To collect a saliva sample, you rinse your mouth with water, wait, then let saliva drain naturally into the collection tube until it reaches the fill line. The key is avoiding food, drink, and anything else in your mouth for at least 30–60 minutes before collecting, so the sample is not contaminated. Many saliva tests must also be collected at a specific time of day — check your kit before you start.
Important: Register your kit before you collect, and follow the timing in your kit.
Before you collect
For at least 30–60 minutes before collecting, do not:
Eat or drink anything except plain water
Brush your teeth, floss, or use mouthwash
Chew gum, smoke, or use tobacco or nicotine products
Use lip balm, lipstick, or any oral products
Exercise vigorously
Right before collecting, do the following in order:
Wash your hands.
Rinse your mouth with plain water and spit it out.
Wait the full 10 minutes after rinsing before you begin collecting. Do not skip this wait.
Important: Do not collect if your gums are actively bleeding. Blood in the saliva sample will invalidate it, and you will need to recollect.
Collecting the sample
Label the tube with your name, date of birth, and the date and time of collection before you begin.
Let saliva pool in your mouth naturally for a few seconds without swallowing. You can gently move your tongue or think about food to encourage saliva flow. Do not chew gum to stimulate saliva.
Lean forward slightly and let the saliva drain passively from your lips into the tube. Do not spit forcefully.
Continue until the liquid saliva reaches the fill line marked on the tube. This process can take several minutes. Bubbles and foam are acceptable, but there must be actual liquid saliva at the fill line — foam alone does not count.
Cap or seal the tube tightly right away.
Storing your sample
Store the tube as your kit directs immediately after collection. Many saliva kits require refrigeration right after collection and freezing before shipping. Do not leave the tube at room temperature any longer than necessary. Check your kit for the exact storage temperature and shipping schedule for your specific test.
Need more help?
If you cannot produce enough saliva, or if your gums were bleeding during collection, contact our support team through chat. There is no cost for a replacement collection kit when a new sample collection is needed for the lab to complete your analysis.