Synthetic Absorptive Matrix

Synthetic Absorptive Matrix (SAM) is a novel non-invasive method for assessing baseline unchallenged levels of cytokines and chemokines in the nasal epithelial lining fluid.

SAM consists of a synthetic fibrous hydroxylated polyester medium and is cut into strips of 3x15mm which are inserted into the nasal cavity and left for absorption for 2 minutes. The SAM strips are immediately frozen at -80C and subsequently shipped to UK for further processing in collaboration with the Prof. Trevor Hansel at the Imperial College, London.

Bilateral sampling is done in the ABC infants at 1 month of age and repeatedly at every acute lower respiratory episode.

Figure 1. The SAM method