A Complete COVID-19 Saliva Testing Workflow

Safe Inactivation of Coronavirus in Saliva Samples

In terms of COVID-19 testing, the world faced swab shortages during the first wave of the pandemic in 2020, preventing many people from getting tested. This slows efforts to stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Luckily, saliva samples can solve several challenges inherent to nasopharyngeal swabs.

To enable safe shipping and handling of saliva samples to core laboratory facilities, preservative agents must inactivate the coronavirus to stop viral transmission. Norgen’s Saliva RNA preservative (also known as Norgen’s Total Nucleic Acid Preservative) functions as an RNA preservative solution and lysing agent to inactivate viruses.

Download this free application note to learn more about how Norgen’s Saliva RNA preservative effectively inactivates human coronaviruses and enables safe handling of samples.

Silicon Carbide-based RNA Extraction Improves RNA Yield and Quality

If you’re working with sensitive samples or simply looking to improve your RNA extraction workflow, using Norgen Biotek's Silicon Carbide (SiC)-based technology can help in a number of ways: 

1. Broad spectrum RNA binding affinity for all RNA species (including small RNAs), providing a more complete picture of a sample's true RNA profile.
2. High sensitivity, ideal for the detection of ultra low viral loads, particularly in asymptomatic and recovering patient samples.
3. Carrier RNA-free extraction, which enhances the sequencing efficiency of target sequences.
4. Phenol/chloroform-free extraction, optimal for any sensitive downstream applications.
5. Virus inactivating buffers, to ensure samples are noninfectious for transport.

To learn more about Norgen Biotek's SiC-based RNA extraction technology, download this free white paper.