How to collect a saliva sample (with video)

Steps for collecting a saliva sample:

1) Register Your Kit 

Before collecting your sample, register your kit by visiting hometestbox.com/register and entering the Unique Kit ID located on your registration card. Please note that the test taker must register their kit before mailing their sample, or the lab cannot process it.

2) Prepare

Make sure to read the instructions from start to finish and write your full name and the sample collection date on the tube(s) before beginning your test. When you're ready to collect your sample, remove the kit contents and lay them on a clean, flat surface for easy access.

Please note that some tests may require multiple samples. Count the number of saliva collection tubes included in your test kit to determine the number of saliva samples required.

• If you require one sample, collect your sample in the morning (30 minutes after waking).
• If you require two samples, collect one same in the morning (30 minutes after waking) and one at night (before bed).
• If you require four samples, collect one sample in the morning (30 minutes after waking), one at noon, one in the evening (around 4 pm), and one at night (before bed). 

DO NOT eat, drink, chew gum, brush your teeth, use mouthwash, tobacco, or smoke for at least 60 minutes prior to collecting your sample. 

3) Collect Your Sample

Fill the tube approximately 75% full with saliva (not including bubbles). It is okay if there is more saliva, but less saliva may not be enough to test. Tightly cap the tube when complete. Repeat for each required tube. 

Please contact us if you have trouble producing enough saliva.  

4) Get Your Sample Lab-Ready

Make sure all the required information is on the tube, then place it inside the biohazard bag, seal it, and put it into the clamshell. 

5) Mail Your Sample to the Lab

Place the clamshell with your completed sample(s) inside the return shipping bag with the shipping label affixed and drop it off with the appropriate carrier within 24 hours of collection. Do not expose your sample to freezing temperatures or excessive heat. We recommend you obtain a drop-off receipt from the shipping carrier.

Guidelines for Men and Women on Hormone Therapy 

Speak to your physician prior to collecting your sample – do not stop taking medications without instruction from your physician. 

Topical Hormones (Cream or Gel) - Do not apply any topical hormones throughout the day of saliva collection. Collect saliva 12-24 hours after the last dose. 

Sublingual Hormones or Troches - Do not use any sublingual hormones throughout the day of (Dissolved Under Tongue) saliva collection. Collect saliva 12-24 hours after the last dose. 

Oral Hormones (Pills) - If taking progesterone, collect saliva 6-10 hours after the last dose. For all other hormones, collect saliva 12-24 hours after the last dose. 

Injections and Pellets - The recommended saliva collection interval is mid-regimen.

Transdermal Patches - Collect saliva 1-2 days after applying the patch. 

Cortisol Supplementation - Consult with your provider for instructions if you are taking cortisol supplementation for adrenal support. When testing cortisol (for baseline adrenal function), stop using cortisol-containing products 5 days prior to saliva collection. 

Recommended Guidelines for Women (NOT ON HORMONES)

Women with regular menstrual cycles - Collect saliva between days 19-21 of your cycle, counting the first day of your period as day 1.

Women with irregular menstrual cycles - Collect saliva when not bleeding.

Post-menopausal women or women who have had a hysterectomy - Collect saliva any day of the month. 

Guidelines for Men (NOT ON HORMONES)

Men not on hormone supplements - Collect saliva any day of the month.

Saliva Sample Collection Tips

DO

• Read the instructions and view the video before you start
• Register your kit before you start
• Label the tube with your name and date/time of collection
• Open the tube when you are ready, and tightly replace the cap when you are done
• Put the tube inside the biohazard bag before shipment
• Send your sample back within 24 hours of collection

DO NOT

• Eat or drink for at least 60 minutes before collecting your sample
• Use tobacco, brush your teeth, use mouthwash, or chew gum for at least 60 minutes before collecting your sample
• Forget to register your kit before mailing your sample back to the lab