So it turns out that SARS-CoV-2 RNA is remarkably stable in saliva samples, whether stored frozen then tested or just left sitting around in warmer conditions... 
Fun fact: these saliva samples were collected in nothing but simple, sterile, nuclease-free plastic containers! While fancy collection devices are being promoted for their RNA stabilization buffers, perhaps they’re most useful for generating revenue ;)
Without the requirement for cold chain handling, this low cost sampling approach also facilitates the collection, transport and testing of saliva in regions or countries with limited resources.
Interestingly, while SARS-CoV-2 RNA remained pretty darn stable, detection of human RNAse P declined over time.
...does anyone out there have any idea what might be preserving SARS-CoV-2 RNA??
...does anyone out there have any idea what might be preserving SARS-CoV-2 RNA??
The take home: expensive collection devices are prohibitive to mass testing efforts. Simple saliva collection frees testing from supply chain issues, helps keep testing costs down, and permits frequent testing which is so desperately needed right now medrxiv.org/content/10.110…
Our continued SARS-CoV-2 research is only possible due to the incredible ongoing collaborations all across @Yale, @YSPH, @YSM, @YNHH, @YaleNursing, @YaleGH
Special mention to just some of the inspiring individuals that I am privileged to be working on this all with @IsabelOtt @aewatkins6 @madison_strine @AJMooreHealth @maria_tokuyama @Maikel_Boot @VirusesImmunity @WilenLab @ShelFarFar @DelaCruzYaleMed @VogelsChantal @NathanGrubaugh
If any postdocs are interested in joining our team, please get in touch! covidtrackerct.com/jobs/
