Saliva Testing

Hormone levels in saliva are generally more stable i.e. less variable than blood levels. So while we may initially may measure blood levels, we generally prefer to monitor saliva levels once on treatment to check we have achieved near optimum levels for you.

Collecting a saliva sample.

Check you have the following items:

1 or more saliva tubes
1 pathology request form (to be completed and signed by your practitioner)

If you are missing any of these items, please call Royston Clinic on 9476 6307.

You will need to purchase a small padded envelope from the post office to post the saliva tube and all the paperwork to:

PatHLab, 68 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria ... 3125

Phone: INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE DEPARTMENT: 03.8831.3039

Before the Test Begins

To ensure the accuracy of the test results, please observe the following:

DO NOT TAKE YOUR TROCHE THE EVENING BEFORE THE TEST

On the day of collection, AVOID caffeine, alcohol and nicotine unless you are told otherwise by your Royston Clinic.
During the hour before collection DO NOT eat, brush or floss teeth or use mouthwash. You may drink water during this time.
Before beginning collection WASH HANDS thoroughly with soap and water.
Anytime COMPLETE all patient and billing information on the forms provided. Be sure it is signed by the patient/responsible party and the Doctor from Royston Clinic.

COLLECTION

Not following these instructions may affect your test results.

Please collect each of the tubes provided at the time(s) of day indicated by Royston Clinic. Generally, if only 1 tube is provided you need to collect the sample at 8:00-9:00am

Using a ballpoint pen or pencil only, write your name and the time and date of collection on the label.

To collect the sample, rinse your mouth with drinking water before collection. Wait for 5 minutes then collect the saliva in the tube. During collection, do not cough or clear your throat into the collection tube.

Fill the collection tube to the top with saliva that is liquid. Try to avoid foamy saliva. Tap the tube with your fingernail or tap on a hard surface to reduce bubbles. Insufficient saliva samples cannot be processed.

Make sure collection time and date are written on the tube and the cap is replaced tightly to avoid leakage. Place the filled tube into the refrigerator until shipping. DO NOT FREEZE.

Repeat steps 1-4 for each collection tube at the times indicated by your health care provider if (s)he expects you to be tested for multiple specimens in the same day. Ensure you label them all correctly with the time collected and include am or pm to avoid mix up.

FYI - Can I re-use a tube if I have problems with the collection? We prefer that you don’t. Get a new tube from Royston Clinic.

What happens to the results? Results will be sent to Royston Clinic within 21 days of the specimens arriving into the laboratory.

How do I pay? Pathlab will send you a bill within 21 days of the specimens arriving into the laboratory.