Skip to main content

Like any laboratory test, the proper collection of a saliva specimen is vital to an accurate result. It is important for you to follow the below instructions to ensure the best sample is submitted.

PREPARATION

  • Wash hands and rinse mouth with cool water before collecting saliva.
  • Wash face before bedtime the night before collecting saliva, and do not apply lotions or creams that night or next morning (some may contain interfering substances). Use of routine cosmetics is permitted.
  • Do not brush, floss teeth or have dental work done 30 minutes prior to collecting saliva. Slight bleeding from these may alter test results.
  • The timing of the first morning collection is critical; it must be collected 30 minutes after awakening. Begin timing upon awakening even if you remain in bed.
  • Avoid food one hour prior to saliva collection times. Food particles will contaminate the sample.

COLLECTING SALIVA

  • Use of the straws included to “funnel” saliva into each tube is optional.
  • Each tube should be 3/4 full – bubbles or foam are acceptable
  • FILL ALL FOUR TUBES regardless of how many tests are ordered.
  • Please dispose of straws before shipping.

COLLECTION TIMES

You must collect saliva four times in one day.

PURPLE TUBE

should be collected about 30 minutes after awakening (even if staying in bed), before breakfast and brushing teeth.

GREEN TUBE

should be collected before lunch.

ORANGE TUBE

should be collected before dinner.

BLUE TUBE

should be collected before bedtime, preferably at least one hour after dinner.

GUIDELINES FOR WOMEN

WOMAN WITH MENSTRUAL CYCLES:

Collect saliva on day 19, 20, 21 of your cycle, counting the first day of your period as day 1.

POST MENOPAUSAL WOMEN OR WOMEN WHO HAVE HAD A HYSTERECTOMY:

Collect saliva any day of the month.

WOMEN TAKING HORMONE REPLACEMENT OR BIRTH CONTROL (REGARDLESS OF MENSTRUAL CYCLE):

    • Topical hormones (cream): DO NOT APPLY ANY TOPICAL HORMONES THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE DAY OF SALIVA COLLECTION. This will contaminate your sample and compromise your tests results. Your last dose prior to saliva collection should be applied within a window of 12-24 hours before collecting your first saliva sample.
    • Sublingual hormones or troches (dissolved under tongue): DO NOT USE ANY SUBLINGUAL HORMONES THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE DAY OF SALIVA COLLECTION. This will contaminate your sample and compromise your test results. Your last dose prior to saliva collection should be taken within a window of 24-36 hours before collecting your first saliva sample, followed by two 8 oz. galsses of water.
    • Oral hormones (pills): Should be used as prescribed on the day of collection.
    • Injections, subcutaneous pellets and transdermal patches: The recommended dosage interval is mid regimen.
    • Cortisol supplementation: CONSULT WITH YOUR PROVIDER for instruction if you are taking cortisol supplementaion for adrenal support. When testing cortisol (for baseline adrenal function), STOP USING CORTISOL CONTAINING PRODUCTS 5 DAYS PRIOR TO SALIVA COLLECTION. (Cortisol containing products include OTC hydrocortisone creams, etc.)
    • IUD does not change usual testing guidelines.

SENDING OFF YOUR KIT

Make sure ALL information is entered onto test requisition form (front and back), specimen bag, and sign the bottom of form (Missing information may cause a delay in testing and/or interpretation).

  • Front and back of requisition form.
  • Patient name, address, date of birth, sex, time of sample collection, menstrual history (women only).
  • Test requested is checked by healthcare practitioner.
  • Patient signature on front of requisition form.
  • Patient height and weight.
  • Symptom questionnaire.
  • Hormone therapy (including date and time of last dosage).
  • Make sure tubes are tightly SNAPPED closed and put into zip-top bag.
  • Make sure completed test requisition form is in box with specimens.
  • Seal box with enclosed sticker. Extra tape is not necessary.
  • It is preferred (not required) that the sealed specimen kit be placed in a freezer until able to mail. Please mail as soon as possible. Kit must be received by the lab within 14 days of collection.
  • Send kit the very next business day via appropriate shipping method. Check whether the box has prepaid UPS or US Mail postage.

Got questions? Please email.