S.Y.S! Save Your Swab!

If DNA testing is expected or possible, be sure to retain swabs used in collection!

Collecting Saliva From Animals?

Use the Salimetrics Children's Swab

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Collect Sufficient Volume - Guarantee Results!

It's that simple! Collect enough volume and guarantee that you get results.

Collection Methods and Devices

Click here for our Saliva Collection Handbook.

Which Device or Technique Should You Use?

Saliva collection devices and procedures must be selected specifically for particular applications and analytes. We offer a range of choices to maximize the value of the data you collect and minimize the potential for incorrect sample collection procedures to influence your data.

If you're not sure which saliva collection devices and procedures are appropriate for your project, see the Approved Collection Methods by Analyte guide or contact us!

  • Blue checkmark = Yes
  • Red circle = No

α-Amylase is Location Dependent

α-Amylase has a Diurnal Rhythm

α-Amylase may be Flow Rate Dependent (We advise measuring saliva flow rates when collecting samples as ongoing research may determine if necessary.)

Passive Drool is a Preferred Collection Method

CRP is Location Dependent

Passive Drool Only

DHEA-S is Flow Rate Dependent (pg/mL)

SIgA is Location Dependent

SIgA is Flow Rate Dependent (µg/mL)

Passive Drool is a Preferred Collection Method

Approved Collection Methods by Analyte

Analyte Cryovial and Passive Drool Salimetrics Oral Swab Salimetrics Children's Swab Salimetrics Infant's Swab Cotton Rope Not Yet Available in Saliva Collection Method
Alpha-Amylase Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Special Considerations
Androstenedione Yes No No No No General
Beta-Endorphin No No No No No X Request Info
Blood Contamination Yes No No No Yes General
Chromogranin A Yes Yes Yes Yes No General
CRH (Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone) No No No No No X Request Info
Cortisol Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes General
Cotinine Yes Yes Yes Yes No General
CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Special Considerations
Dexamethasone No No No No Yes General
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) Yes No No No No General
DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate) Yes No No No No Special Considerations
Epstein Barr Yes No No No No General
Estradiol Yes No No No Yes General
Estriol Yes No No No No General
Estrone Yes No No No No General
IGF-1 (Insulin-like growth factor) No No No No No X Request Info
IL-1β (Interleukin-1 Beta) Yes No No No No General
IL-6 (Interleukin-6) Yes No No No No General
Melatonin Yes No No No No General
Neopterin Yes No No No No General
Nerve Growth Factor Yes No No No No General
17OHP (17α-hydroxyprogesterone) Yes No No No No General
Progesterone Yes No No No Yes General
SIgA (Secretory Immunoglobulin A) Yes Yes Yes Yes No Special Considerations
Testosterone Yes Yes Yes Yes No General
Total Protein Yes No No No No General
TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha) Yes No No No No General

Intended Use: Adults, Children 6+, Expressed Samples

Passive Drool (PD):

Volume Capacity: 2mL
Ease of Use: Moderate

Passive drool is highly recommended because it is cost effective and approved for use with almost all analytes. To avoid problems with analyte retention or the introduction of contaminants, use only high quality polypropylene vials for collection.

Required Devices

Intended Use: Adults, Children 6+

Salimetrics Oral Swab (SOS):

Volume Capacity: 2mL
Ease of Use: Simple

For many analytes, the Salimetrics Oral Swab (SOS) is an excellent alternative to passive drool because of its ease of use. The SOS also helps filter mucus and other matter from the sample, which may help improve immunoassay results.

Required Devices

Intended Use: Children 6 months - 6 years

Salimetrics Children's Swab (SCS):

Volume Capacity: 2mL
Ease of Use: Simple

Manufactured with the same material as the SOS but in a longer length, the SCS features a thin diameter (8mm) to suit smaller mouths, and the durable polymer withstands chewing. The longer length allows one end to be held by a parent or technician while the other end is placed in the mouth. The SCS has the same freedom from interference and verified recoveries as our regular Salimetrics Oral Swab (SOS). Samples collected using the SCS can be tested for cortisol, cotinine, testosterone, SIgA, alpha-amylase, CRP and chromogranin A.

Required Devices

Intended Use: Children <6 months

Salimetrics Infant's Swab (SIS):

Volume Capacity: 1mL
Ease of Use: Simple

Manufactured with the same material as the SOS but in a longer length, the SIS features a thin diameter (5mm) to suit the mouths of infants. The longer length allows one end to be held by a parent or technician, eliminating any choking hazard. The SIS has the same freedom from interference and verified recoveries as our regular SOS and SCS. Samples collected using the SIS can be tested for cortisol, cotinine, testosterone, SIgA, alpha-amylase, CRP and chromogranin A.

Required Devices

Intended Use: Animals

Salimetrics Children's Swab (SCS):

Volume Capacity: 2mL
Ease of Use: Simple

Manufactured with the same material as the SOS but in a longer length, the SCS features a thin diameter (8mm) to suit smaller mouths, and the durable polymer withstands chewing. The longer length allows one end to be held by a parent or technician while the other end is placed in the mouth. The SCS has the same freedom from interference and verified recoveries as our regular Salimetrics Oral Swab (SOS). Samples collected using the SCS can be tested for cortisol, cotinine, testosterone, SIgA, alpha-amylase, CRP and chromogranin A.

Required Devices