Method and apparatus for preserving human saliva for testing
First Claim
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1. 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.
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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.
111 Citations
25 Claims
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1. An assay sample collection kit for the direct collection and preservation of a saliva sample for subsequent assay of a hydrophilic compound therein comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for determining the presence of a compound in body plasma comprising the steps of:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A saliva sample collection kit for qualitative detection and quantitative assay of a hydrophilic compound within saliva comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification