Meridian Launches Two New Air-Dryable qPCR Mixes Enabling Direct Detection of DNA or RNA from Saliva Samples

Meridian Bioscience, Inc. (Cincinnati, OH, USA) has launched its new Air-Dryable Direct DNA qPCR Saliva and Air-Dryable Direct RNA/DNA qPCR Saliva Mixes, which are designed for incorporation in room-temperature stable molecular assays, directly targeting nucleic acid sequence from saliva and sputum.

Saliva is a complex fluid containing various enzymes, hormones, antibodies, growth factors, enzymes and microbes reflecting the body’s health status. The saliva sample has the potential of being a diagnostic medium for a broad range of diseases, such as cancer and infectious agents, CMV, HIV, respiratory viruses (e.g., avian influenza viruses and coronaviruses) and bacterial infections; however, the low concentration of analytes and high concentration of PCR inhibitors have been challenges for assay developers.

Meridian’s new Air-Dryable Direct DNA qPCR Saliva and Air-Dryable Direct RNA/DNA qPCR Saliva Mixes have been formulated specifically to overcome the inhibitors found in saliva samples, allowing a diagnosis directly from crudely processed saliva or sputum samples - no further optimization is required aside from the addition of primers and probes. Furthermore, these mixes can be used simply in a wet format or alternatively dried down to create ambient-temperature stable assays without the need for lyophilization.

“The use of Air-Dryable Direct qPCR Saliva mixes in the development of point-of-care assays, not only offer painless and quick sample analysis but also lower exposure risk to healthcare workers by reducing the need for sample handling,” said Dr. Lourdes Weltzien, Executive Vice President - Life Science. “Our air-dryable technology has proven to save manufacturers’ time and cost, as well as allow them to control their entire manufacturing workflow.”

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