ABSTRACT
COVID-19 testing is not accessible for millions during this pandemic despite our best efforts. Without greatly expanded testing of asymptomatic individuals, contact tracing and subsequent isolation of spreaders remains as a means for control. In an effort to increase RT-PCR assay testing for the presence of the novel beta-coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 as well as improve sample collection safety, GenTegra LLC has introduced two products for saliva collection and viral RNA stabilization: GTR-STM™ (GenTegra Saliva Transport Medium) and GTR-STMdk™ (GenTegra Saliva Transport Medium Direct to PCR). Both products contain a proprietary formulation based on GenTegra's novel "Active Chemical Protection™" (ACP) technology that gives non-dilutive, error-free saliva sample collection using RNA stabilization chemicals already dried in the collection tube. GTR-STM can be used for safer saliva-based sample collection at home (or at a test site). Following saliva collection, the sample-containing GTR-STM can be kept at ambient temperature during shipment to an authorized CLIA lab for analysis. SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in GTR-STM is stable for over a month at ambient temperature, easily surviving the longest transit times from home to lab. GTR-STM enhances patient comfort, convenience, compliance and reduces infectious virus exposure to essential medical and lab professionals. Alternatively, the GTR-STMdk direct-into-PCR product can be used to improve lab throughput and reduce reagent costs for saliva sample collection and testing at any lab site with access to refrigeration. GTR-STMdk reduces lab process time by 25% and reagent costs by 30% compared to other approaches. Since GTR-STMdk retains SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA stability for three days at ambient temperature, it is optimized for lab test site rather than at home saliva collection. SARS-COV-2 viral RNA levels as low as 0.4 genome equivalents/uL are detected in saliva samples using GTR-STMdk. The increased sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 detection can expand COVID-19 testing to include asymptomatic individuals using pooled saliva. ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY: GTR-STM and Direct-into-PCR GTR-STMdk offer substantive improvements in SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA stability, safety, and RT-PCR process efficiency for COVID-19 testing by using a non-dilutive saliva sample collection system for individuals at home or onsite respectively.
ABSTRACT
This study investigated variables of perceived risk associated with one's decision to drink and drive, as well as with the occurrence and successfulness of intervention efforts by others in preventing individuals from drinking and driving. Undergraduate students were presented with scenarios manipulating number of drinks, consumption time, and distance needed to drive. Participants then provided estimates of intoxication, degree of impairment, and likelihood of getting in an accident and getting arrested for drinking and driving. In addition, participants rated three criterion variables: intention to drive, likelihood someone would try to intervene, and receptiveness to someone attempting to intervene. Data was analyzed using three random effects regression models, one for each of the criterion variables. Results indicated that perceptions of risk were associated with decisions to drive after drinking and expected likelihood of, and receptiveness to, intervention efforts, over and above one's estimate of intoxication.
