Saliva RNA Collection and Preservation Devices: Non-Invasive Sampling & Ambient Stabilisation
The Norgen Saliva RNA Collection and Preservation Devices offer a reliable, cost-effective, and non-invasive method for the collection and preservation of RNA from saliva samples. Designed to simplify sample acquisition without the need for swabs or invasive procedures, this user-friendly kit collects 2 mL of saliva and immediately stabilises the RNA at ambient temperature. This eliminates the immediate need for cold chain transport or freezing, making it an ideal solution for remote sampling and biobanking workflows.
Once the saliva is mixed with the provided preservative, the formulation effectively inactivates viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, rendering the sample safe for handling and transport. The preservation buffer maintains RNA integrity for up to 2 months at room temperature, ensuring that the genetic material remains high-quality and suitable for sensitive downstream applications such as RT-PCR, RT-qPCR, RNA sequencing, and microarray analysis. The system is compatible with most RNA isolation methods, including Norgen’s own Saliva/Swab RNA Purification Kits.
Key Benefits:
- Extended Ambient Stability: Preserved RNA remains stable for up to 2 months at room temperature, reducing cold storage costs.
- Viral Inactivation: The preservative buffer inactivates viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, upon mixing for safer sample handling.
- High Sample Quality: Maintains RNA integrity suitable for sensitive applications like Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and RT-PCR.
- Flexible Input Range: Robust preservation is achieved even if the saliva input volume varies slightly from the optimal 1:1 ratio.
- Universal Compatibility: Samples are compatible with commercially available RNA isolation methods and automation platforms.
Kit Contents
The Saliva DNA Collection and Preservation Device is an all-in-one kit designed for user convenience. Each unit is individually packaged to ensure sterility and ease of distribution.

- Collection Tube and Funnel (assembled)
- Collection Tube Cap
- Preservation Ampoule (containing liquid preservative)
- Donor Instructions
- Mailing/Labeling accessories (varies by pack size)
Looking for an All-In-One Integrated Solution?
For an even more streamlined collection experience, explore the EZCollect™ version. This device features an integrated preservative release mechanism to minimise handling steps.
Supporting Data

Figure 1. Stability of RNA Preserved in Norgen’s Saliva RNA Preservative at room temperature for up to 2 months. Saliva samples were collected from numerous donors and mixed, and then an equal volume of Norgen’s Saliva RNA Preservative was added to the saliva. The preserved saliva was then stored at room temperature for up to 2 months. Saliva RNA was subsequently isolated at day 0, day 4, day 6, day 16, 1 month and 2 months from 0.25 mL of the saliva/preservative sample using supplementary protocol associated with Norgen’s Total RNA Purification Kit (Cat. 17200). For visual analysis, 7.5 µL from 50 µL elution was mixed with RNA loading dye and was run on a 1x MOPS agarose gel. RNA integrity was maintained after the saliva samples were stored up to 2 months at ambient temperatures in Norgen’s Saliva RNA Preservative.
Figure 2. Stability of three house keeping genes over a 2 month period. GAPDH, Human 18S rRNA and beta actin genes were monitored from saliva samples stored at ambient temperature with Norgen’s Saliva RNA Preservative. RNA was isolated from 250 µL of preserved samples on day 0, day 4, day 6, day 10, day 16, day 30 and day 60 using Norgen’s Total RNA Purification Kit (Cat. 17200). Next, 4 µL of elution was used in 20 µL of the real-time PCR reaction (SYBR Green I) using CFX96 TouchTM Real-Time PCR Detection System (Bio-Rad). All of the genes were preserved and stable over 2 month period.
Figure 3. Norgen’s Saliva RNA Preservative is able to successfully preserve saliva RNA samples when used outside of the ideal range of 1:1 at room temperature for 3 days. As the amount of saliva added to 2 mL of Saliva RNA Preservative increased from 0.2 mL to 3 mL, RNase protein and β-actin gene were monitored for RNA stability using one-step RT-PCR. The results indicated that the variation of the saliva input volumes did not significantly influence the RNA gene detection.
Specifications
- Volume of Saliva Collected: 2 mL
- Volume of Preservative: 2 mL (Ampoule contents)
- Total Sample Volume: 4 mL
- Preservation Temperature: Room Temperature
- Preservation Time: Up to 2 Months
- Pack Size: 50 Devices


