Stability of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Nonsupplemented Saliva

Emerg Infect Dis. 2021 Apr;27(4):1146-1150. doi: 10.3201/eid2704.204199.

Abstract

The expense of saliva collection devices designed to stabilize severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RNA is prohibitive to mass testing. However, virus RNA in nonsupplemented saliva is stable for extended periods and at elevated temperatures. Simple plastic tubes for saliva collection will make large-scale testing and continued surveillance easier.

Keywords: 2019 novel coronavirus disease; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; coronavirus disease; diagnostics; respiratory infections; saliva; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; viruses; zoonoses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Testing / methods*
  • COVID-19* / diagnosis
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / virology
  • Capacity Building / methods
  • Humans
  • RNA Stability
  • RNA, Viral* / isolation & purification
  • RNA, Viral* / physiology
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Resource Allocation
  • SARS-CoV-2* / genetics
  • SARS-CoV-2* / isolation & purification
  • Saliva / virology*
  • Specimen Handling / economics
  • Specimen Handling / instrumentation
  • Specimen Handling / methods

Substances

  • RNA, Viral