SpeciMAX saliva collection kits are optimized for simple self-collection of saliva samples for SARS-CoV-2 and beyond.
We offer two different standardized saliva collection methods to best suit your labs research needs:
- SpeciMAX stabilized saliva collection kit for collection of preserved saliva in non-hazardous, virus-inactivated solution for SARS-CoV-2 research.
Order the SpeciMAX stabilized saliva collection kit
- SpeciMAX saliva collection kit for collection of plain/raw saliva for efficient, cost-effective, and high-frequency surveillance testing.
Saliva collection kits optimized for your automated workflow
- Standardized processing—6 mL standardized tubes and caps are compatible with automation racks and decappers for downstream analysis workflows for less manual, labor-intensive saliva pipetting when using a liquid handler
- Optimized for viral RNA extraction (both kits) and direct to PCR (plain/raw kit only) workflows using Applied Biosystems MagMAX Viral/Pathogen kits (RUO), Thermo Scientific KingFisher Purification Systems, Applied Biosystems TaqCheck SARS-CoV-2 Fast PCR Assay (RUO), and TaqMan Applied Biosystems TaqMan Assays (RUO)
Space, time, and cost savings compared to other collection kits
- No manual sample transfer step needed when used with automatic liquid handlers (see the time savings)
- Uses less refrigeration space than other collectors (see the space savings)
- No sample swabs to work around
Easy-to-use with non-invasive, self-collection capability
- Secures 1-2 mL saliva in 6 mL polypropylene transfer tube
- Convenient single-use funnel and collection tube that allows for self-collection preferred by most users
Optimized for saliva collection and sample accessioning
- 95kPa compliant saliva collection tube for secure transport
- Single-use, individually-packaged kits available in cases from a trusted single-source supplier (Looking for bulk ordering? Request more information.)
To see full instructions and protocol videos for use, visit the respective SpeciMAX saliva collection kit product pages.
- SpeciMAX Plain/Raw Saliva Collection Kit is easy to use and cost effective—low cost per sample
- SpeciMAX Stabilized Saliva Collection Kits help keep staff safe with a non-hazardous, virus-inactivating stabilization solution that is compatible with all disinfection protocols (does not contain guanidinium)
| Benefit | Raw (a.k.a. plain/whole/neat) saliva | Stabilized/preserved saliva |
|---|---|---|
| Increased safety (SARS-CoV-2 and common enveloped respiratory virus inactivation) | ✓ | |
| Stabilized nucleic acids for sample storage | ✓ | |
| Store/ship saliva at room temperature | ✓ | |
| Length of storage | SARS-CoV-2: up to 7 days *at 4ºC | gDNA: 2 years Viral nucleic acid: up to 14 days RNA: up to 14 days *at ambient temperatures |
| Suitable for PCR workflows | Direct-to-PCR or viral RNA extraction | Viral RNA extraction |
| Saliva sample volume needed | 1—2 mL (1 and 2 mL fill lines) | 1 mL (1 and 2 mL fill lines) (Fill to here sticker) |
| Funnel | Single-use, snap-on funnel | Spill-resistant, single-use, screw-on funnel |
| Barcoding on tubes | 1D barcode supplied in box, added manually by user | Yes, serialized 1D barcode |
| Regulatory classification | For Research Use Only | |
| Heat tolerance | Up to 95ºC | |
| Cat. No. | A50696 (400 kits), A50696P10 (10 kits) | A50697 (100 kits), A50697p10 (10 kits) |
Benefits of SpeciMax saliva collection over nasal swab and nasopharyngeal collection:
- Non-invasive sample collection
- Self-collected and less variability between users
- Easier laboratory workflow (no swabs to deal with)
- No mucus issues
- Preferred by most users
SpeciMAX plain/raw saliva collection kit compared to 15 and 50 mL conical tubes
| SpeciMAX Saliva Collection Kit | 15 and 50 mL conical tube or conical tube with straw | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Tubes are designed to be placed directly into automaton racks — no sample transfer steps | 30 sec manual transfers x 1000 samples = 8 hrs of lost labor (see image below) |
| Storage | 6 mL size | 15 and 50 mL size |
| Accuracy | Comparable to nasopharyngeal swabs using standard extraction | Potential risk of contamination due to manual transfers, epithelial cells taken from straw can interfere with reading |
| Ease of use |
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Stabilized collection kit compared to other stabilized collection kits
| SpeciMAX Stabilized Collection Kit | Other saliva collection kits | |
|---|---|---|
| Stabilizing agent | Non-hazardous solution preserves nucleic acids and inactivates common respiratory viruses | Hazardous and/or flammable stabilization solutions present waste and shipping challenges (such as ethanol- or guanidinium-based solutions) |
| Disinfection | Compatible with all disinfection protocols and no reaction with bleach (does not contain guanidinium) | Not all are compatible with all disinfecting protocols and some can cause dangerous cyanide gas when used with bleach |
| Size | 6 mL standard-sized tubes compatible with automation racks and decappers for downstream analysis workflows and liquid handlers | Not all are compatible with decappers or automation racks requiring manual transfers (see potential time savings below) |
| Collection volume | Only 1 mL of saliva necessary | Require 2 mL of saliva |
Helps save time and money by eliminating messy manual saliva transfers needed when using non-standardized collection kits
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Helps save incubator, storage, and refrigeration space compared to other collection kits
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SpeciMAX Stabilized Saliva kit
SpeciMAX Plain/Raw Saliva kit
SpeciMAX saliva collection kits fit into your direct-to-PCR or viral RNA extraction workflow. At Thermo Fisher Scientific, we offer both solutions depending on your needs.
Direct-to-PCR workflows for the TaqMan SARS-CoV-2 Fast PCR Combo Kit 2.0 and TaqCheck SARS-CoV-2 Fast PCR Assay
SARS-CoV-2 surveillance testing for population-level occurrence
Click image to enlarge
See the direct to PCR workflows for TaqCheck SARS-CoV-2 Fast PCR Assay and TaqMan SARS-CoV-2 Fast PCR Combo Kit 2.0 assays.
Standard viral RNA extraction workflows with MagMAX Viral/Pathogen kits (RUO) and KingFisher
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See the more sensitive detection RNA extraction workflow here
Not sure which SpeciMAX kit is right for you?
Click here to request a Thermo Fisher representative contact you.
Resources
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
