The intention is to bring together university researchers from around the world, to encourage the sharing of ideas. The company says: "We want to open a dialogue to encourage collaborative research and to maximise grant applications. We trust this will encourage the future use of Saliva, minimally Iinvasive technology."
Eve works daily with Salimetrics' R&D team, lab and quality control staff performing rigorous technical and regulatory analysis to ensure all Salimetrics assay kits, supplies and testing services are accurate and reliable for customers’ research and diagnostic success.
Eve has been with the Company since it was formed well over a decade ago and is Chief Technology Officer and a Co-Founder of the business along with Professor Douglas Granger and Richard (Dick) Supina.
Salimetrics supports thousands of salivary researchers, in more than 20 countries around the world. Salimetrics assays have been used in more saliva-related published papers than any other assay in the field and our customer support staff is unparalleled.
Interview with Dr Eve Schwartz
1. Can you tell us about the major themes in your research program?
My research has focused on making highly specific and accurate immunoassays with low limits of sensitivity. In addition, I have focused on researching various foams and polymers for saliva collection devices.
2. If you had to pick one publication in the past five years as the "best of your best", what would it be and why?
All kits I have designed at Salimetrics have the performance data published in the kit insert. I have left the publications on the use of the kits up to the expert researchers in their fields so I could focus more on providing the tools they need to do their research.
3. How did you get interested in using saliva in your research?
Early in my career, I worked as a medical technologist at Robert Packer Hospital. Blood collection from infants and the elderly often resulted in no sample and very bruised collection sites. Saliva is the best substance to obtain for repeat collections with minimal discomfort.
4. Which salivary analtyes are you working with?
We recently released an IL-1B ELISA. View Assay. Initially, we had trouble recovering IL-1B that we spiked into saliva. After working out a formula in our sample diluent, we were able to release all the IL-1B present in the saliva sample. We are currently working on IL-6, TNF-alpha and melatonin.
5. How has working with saliva changed the direction of your research plans?
Originally, my work began by modifying serum RIAs to work in saliva. While at Pennsylvania State University, I designed a cortisol enzyme immunoassay specifically for the saliva matrix. It worked so well I knew others would be interested in using it in their research and before long, Salimetrics was established. The opportunities to develop assays for saliva are numerous.
6. What analyte is not measured in saliva now that you would hope could be measured in the future?
I would like to see drug levels monitored in saliva. Right now a few doses of drugs are available but people have very different drug metabolisms. I think we are moving more toward more customized medicine. I think we can do better in regard to over-medicating people. Many people may be able to get by with smaller doses resulting in longer life due to less toxicity and less liver damage.
7. What advice would give young investigators who might be considering working with saliva in their research?
Sample integrity is very important. Do all you can to ensure that the sample is the best it can be. This involves consistent collection procedures with the right collection tool and freezing the sample as soon as possible after collection.
8. Tell us something about you (a hobby or special interest) that we would be surprised to know?
Both of my grandparents immigrated to Pennsylvania and worked in the coal mines. It was a very hard life and their health suffered from breathing in coal dust. I am grateful to them for their bravery and sacrifice so that one day their heirs may have a better life. I am reaping the rewards of that sacrifice.
Twitter: @Salimetrics
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