Almost every lateral flow test recommends using some form of buffer for a human saliva based lateral flow test detecting cortisol. Why is buffer important? What are the drawbacks to not using buffer?
The reason I ask is because I have done some testing by collecting various samples of human saliva, filtering it and just dispensing the desired volume onto our lateral flow strips and them seem to work fine.
the viscosity of saliva is one major factor leading to its dilution, typically depviscosity results from mucin proteins present in saliva depending on the individual and the moment of testing. mucins are also sticky which interfere with antigen-antibody binding
food particles also contribute to the viscosity.
All this makes working with saliva very challenging
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