Qiagen PreAnalytix PaxGene Saliva Collector

Qiagen recently launched the PreAnalytix PAXGene Saliva Collector, a non-invasive and painless sample collection method containing a preservation solution that stabilizes DNA levels in human saliva samples by protecting the DNA from degradation and inhibiting bacterial growth throughout storage. The device was developed by PreAnalytix, a joint venture between Qiagen and Becton Dickinson. One initial area of application is sample collection for SARS-CoV-2 research, Qiagen said. In addition to DNA stabilization, SARS-CoV-2-derived RNA copy numbers are preserved when saliva is collected in the PAXgene Saliva Collector. SARS-CoV-2 RNA present in a saliva sample is stabilized for at least four days at 20° C. While the PAXgene Saliva Collector stabilizes SARS-CoV-2 particles for detection and quantification, it efficiently inactivates the capability of the virus to infect and replicate itself in a cell culture model, Qiagen said.