Abstract: A composition and method for stabilizing DNA in saliva at room temperature. The composition comprises a denaturing agent, a chelating agent, a biocide and trehalose in a gel formulation. Such a composition is re-hydrated upon contact with saliva. Also included are means for storing the composition.

Abstract: A sample collection system includes a sample collector having a handle with a collection strip retainer and male threaded portion disposed around the retainer, a collection strip extending from the retainer, wherein the collection strip has a pre-determined maximum load for the sample fluid and a sample volume adequacy indicator; a transport tube including a coupling to removably receive a transport tube cap and a female threaded portion to removably receive the sample collector male threaded portion, the transport tube including visually discernable graduated scale and being a translucent or transparent; and, a predetermined volume of buffer solution disposed within the transport tube cylinder. A method for collecting a fluid sample of adequate volume and known dilution factor is provided utilizing the sample collection system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to obtain RNA-enhanced and protein-enhanced fluid samples which are stable at ambient temperatures. An apparatus includes a filter element made from a fibrous hydrophilic material which preferentially binds and filters cells, DNA-containing macrostructures, mucins and particulates, but does not preferentially bind RNA, RNA-containing macrostructures or proteins. An apparatus may include a sample collector having an absorbent collection pad which also does not preferentially bind RNA, RNA-containing macrostructures or proteins. A method includes obtaining a sample and passing the sample through an RNA-and-protein-preferential filter element to obtain RNA-enhanced and protein-enhanced samples. The method may include use of a RNA-and-protein-preferential absorbent pad material to collect the sample. DNA-rich samples may be obtained by using DNA elution buffer to release the DNA-containing cells and macrostructures after obtaining the RNA-enhanced and protein-enhanced samples.

Abstract: A specimen sample collection system includes a handle having opposing first and second ends, and a sufficiency indicator coupled to the handle, wherein the handle second end and sufficiency indicator form a cavity adapted to receive a sample collection pad; a sample collection pad having opposing ends, the sample collection pad partially contained within and extending from the handle second end and in contact with the sufficiency indicator, the sample collection pad having a cylindrical cross section; and, a pad compression tube having a first open end to go over the sample collection pad and second end of the handle, an opposing second end, an interior surface extending therebetween, and at least outlet port proximal to the pad compression tube second end and in fluid communication with the pad compression tube interior. The system may include wherein the sufficiency indicator is a light pipe or other indicating element, providing visual, aural or haptic indication of sufficient sample volume.

Abstract: A biological sample collection system is described comprising a biological sample collecting wand and a buffer container with a buffer solution. The biological sample collecting wand includes a handle and a sample collector detachably coupled to the handle. The sample collector include one or more sample protrusions, one or more sample apertures, or a combination thereof, at least the sample collector to removably insert into the buffer container.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating and collecting saliva samples containing enhanced cell concentrations includes a mouthpiece having a mouth contact portion and a flow channel which may include a tapered basin, a conduit in fluid communication with the flow channel, and one or more collectors couplable to the conduit. The mouth contact portion and basin may be textured to enhance cell removal. The mouth contact portion may include a plurality of internal and external channels disposed around the flow channel. Filters may be included between the flow channel and the collectors. A closure member is provided.

Abstract: A biological sample collection system is described comprising a biological sample collecting wand and a buffer container with a buffer solution. The biological sample collecting wand includes a handle and a sample collector detachably coupled to the handle. The sample collector include one or more sample protrusions, one or more sample apertures, or a combination thereof, at least the sample collector to removably insert into the buffer container.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating and collecting saliva samples containing enhanced cell concentrations includes a mouthpiece having a mouth contact portion and a flow channel which may include a tapered basin, a conduit in fluid communication with the flow channel, and one or more collectors couplable to the conduit. The mouth contact portion and basin may be textured to enhance cell removal. The mouth contact portion may include a plurality of internal and external channels disposed around the flow channel. Filters may be included between the flow channel and the collectors. A closure member is provided.

Abstract: An embodiment is a fluid sample collection system. More specifically, an embodiment is a fluid sample collection system to facilitate collection of biological specimens and particularly to facilitate collection of saliva, urine, and stool specimens from human or animal species for the purpose of extracting purified DNA and/or RNA.