Anne Wyllie

Biography
Wyllie is credited with pushing forward on the use of saliva as a superior sample for creating high-quality, low-cost testing. Having worked with saliva as a clinical specimen for bacterial detection for almost 10 years, Wyllie is an expert in the laboratory methods required for working with saliva and skillfully applied these for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Her innovation throughout the pandemic and her commitment to open science has led to the development of freely available PCR testing protocols that have enabled laboratories across the US to rapidly implement accessible SARS-CoV-2 testing programs. Coupled with public health guidance, Wyllie’s team has devoted their efforts to the safe re-opening of communities and to keeping kids in school. The use of saliva as a sensitive and reliable sample type can alleviate many of the bottlenecks encountered in the mass testing strategies required to control infectious disease outbreaks.

Clinical Dx Showcase:
Yale School of Public Health
SalivaDirect is more than a test protocol: it is a true community partner working to expand affordable, equitable COVID-19 testing solutions. We offer an innovative open-source PCR-based method for the clinical detection of SARS-CoV-2, while supporting local leaders navigating the pandemic response.

SalivaDirect: A Simplified and Flexible Platform for Accessible SARS-CoV-2 Testing
SalivaDirect™ was developed to increase access to testing while democratizing the testing process. This was achieved by challenging high testing costs and replacing rigid, expensive practices with a cost-effective, open-source protocol that allows for numerous substitutions along its streamlined process.