Saliva as a sample matrix has been an attractive alternative for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. However, due to potential variability in collection and processing steps, evaluating a proposed workflow amongst the local population is recommended. Here, we aim to validate the collection and treatment of human saliva as a direct specimen for RT-qPCR-based detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Indonesia. We demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 target genes were detected in saliva specimens and remained stable for five days either refrigerated or stored at room temperature. The method of processing saliva specimens described in this report bypasses the need for an RNA-extraction process, thereby reducing the cost, time, and manpower required for processing samples. The developed method was tested across nine commercial kits, including the benchmark, to demonstrate its wide applicability on multiple existing workflows. Our developed method achieved an 86% overall agreement rate compared to paired nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab specimens (NPOP). With the assistance of a saliva sampling device, the collection was found to be more convenient for individuals and improved the overall agreement rate to 97%.

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Background: Administration of pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing in clinical practice has been suboptimal, presumably due to lack of PGx education. Here, we aim to evaluate the standpoint of PGx testing among a diverse group of healthcare professionals (HCPs) through conducting surveys before and after training.Materials and Methods: Training modules were designed to cover three key learning objectives and deployed in five sections. A pre- and post-training survey questionnaire was used to evaluate participants’ self-assessments on employing PGx in clinical practice.Results and Conclusion: Out of all enrollments, 102 survey responses were collected. Overall, respondents agree on the benefits of PGx testing, but have inadequate self-efficacy and competency in utilizing PGx data. Our results show that a 90 min long training significantly improves these, and could lead to greater anticipation of PGx adoption.

Saliva as a sample matrix has been an attractive alternative for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. However, due to potential variability in collection and processing steps, it is recommended to evaluate a proposed workflow amongst the local population. Here, we aim to validate collection and treatment of human saliva as a direct specimen for RT-qPCR based detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Indonesia. We demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 target genes were detected in saliva specimen and remained stable for five days refrigerated or room temperature storage. The method of processing saliva specimen described in this report is free from RNA-extraction step, thereby reduces cost, time, and manpower required for processing samples. The developed method was validated for use on three COVID-19 RT-PCR kits commercially available. Our developed method achieved 85% agreement rate when compared to paired nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab specimens (NPOP). With the assistance of a specimen sampling device, QuickSpit(TM), collection was found to be more convenient for individuals and improved agreement rate to 90%.

BackgroundAdministration of pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing in clinical practice has been suboptimal, presumably due to lack of PGx education. Here, we aim to evaluate the standpoint of PGx testing among a diverse group of healthcare professionals (HCPs) through conducting surveys before and after training.Materials & MethodsTraining modules were designed to cover 3 key learning objectives and deployed in 5 sections. A pre- and post-training survey questionnaire was used to evaluate participants self-assessments on employing PGx in clinical practice.Results & ConclusionOut of all enrollments, 102 survey responses were collected. Overall, respondents agree on the benefits of PGx testing, but have inadequate self-efficacy and competency in utilizing PGx data. Our results show that training significantly improve these, and even leading to greater anticipation of PGx adoption.