CandyCollect (saliva harvesting device)

2023: Product Announcement

On July 10, 2023, the American Chemical Society (ACS) announced the development of a device called CandyCollect that makes the process of collecting saliva for diagnostic purposes more pleasant and completely invisible to patients. Researchers from the University of Washington took part in creating the solution.

Project participants note that throat swabs are often taken to identify a wide range of diseases, including pharyngitis. However, this comes with certain inconveniences for the patient, including a possible emetic reflex. In addition, the procedure can be difficult when taking samples from children who often throw tantrums and try to escape from the hands of medical workers. An alternative option is to take saliva, but a sufficiently large volume of this biological fluid is required to perform an accurate analysis. Its collection can also be problematic in the case of young patients. CandyCollect eliminates these challenges.

CandyCollect Saliva Collection Lollipop

CandyCollect is a lollipop with a special structure. This wand resembles a spoon with a helical top to collect saliva. The candy itself is made from isomaltite, a substance that is used as a sweetener and sugar substitute in the production of products for diabetics. When the patient enjoys such candy, salivation is activated, allowing the required amount of biological fluid to be obtained quickly and without any discomfort for subsequent diagnosis.

Testing CandyCollect with 28 volunteers showed that the method provides high efficacy. Subjects also preferred lollipops to standard saliva sampling kits, calling the method "the most hygienic" and "the least disgusting."^[1]

Notes