Evaluating User Experience and DNA Yield from Self-Collection Devices

The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized an urgent need for devices used in the self-collection of biospecimens in an evolving patient care system. The mailing of biospecimen self-collection kits to patients, with samples returned via mail, provides a more convenient testing regimen, but could also impart patient sampling variabilities. User compliance with device directions is central to downstream testing of collected biospecimens and clear instructions are central to this goal.

Here, we performed an evaluation of 10 oral DNA collection devices involving either swab or saliva self-collection and analyzed ease of use and comfort level with a device, as well as DNA recovery quantity/quality and sample stability.

We show that while these DNA quality/quantity metrics are comparable between devices, users prefer direct saliva collection over swab-based devices.

This information is useful in guiding future experiments including their use in human RNA, microbial, or viral sample collection/recovery and their use in clinical testing.