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Updated: Apr 15, 2026
VirWaTest, A Point-of-Use Method for the Detection of Viruses in Water Samples
Published on: May 11, 2019
Detecting DNA viruses in oral fluids: evaluation of collection and storage methods
David J Speicher1, Peter Wanzala2, Melvin D'Lima2
1School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; Molecular Basis of Disease Research Program, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; Population & Social Health Research Program (Population Oral Health), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.
Abstract:
Storing saliva for nucleic acid diagnostics is problematic in resource-constrained settings. DNA Genotek's OMNIgene™·DISCOVER kit aims to stabilise microbial DNA at room temperature. We evaluate this for long-term storage, determining DNA quantity/purity and human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) load as indicator. Viral loads and DNA degradation were assayed over 14months in HHV-8-negative saliva spiked with cell-associated and cell-free virus and saliva collected fresh frozen and into kits from 10 HIV-positive patients. Viral loads remained constant for 6-9months, yielding high quantities of DNA: subsequent losses were ≤48%. Patient samples, frozen or kit stored, produced pure DNA of comparable concentration. Higher HHV-8 detection in frozen saliva resulted from losses during ethanol precipitation using kits. After 14months, DNA degradation was significant in frozen saliva, but that in kits had integrity similar to fresh samples. Storing frozen saliva is detrimental. This kit is well suited for collection, long-term storage, and assay of viral DNA in resource-constrained settings.
