| Popis: |
The emergence of salivary bioscience began in the 1980’s, around the same time that researchers discovered we could assess cortisol through the gathering of saliva. In recent decades, the field of salivary bioscience has exponentially grown in scientific interest. This is likely due to the fact that interest in salivary cortisol has risen as well as the emergence of noninvasive procedures to collect other biomarkers of health (e.g., c-reactive protein, alpha amylase, uric acid) through saliva. However, the global health crisis caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has presented challenges to biomedical researchers. The current manuscript provides detailed guidelines for safely collecting saliva as a biospecimen during and post the era of COVID-19. The protocol has six sections: screenings, package creation and mailing, sample collection demonstration, a contact-free drop-off or pick-up, text message reminders, and storage. Depending on participant screening responses and consistent with quarantine timelines suggested by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the entire protocol can be completed between 4 to 18 days, excluding package creation and mailing. The steps outlined can be accommodated by scientists with developing and mastery level expertise. The protocol can be applied to existing salivary bioscience protocols and maximize safety in the presence of other infectious diseases. |
