Saliva-28 Day Cycle Collection Instructions

COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS

'HORMONE USERS GUIDE'

Continue to use your hormones as prescribed. You do NOT need to stop current hormone medication prior to collection unless otherwise advised by your healthcare practitioner.

Please follow the chart below for optimal timing of collection.

IMPORTANT NOTES

• On the day of collection; STRICTLY AVOID caffeine, alcohol and nicotine (smoking) unless you are told otherwise by your healthcare provider.
• During the 2 hours prior to collection; DO NOT eat, brush or floss your teeth or use mouthwash. You may drink a little water during this time.
• You should fast for at least 8 hours prior to collecting each sample from the night before.
• Before collection; wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.

KIT CONTENTS

Check contents of kit. If items are missing or you have any questions regarding this kit, please contact Customer Service on 1300 688 522.

• 11 x Saliva 5ml saliva tubes
• 1 x Specimen transport bag
• 1 x Request form
• 1 x Padded post envelope

FEMALE 28 DAY CYCLE PROFILE INSTRUCTIONS

1. 1To begin the collection process identify the first day of your menstrual cycle. Count from the first day of your menstrual cycle (Day 1). DO NOT collect on this day.
2. 2On the morning of each sample collection and during the 2 hours prior to collection; DO NOT eat, brush or floss your teeth or use mouthwash.
3. 3Collect each tube provided within 30-60 minutes of rising preferably between 6-8am and fasting 8 hours from the night before.

SAMPLE COLLECTION

1. 1When ready to collect the saliva sample, rinse your mouth with drinking water. Spit out the water completely and wait 10 minutes. Do not cough or clear your throat with mucous into the collection tube.
2. 2After 10 minutes commence filling the saliva collection tube with liquid saliva. Allow saliva to accumulate in your mouth and then transfer the saliva into the collection tube. Avoid foamy saliva or 'bubbles'. Tap the tube with the fingernail or tap on a hard surface to reduce bubbles. Collect at least 3-5ml of saliva for each 5ml saliva collection tube. Insufficient saliva samples cannot be processed.
3. 3Ensure that the following details are printed on each saliva collection tube after sample collection: Patient first name/surname, time of collection and day/date of collection (e.g. Day 3 - dd/mm/yyyy 6:00am) are written on the tube in the specified areas. Replace the cap securely to avoid leakage. Place the completed filled tube into the FREEZER until shipping to the lab.
4. 4Repeat steps 2 – 6 for each sample collection tube on the days mentioned in the table. Ensure all lids are screwed on tightly prior to placing the sample into the specimen bag. Store samples in the FREEZER until shipment to the laboratory.

Completing and returning your samples

1. 1After completion of the 28 day cycle collection, check that all 11 tubes are labelled with patient first name and surname, time of collection and day of collection (e.g. Day 3 - dd/mm/yyyy - 6:00am).
2. 2Ensure that the NutriPATH request form is completely filled out ensuring that the correct details have been provided on your request form including your name, date of birth, residential address and contact number.
3. 3Place the completed NutriPATH request form in the non-sealable section of the specimen bag.
4. 4Complete the 'NutriPATH Patient Checklist Form' prior to sending samples for testing to ensure no delays in test results.
5. 5Place the specimen transport bag which contains the 11 saliva tubes and your NutriPATH request form into the express post envelope and post back to NutriPATH.