Comparison of oral fluid collectors for use in a rapid point-of-care diagnostic device.

Orally based diagnostic testing is emerging as an alternative, noninvasive method for analyzing a variety of analytes. These analytes include pathogens, antibodies, drugs, and nucleic acids. In the present study we developed a protocol for evaluation of collectors that could be used in orally based, point-of-care diagnostics. A performance comparison was carried out with a number of commercially available collectors, and their ability to deliver fluid, proteins, bacteria, and nucleic acid from pathogens compatible with PCR was assessed. The collectors were all capable of picking up and delivering test materials, albeit at various levels.