Method and apparatus for preserving human saliva for testing
OwnerDavid R. Schneiderinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for the preservation of a saliva sample for use in subsequent quantitative chemical assays. The method involves collecting a saliva sample at a location, directly into a specimen cup. The specimen cup contains a predetermined volume of aqueous solution of pH buffered saline and enzymatic inhibitor and is optionally adapted with a constituent compound specific, qualitative test unit.
Claims25
An assay sample collection kit for the direct collection and preservation of a saliva sample for subsequent assay of a hydrophilic compound therein comprising:
- a) an ionic solute that upon dilution to a preselected volume in water yields a solution with an osmality of a normal physiological body fluid;
- and
- b) an enzymatic inhibiter of an enzyme capable of utilizing said hydrophilic compound as a substrate, said enzyme being present in the saliva sample.
A method for determining the presence of a compound in body plasma comprising the steps of:
- a) collecting a saliva sample at a first location directly into a specimen cup, said specimen cup containing a measured aqueous solution consisting essentially of:
- pH buffered saline, and an enzymatic inhibitor;
- b) sealing said specimen cup against spillage and tampering;
- c) transporting said specimen cup to a second location;
- and
- d) assaying said specimen for said compound at said second location.
A saliva sample collection kit for qualitative detection and quantitative assay of a hydrophilic compound within saliva comprising:
- a) an ionic solute that upon dilution to a preselected volume in water yields a solution with an osmality of a normal physiological body fluid;
- b) an enzymatic inhibiter of an enzyme capable of utilizing said hydrophilic compound as a substrate, said enzyme being present in the saliva sample;
- c) a specimen bottle containing said solution and said inhibitor, said bottle having a compressible, light-transmitting capillary extending therefrom, the capillary having an opening covered by said solution and a fused distal portion;
- d) an ampoule adapted to fit within the capillary, said ampoule having an internal pressure less than one atmosphere;
- e) an enzyme adapted to yield a product from the hydrophilic compound as a substrate, wherein aid enzyme is contained within said ampoule;
- and
- f) a colorometric indicator system adjacent to said enzyme for redox coupling to said product, wherein said indicator system is contained within said ampoule.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.