How to Collect Saliva

🧪 Purpose

To explain how to fill out, collect, package, and ship a saliva test for hormone analysis.

📝 Filling Out Paperwork

• Requisition Form:
• Fill out only the circled sections (patient info, saliva section, last menstrual period).
• Do not fill in insurance or payment info – the cost is billed to the doctor’s wholesale account.
• Record saliva collection times both on the tubes and on the form.
• Hormone Use Quiz:
• Fill out again for the lab (top section for all, bottom only if using hormones like estrogen, progesterone, etc.).
• Oral hormones: take as normal, just rinse mouth before collection.
• Topical hormones: skip on day of collection and stop 12–24 hours prior to first sample.

🧊 Kit Contents

• Styrofoam box with ice pack.
• Four small color-coded saliva tubes.
• Straw for easier collection.
• Instruction booklet (can be discarded after use).

⏰ Sample Collection Timing

1. Pink/Purple (morning) – 30 minutes after waking (most important).
2. Green (before lunch) – rinse mouth if after eating.
3. Orange (before dinner).
4. Blue (bedtime).
   👉 Space them out by ~4-5 hours.

💧 How to Collect

• Use the straw like a spitball to help.
• Fill each tube at least halfway (bubbles count).
• Seal the tubes tightly and press lids down firmly.

📦 Packaging & Shipping

• After collection, freeze the samples (entire box or at least ice pack).
• Place box in FedEx shipping bag with prepaid label.
• Drop off at FedEx/Kinko’s or schedule a pickup (included in cost).

👩‍🦰 Special Notes for Menstruating Women

• Collect on day 18–23 of cycle (counting day 1 as first day of period).
• Do not ship until 2 days after collection to ensure no period starts (which would skew results).
• If period begins within 2 days of collection: rinse tubes, let dry, and redo next cycle.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t use topical hormones within 12 hours of first collection.
• Don’t send in the kit too soon if menstruating.
• Don’t forget any of the time points — redo if you miss one.