Salimetrics is the trusted leader in salivary bioscience, with decades of expertise in supporting researchers worldwide. Their unmatched precision, high-quality salivary assays, collection devices, and testing services make them the clear choice for any saliva-related study. With more published papers using Salimetrics assays than any other brand, their solutions are the gold standard in the field.
Correct saliva collection is critical for obtaining consistent, accurate results. Salimetrics is committed to setting a global standard for collection devices and techniques, while also developing innovative methods to improve participant compliance. Their collection devices are carefully engineered and rigorously tested to reduce or eliminate variability, ensuring reliable results across diverse participant groups. Not all collection devices are the same—common options like cotton and synthetic swabs can interfere with analytes and impact assay data. Salimetrics collection devices are designed, manufactured and validated to work seamlessly with all of their assay tests, and they provide clear guidance on which device is best suited for your study’s specific analytes.
Levels of many analytes in saliva do not remain static, and concentrations may change in response to a number of influences. Samples can also vary substantially between individuals. Depending on the analyte of interest and the nature of your study, several factors may be of importance:
It is critical that the collection protocol used is compatible with the analyte to be tested. Some analytes can only be tested with samples collected by passive drool. Using a swab to measure these analytes can result in over- or under-recovery of the analyte being measured.
Not all swabs are developed using the same material composition or specifically designed for the collection of salivary analytes. The material composition of the swab itself can also impact analyte recovery, and Salimetrics recommends using a swab that has been validated for the measurement of the analyte of interest. Some manufacturers have swabs that are specific to cortisol and have only been validated for the measurement of cortisol. Using this swab to measure another hormone, such as testosterone, can lead to erroneous results. Use of cotton as a swab material has already been demonstrated in the literature as a source of variable results and is not recommended if consistent results, not confounded by a biological material, are desired. Salimetrics has confirmed that data from cotton collection devices often matches with the well-cited Shirtcliff, EA et al paper (2001). However, cotton-based methods also increase variability and provide data results that significantly differ from “true passive drool” values, as illustrated below.
Passive Drool Method: Most researchers prefer to use unstimulated, whole saliva collected by the passive drool technique in order to maintain consistency in the type of sample collected.
Absorbent Device Method: Swabs can be placed in the mouth to collect saliva for increased ease of use. Studies with small children or other individuals that have difficulty with the passive drool technique also may require participant-specific swab-based collection methods. However, swabs are limited to certain analytes. All swabs engineered at Salimetrics are made from a similar non-toxic, inert polymer which is guaranteed for consistency across all lots, making it ideal for longitudinal and multi-participant group studies.
Consider the following criteria before selecting an appropriate saliva collection method:
Passive drool is a saliva collection method for collecting whole saliva (also called “mixed” saliva). Passive drool is considered by many researchers to be the gold standard when collecting saliva samples for biological testing, because it provides the purest sample possible and allows researchers to “biobank” samples for future testing. Although collecting whole saliva by spitting or drooling might seem to be easy, it actually can be a messy task that discourages some people from donating samples. The Passive Drool saliva collection system includes everything you need to reduce mess, increase compliance, accelerate your sample collection, and preserve your sample integrity. Complete with 2 mL cryovial, saliva collection aid, and sample collection instructions, this system is ready to use in the field or on-site.
The SalivaBio Oral Swab (SOS) Method brings participant comfort & interference-free results to a broad array of research and diagnostic applications. Unlike other swabs, the family of SalivaBio Swabs are the ONLY swab saliva collection devices proven to have the highest correlation to passive drool. Validated for multiple salivary biomarkers, analytes and DNA, SalivaBio swabs provide confidence in the accuracy of your results. The SOS features a proprietary, synthetic (non-organic), hygienic, individually wrapped oral fluid collection device, specifically designed for both increasing participant compliance and saliva analysis. Medical-grade packaging minimizes the possibility of environmental contaminants, and the swab material provides ready-to-process samples by filtering out unwanted mucins, cells and other aggregates from oral fluid specimens. SalivaBio’s SOS device maintains sample pH, has verified recoveries and is backed by a Salimetrics QC report, to verify recovery and conformity across multiple lots while maintaining minimal lot-to-lot variability.
Salimetrics recommends the Salimetrics Children’s Swab (SCS) (Item No. 5001.06), for children under the age of 6, and the Salimetrics Infant’s Swab (SIS) (Item No. 5001.08), for infants under 6 months of age.
