Abstract: Provided herein are self-collection devices for collecting and/or processing biofluids. The biofluid, such as saliva, is collected in a collection tube. A tube insert in the collection tube is configured to work with a cap having an integrated reservoir volume holding a reagent. Upon connecting the cap to the collection tube, the material in the reservoir volume is effectively introduced to or mixed with the sample in the collection tube. In this manner, there is no risk of user exposure to the reagent and no adverse impact on the ability to reliably mix reagent with sample. The device can then be shipped to a testing facility. Alternatively, a biomarker detection membrane may be used to detect more immediately, without shipping, presence or absence of a material in the sample. This provides for an almost instantaneous read-out that is incorporated into the self-collection device.

Abstract: Substantially purified enterochromaffin (EC) cells and methods of using the cells to identify nucleic acid sequences involved in disorders associated with enterochromaffin cells are provided. In addition, methods of treating enterochromaffin cell-associated disorders such as carcinoid tumor, carcinoid syndrome and irritable bowel disorder by targeting the identified nucleic acid sequences are provided.