Thermo Fisher Scientific SpeciMAX Saliva Collection Kit

Thermo Fisher Scientific has launched the Thermo Scientific SpeciMAX Saliva Collection Kit to support large-scale research and surveillance programs of SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks and emerging new strains.

While most approved methods for SARS-CoV-2 saliva collection use specialized tubes and buffers for RNA stabilization and virus inactivation, the SpeciMAX Saliva Collection Kit is designed to provide a widely available, cost-effective solution for raw saliva collection to simplify saliva-based testing, the company said. The easy-to-use self-collection kits facilitate clean saliva transfers, reduce risk of cross-contamination when paired with liquid handlers, and fit into viral RNA extraction and direct-to-PCR downstream automation workflows for high-throughput surveillance testing.

The individually packaged and barcoded kits require just 1 mL of saliva and include a funnel and cap to secure the sample for processing. The standardized collection tube size can hold 6 mL of sample volume but requires less refrigeration, incubation, and storage space than other collection kits available on the market, Thermo Fisher added. The company also noted that the kit is currently for research use only, and isn't authorized for use in diagnostic procedures.