There are no temperature requirements for shipping.
The following results demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 RNA saliva specimens are stable in the SDNA-1000 Saliva Collection Device when exposed to a broad range of temperature conditions. These data support the use of the SDNA-1000 Saliva Collection Device for transport and storage of specimens following home collection of saliva.
To support home use of the Spectrum Solutions LLC SDNA-1000 Saliva Collection Device, a Simulated Shipping Study was performed that was designed to evaluate the effect of temperature variation on the stability of SARS-CoV-2 RNA during transport of saliva specimens. The study was conducted using residual clinical specimens that had previously been reported as SARS-CoV-2 positive or negative using the Rutgers TaqPath SARS-CoV-2 Assay, and which were stored at -80°C until the start of the study. The SARS-CoV-2 positive specimens were selected based on the Ct values obtained upon initial testing and covered the spectrum of Ct values observed with the assay.
To perform the study, the specimens were thawed and then subjected to the thermal profiles outlined in Tables 10 and 11 which were intended to simulate the extreme temperature conditions that may be experienced in the shipment of specimens during the summer and winter, respectively. At the conclusion of each thermal profile, the samples were retested with the Rutgers TaqPath SARS-CoV-2 Assay, and the results obtained were compared to those reported upon initial testing at the time the specimens were received. A summary of the mean Ct values observed for each SARS-CoV-2 specific target gene is provided in Table 12. The Ct values for each individual sample are presented graphically in Figure 1. (See EUA summary)