DEVICE AND METHOD FOR COLLECTING, TRANSPORTING AND RECOVERING LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT ANALYTES IN SALIVA

摘要

This invention relates to low molecular weight analyte sequestration, storage, transport and recovery device and methods for its use with saliva samples in the detection of glucose and other low molecular weight analytes. A stimulated or non-stimulated saliva sample is contacted with a matrix (16) disposed within a container (12) that adsorbs glucose, absorbs water and excludes molecules above a certain size when hydrated. After hydration of the matrix by the saliva sample, the glucose is both adsorbed to the matrix, and migrates into the cavities within the matrix, whereas microbes such as bacteria and larger molecules such as proteins cannot. A membrane (18) keeps the matrix (16) in the bottom of the container (12). The sample is then transported to a location where the glucose will be eluted from the matrix and assayed.