CS-1 or CS-2 with the Oragene® disc kits^† (OG-250 and OGR-250): using saliva sponges to collect DNA samples from infants and young children

Note: When using sponges to collect DNA please use the following instructions and disregard the instructions in the container packaging.

Introduction

Saliva can be collected from most adult donors and children by following the user instructions for spitting directly into the Oragene® self-collection disc kit. However, infants and young children are unable to spit the required 2 mL of saliva. DNA Genotek has developed a collection procedure for infants and young children that uses saliva sponges and the Oragene kit to collect a sample. The saliva sponges included in the kit are ideal for collecting the relatively large amount of saliva present in the cheek pouches of young children. More DNA can be collected by taking several saliva sponge samples from each child over a period of time.

Preparing for saliva collection

• If using CS-2, you will need a pair of clean, sharp scissors to cut the sponges into the kit.
• Caution should always be used when inserting anything into a child’s mouth. It is recommended that the adult should maintain control of the sponge at all times and never leave the child unattended when using the sponges. We recommend that you only use the sponges provided and that you do NOT substitute with other sponges or swabs.
• Although not required, the child may drink water or brush teeth with water before the collection. After rinsing or brushing, wait at least 10 minutes before collecting a saliva sample. If the child is nursing, wait 15–20 minutes after feeding before collecting a saliva sample.
• Some children find that the saliva sponge tickles their gums. Depending on the age of the child, it may be helpful to explain ahead of time that the collection will be a fun experience that will not take long and that the sponge may tickle.
• Try not to rub directly on the child’s teeth to minimize the amount of bacteria transferred to the sponge.
• If a donor can provide some saliva, but not the full amount, through spitting, it is perfectly acceptable to combine saliva from spitting together with saliva sponges in the same Oragene kit.
• If the donor is unable to provide suffcient saliva within the recommended 10–15 minutes (which would be very rare), the following procedure can be tried. Securely cap the Oragene kit after 15 minutes – this will release the Oragene solution. Mix the contents of the kit gently by inversion 10 times. When a second collection is to be attempted (this can be days later if convenient), place the kit on a flat surface and carefully open the kit, taking care to avoid spilling any of the liquid. Place the cap on a flat surface with the inside facing upwards. Proceed with further collection of saliva using the remaining sponges. Extra care should be taken when cutting off the sponge from the handle to avoid spillage. A maximum of 5 sponges should be used per Oragene kit.