Description
This technology is a method for adding a preservative to a commercial off-the-shelf saliva collection kit. A proprietary process coats the interior of the storage vile with a uniform thickness of the preservative. This additive, in conjunction with centrifuging, allows saliva samples to be stored at room temperature for up to four months.
Benefits
Long-Term Storage at Room Temperature: Prior art can store samples for long periods of time only through refrigeration or freezing. This new technology can store saliva at room temperature for up to four months.
Potential Application(s)
Medical Testing: This technology can be used for medical testing in developing nations or wherever samples are gathered without access to a freezer.
AIDS Testing: The preservative can be used in testing kits to ascertain the antibody count in AIDS patients.
Drug, Alcohol, and DNA Testing: Saliva testing is an emerging field for drug, alcohol, and DNA testing. This technology can be used when stabilization and shelf life are necessary, for example, in a lengthy lawsuit or when a sample may need to be saved for retesting.
Technology Commercialization Status
Developmental Status:
A prototype exists for space use. A new clinical concept for the prototype has been identified and is awaiting commercial partnership for development.
Patent Status:
The invention, "Preservation of Liquid Biological Samples," is protected under U. S. patent number 6,133,036 issued on October 17, 2000, and patent number 6,716,392 issued on April 6, 2004. The patent is owned by the United States of America and was developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Contact for Technical Information:
NASA Technology Transfer & Commercialization Office NASA Johnson Space Center 2101 NASA Road 1 Mail Code HA Houston, Texas 77058 Phone: (281) 483-1749 Fax: (281) 244-8452 Email: commercialization@jsc.nasa.gov
Related Technologies
Contact If your company is interested in this technology please contact:
JSC Technology Transfer
Phone: (281) 483-3809
Public Release Date: 5/17/2000
Reference Number: TOP9-24
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