Guidelines of patient preparation for sample collection for saliva cortisol concentration test
- To perform the study, a portion of saliva is required.
- To take a sample, a special device for saliva collection is needed -- a Salivette® container with a swab for saliva sampling. The container will be issued by the laboratory staff.
- Before the test, information on any pharmaceuticals administrerted to the patient needs to be clarified so that any effect of current or recent administration of glucocorticoids on the results of the current or recent is ruled out.
- Refrain from drinking alcohol the day before sampling.
- For one hour before sampling please do not eat, smoke or brush your teeth (avoid any activities that may result in damage to gums).
- Ten minutes before saliva sampling, please rinse your mouth with water.
- Saliva sampling for cortisol estimation is performed at 8:00, 16:00 and in the night (23:00 to 24:00). The actual sampling time will be appointed by the consulting physician.
- Information on collecting saliva.
- Open the cap without taking the swab out of the vial.
- Without touching the swab by hands, place it directly into the mouth cavity by tilting the vial until the swab falls into your mouth.
- Chew on the swab delicately, move it around your mouth for three minutes so that it is soaked in saliva. This action shall be performed only once!
- Place the swab back into the vial. Do not touch the swab with hands!
- Close the cap tightly.
- State the time of sampling on the vial.
- If sampling in the evening, place the vial in a refrigerator at t +2 to +8 °С for no longer than 12 hours.
- Submit the sample to the laboratory.