A recent study published in ACS' Analytical Chemistry has introduced a novel and enjoyable approach to diagnostic testing using lollipops. Researchers have successfully demonstrated that a lollipop-based saliva collection system can effectively capture bacteria from adults and remain shelf-stable for up to a year. This innovative method not only offers a less invasive alternative to traditional throat swabs but also provides a more pleasant experience for patients, as confirmed by study participants who expressed a preference for the lollipop-based system over conventional collection methods.
When diagnosing various illnesses such as strep throat, throat swabs have long been a standard method for collecting samples. However, these swabs can induce gag reflexes and discomfort in patients. Saliva sampling, on the other hand, is a less unpleasant technique that allows patients to provide their own samples for analysis, making it popular for at-home testing and particularly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, gathering a sufficient amount of saliva can still be somewhat unpleasant. To address this issue, scientists sought to combine the process of saliva collection with a more enjoyable activity, such as consuming a lollipop.
The researchers, including Sanitta Thongpang, Ashleigh Theberge, Erwin Berthier, and their colleagues, developed a unique lollipop collection device called CandyCollect. The CandyCollect lollipop features a spoon-like stick with a spiral-shaped groove carved into the top, covered with isomalt candy. As the lollipop is consumed, saliva easily flows into the groove, which acts as a collection channel. In a previous laboratory study, the researchers demonstrated the device's ability to capture the bacteria responsible for strep throat. In this new study, the focus expanded to include other naturally occurring bacteria, comparing CandyCollect with commercially available at-home saliva sampling methods.
The researchers distributed CandyCollect and two conventional saliva sampling kits to 28 adult volunteers, who used the devices and provided feedback through a survey. Afterward, the participants shipped the devices back to the lab for analysis. The researchers eluted the samples and used quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to quantify the presence of Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. CandyCollect consistently detected the target bacteria whenever one or both of the conventional methods did so, achieving a 100% detection rate. Furthermore, the lollipop-based system emerged as the most popular method among participants, who considered it the "most sanitary" and "least disgusting" option. Notably, the system maintained its accuracy even after the lollipops were stored for a year. While further studies are underway, the researchers believe that these promising results demonstrate the adaptability and favorable reception of their system, which could inspire the development of more user-friendly and convenient at-home testing methods.
In conclusion, this innovative lollipop-based saliva collection system offers a delightful and effective approach to diagnostic testing. By combining the act of enjoying a lollipop with the collection of saliva samples, this method proves to be less invasive, more enjoyable, and well-liked by patients. The successful detection of target bacteria and the system's sustained accuracy after long-term storage make it a promising avenue for further research and development in the field of at-home testing methods.
