Saliva sampling method affects performance of a salivary α-amylase biosensor

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) is a biomarker used in clinical settings.
• Discrepancies exist between point-of-care biosensors and laboratory analyzers for sAA measurement.
• The method of saliva collection may influence biosensor performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how different saliva sampling methods affect the analytical performance of an sAA biosensor.
• To compare direct mouth readings with readings from passively collected saliva.
• To evaluate the impact of sample processing on biosensor accuracy.

Main Methods:

• Compared direct mouth biosensor readings with biosensor and conventional assay readings from passively collected saliva.
• Analyzed saliva samples processed via three methods: unprocessed, thawed, and thawed/centrifuged.
• Utilized Bland-Altman plots to assess agreement between measurement methods.

Main Results:

• Direct mouth readings yielded significantly lower sAA values compared to all other methods.
• Passive drool saliva readings correlated strongly across different processing and assay types.
• Smaller discrepancies were observed between conventional and biosensor readings from passive drool samples.

Conclusions:

• The saliva sampling method critically influences sAA biosensor analytical performance.
• Indirect sAA measurements from passive drool saliva offer more accurate estimations than direct mouth readings.
• Passive drool collection is recommended for reliable sAA biosensor measurements, even with sample processing.