a suitable environment according to the testing requirements. Generally, the sample should be stored in a low – temperature and light – shielded environment, avoiding high temperatures, severe vibrations, and long – term exposure to sunlight. If it is a sample that requires cold – chain transportation, ensure the use of appropriate refrigeration equipment and transport it according to the specified time and temperature requirements to ensure the quality of the sample and the accuracy and reliability of the test results.