Osteocalcin Saliva Collection

Consider documenting parameters to estimate saliva flow-rate (ie; time taken to collect and sample volume). Consistency in collection method is recommended to avoid introducing unsystematic error into your study data.

Before Sample Collection

• Avoid foods with high sugar, acidity, or caffeine immediately before sample collection.
• Document consumption of alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and prescription/over-the-counter medications within the prior 12 hours.
• Document vigorous physical activity and the presence of oral disease, injury or inflammation.
• Do not brush teeth or eat a major meal within 60 minutes of sample collection.
• Rinse mouth with water to remove food residue and then wait at least 10 minutes before collecting saliva.

During Sample Collection

• Recommended Collection Volume: 150 µl
• Use a collection device that has been validated for the measurement of this analyte.
• Follow your selected sample collection device/method protocol.

After Sample Collection

• Record the time and date of specimen collection.
• Refrigerate samples immediately (if possible) and freeze at or below -20°C (household freezer) as soon as possible (within 6 hours of sample collection)
• Samples visibly contaminated with blood should be recollected.
• Do not add preservatives to saliva samples unless they have been previously validated with the assay.
• Consider aliqouting samples to avoid multiple freeze-thaws.