Diagnostics Sample Collection

Sample collection directly impacts downstream assay performance, making it one of the most critical steps in diagnostic workflows. Effective sample collection requires materials that ensure precise sample volumes, minimize variability from user technique, and maintain analyte stability through transport. 

Porex engineers develop sample collection materials that control these variables, enabling consistent, high-quality sample inputs across a wide range of collection devices and applications. 

Biological Samples:

• Saliva and oral fluid 

• Sputum  

• Stool and fecal samples, including Cary-Blair media applications 

• Swab-based samples: oral, nasal, nasopharyngeal, wound  

• Urine 

• Cervico-vaginal samples  

• Capillary blood and volumetric microsampling 

Collection Device Formats:

• Sample pads and absorbent pads for lateral flow and immunoassay devices 

• Self-collection swabs and medical swabs for at-home and clinical use 

• Volumetric microsampling devices for capillary blood collection 

• Cartridge-based collection systems for point-of-care workflows 

Consistent Sample Recovery for Vaginal Self-Collection 

Vaginal self-sampling is transforming access to HPV and STI diagnostics, but variability in sample quality can impact test accuracy and reliability. Porex partners with diagnostics developers to engineer materials that improve consistency and analyte recovery in self-collection devices. 

In Fem•Collect™ vaginal self-sampling devices by Oasis Diagnostics®, Porex HRM captures the specimen and efficiently releases it for downstream analysis. The material’s controlled pore structure enables consistent uptake, supporting higher-quality DNA recovery compared to traditional swab-based collection materials.  

Functionalized Collection Media for Simplified Molecular Workflows 

Conventional swab-and-buffer collection methods introduce variability in diagnostic workflows due to inconsistent sample release, instability during transport, and multi-step processing requirements. Porex partnered with ReadyGo™ Diagnostics to develop a material solution that streamlines the sample journey from collection to elution.  

The resulting GoCollect® system uses Porex HRM to capture samples, deliver embedded reagents, and release samples for final analysis. Using ReadyGo’s proprietary dry-down technology, lysing and stabilization chemistries are incorporated directly into the Porex swab material, enabling immediate on-device sample processing. 

Volumetric Blood Collection for Microsampling Applications 

Variability in sample volume is a primary source of error in capillary blood microsampling workflows, directly impacting accuracy in dried blood spot analysis, point-of-care diagnostics, and patient monitoring in clinical trials. A leading volumetric blood collection device developer engaged Porex to solve this challenge, resulting in a hydrophilic porous polymer matrix engineered to draw blood through capillary action and meter a defined volume within the structure. Controlled porosity and surface properties ensure reproducible uptake and retention across users and settings. 

Key Features and Performance Advantages: 

• Fixed-volume sample collection, independent of user technique  

• Reliable absorption and retention for dried blood storage  

• Controlled fluid flow and venting to support consistent device filling and prevent air entrapment  

• Minimal nonspecific binding helps preserve sample integrity for downstream testing