Abstract: A biological sample collection system can include a sample collection vessel having an opening configured to receive a biological sample and a selectively movable valve configured to at least partially associate with the opening of the sample collection vessel. The selectively movable valve can include a post and a valve head associated with a distal portion of the post. The system can additionally include a sealing cap configured to associate with the selectively movable valve and with the sample collection vessel. The sealing cap can include a reagent chamber for storing a measure of sample preservation reagent and associating the sealing cap with the sample collection vessel causes a physical rearrangement of the post and the valve head such that a fluid vent associated with the post aligns with an aperture defined by the valve head allowing fluid communication between the reagent chamber and the sample collection vessel.

Abstract: A biological sample collection system can include (i) a sample collection vessel having an opening for receiving a biological sample, (ii) a selectively movable valve comprising a core and a collar disposed about the core, and (iii) a sealing cap coupled to the collar and comprising a reagent chamber for storing a measure of sample preservation reagent. The sealing cap is configured to associate—and form a fluid tight connection—with the sample collection vessel such that associating the sealing cap with the sample collection vessel causes a physical rearrangement of the core relative to the collar such that a fluid vent associated with the core is moved into fluid communication with the reagent chamber, thereby permitting sample preservation reagent to pass from the regent chamber to the sample collection vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed is nucleic acid preserving compositions and methods of manufacturing and using the same. Compositions include a carrier, a chaotropic agent, a buffering agent, a chelating agent, a surfactant, an alcohol, an acid, and a mucolytic agent. Compositions as aqueous solutions can include water as a carrier. Preferred embodiments include water, guanidine thiocyanate, Tris, EDTA, SLS, SDA 3C, HCl, and N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Some embodiments include a colored dye as a visual indicator. Methods of manufacturing include combining the components into a mixture, such as an aqueous solution. Methods of use include providing a biological sample that includes nucleic acid and contacting the biological sample with the composition. Kits include the composition disposed in a portion of a biological sample collection apparatus.

Abstract: A biological sample collection system can include (i) a sample collection vessel having an opening for receiving a biological sample, (ii) a selectively movable valve comprising a core and a collar disposed about the core, and (iii) a sealing cap coupled to the collar and comprising a reagent chamber for storing a measure of sample preservation reagent. The sealing cap is configured to associate—and form a fluid tight connection—with the sample collection vessel such that associating the sealing cap with the sample collection vessel causes a physical rearrangement of the core relative to the collar such that a fluid vent associated with the core is moved into fluid communication with the reagent chamber, thereby permitting sample preservation reagent to pass from the regent chamber to the sample collection vessel.

Abstract: A biological sample collection system can include (i) a sample collection vessel having an opening for receiving a biological sample, (ii) a selectively movable valve comprising a core and a collar disposed about the core, and (iii) a sealing cap coupled to the collar and comprising a reagent chamber for storing a measure of sample preservation reagent. The sealing cap is configured to associate—and form a fluid tight connection—with the sample collection vessel such that associating the sealing cap with the sample collection vessel causes a physical rearrangement of the core relative to the collar such that a fluid vent associated with the core is moved into fluid communication with the reagent chamber, thereby permitting sample preservation reagent to pass from the regent chamber to the sample collection vessel.

Abstract: A biological sample collection system includes a sample collection vessel having an opening disposed at a top portion thereof and a sample collection chamber having sample preservation reagent disposed therein and which is in fluid communication with the opening. The system additionally includes a funnel configured to selectively couple to the opening such that the funnel opening and the opening of the sample collection vessel are in fluid communication when the funnel coupled to the opening. The system also includes a removable stopper having a plug that is configured to seal the opening and/or the funnel opening.

Abstract: Disclosed is nucleic acid preserving compositions and methods of manufacturing and using the same. Compositions include a carrier, a chaotropic agent, a buffering agent, a chelating agent, a surfactant, an alcohol, an acid, and a mucolytic agent. Compositions as aqueous solutions can include water as a carrier. Preferred embodiments include water, guanidine thiocyanate, Tris, EDTA, SLS, SDA 3C, HCl, and N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Some embodiments include a colored dye as a visual indicator. Methods of manufacturing include combining the components into a mixture, such as an aqueous solution. Methods of use include providing a biological sample that includes nucleic acid and contacting the biological sample with the composition. Kits include the composition disposed in a portion of a biological sample collection apparatus.

Abstract: A biological sample collection device can include a sample collection vessel having a sample collection chamber with an opening configured to receive a biological sample into the sample collection chamber. The sample collection chamber can also include elongate ridges disposed along and projecting inwardly from an interior portion thereof. The sample collection vessel can also include a connection member disposed on an exterior portion and a fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir can include a reagent chamber having an open end and a closed end with an elongate member disposed at the closed end that is sized and shaped to engage the elongate ridges of the sample collection vessel when arranged within the fluid reservoir. The sample collection vessel can also include a sealing cap having internal threads for engaging external threads of the fluid reservoir and a complementary connection member to couple the sample collection vessel and the sealing cap.

Abstract: Disclosed is nucleic acid preserving compositions and methods of manufacturing and using the same. Compositions include a carrier, a chaotropic agent, a buffering agent, a chelating agent, a surfactant, an alcohol, an acid, and a mucolytic agent. Compositions as aqueous solutions can include water as a carrier. Preferred embodiments include water, guanidine thiocyanate, Tris, EDTA, SLS, SDA 3C, HCl, and N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Some embodiments include a colored dye as a visual indicator. Methods of manufacturing include combining the components into a mixture, such as an aqueous solution. Methods of use include providing a biological sample that includes nucleic acid and contacting the biological sample with the composition. Kits include the composition disposed in a portion of a biological sample collection apparatus.

Abstract: A collection apparatus having an open central retaining member retaining a frustum-shaped cap at one end with a collection vial removably affixed to the frustum-shaped cap. The open central retaining member also retains within it a capsule retaining member into which a frangible capsule retaining a sample preservative if retained. The seal is broken and specimen preservative flows over a collection swab, with the frustum-shaped cap serving as a closing member and an interior wall of the collection vial serving as a closing member at an opposite end of the open central retaining member.