# Candy-Coated Sampling Swabs CandyCollect Sweetens the At-Home Saliva Sampling Experience By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2023-07-13 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/candycollect References: [designtaxi](https://designtaxi.com/news/424203/This-Diagnostic-Lollipop-Replaces-Throat-Swabs-For-Sweeter-Tasting-Medical-Exams/) & [acs.org](https://www.acs.org/pressroom/presspacs/2023/july/lollipops-could-sweeten-diagnostic-testing-for-kids-and-adults-alike.html)  While saliva sampling is an essential process, it is not always an enjoyable one; however, CandyCollect has the potential to make this experience more palatable and user-friendly for both adults and kids. This at-home, [lollipop-inspired diagnostic testing device](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fiber-lollipops) offers a non-invasive way to collect samples for diagnostic testing, such as when throats are swabbed to check for strep throat. Scientists Sanitta Thongpang, Ashleigh Theberge, and Erwin Berthier from the [University of Washington](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dr-siavash-soltanahmadi) created a device that replaces throat swabs with a friendlier, familiar-looking form. With a spoon-like end and a spiral groove, CandyCollect enhances the experience of collecting saliva, especially with a [sweetened candy coating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sukr) made from beet-derived sugar. Already, CandyCollect has proven to be effective for identifying bacteria like Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.6/10 - Popularity: 31% | Activity: 60% | Freshness: 16% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Non-invasive Diagnostic Testing:** CandyCollect's lollipop-inspired device offers a non-invasive way to collect samples, opening up opportunities for painless diagnostic testing. - **Enhanced User Experience:** CandyCollect's candy-coated swabs improve the experience of collecting saliva, indicating the potential for similar enhancements in other sample collection methods. - **Sweetened Medical Devices:** CandyCollect's use of beet-derived sugar in its candy coating demonstrates the trend towards incorporating pleasant flavors and experiences in medical devices. ### Who This Affects Most - **Healthcare and Diagnostics:** CandyCollect's non-invasive sampling device presents an opportunity for innovation in the healthcare and diagnostics industry, particularly in terms of painless testing methods. - **Medical Device Manufacturing:** The candy-coated design of CandyCollect opens up possibilities for disruptive innovation in the medical device manufacturing industry by introducing more user-friendly and appealing products. - **Food and Ingredients:** The use of beet-derived sugar in CandyCollect's candy coating suggests potential collaborations between the food and ingredients industry and medical device companies to create more palatable health-related products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Lollipop-Style COVID Tests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/covid19-saliva-testing-tool.md) - [Lollipop-Inspired Toothpastes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chupa-chups-x-hismile.md) - [Beneficial Sore Throat Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/throat-soothing-lollipops.md) - [Joyful Oral Care Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cocolab.md) - [Long-Lasting Hard Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweeter-collective.md) - [Swedish-Inspired Candy Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swedish-tasting.md) - [Candy-Inspired Sodas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/candy-lips.md) - [Sweetly Encouraging Candy Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swizzels-love-hearts-candy-sticks.md) - [Groundbreaking Microplastic Saliva Tests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microplastics-test.md)