Your saliva collection
This test measures your reproductive and stress hormones from a single morning saliva sample. Collecting at the right point in your cycle — and early in the day — is what makes your result meaningful.
A simple test you do at home
Your kit and instructions are posted directly to you — no collection centre visit needed. Collect one saliva sample at home, then mail it back to the lab in the prepaid packaging provided.
When to collect
Two things matter: the right day in your cycle, and collecting early in the morning.
Why day 21 — and how to adjust it to your cycle
Day 21 targets the mid-luteal phase — about 7 days after ovulation — when progesterone peaks and its balance with oestrogen is most informative. Because the phase after ovulation stays roughly constant whatever your cycle length, counting back 7 days from your next expected period reliably lands in this window.
Collect first thing in the morning, before 10 am — before eating, drinking anything but water, or brushing your teeth. Cycle irregular or no periods? Collect on any morning, or as advised. Unsure which day is right? Email us at info@i-screen.com.au.
What this test measures
Measures: Oestradiol (E2) · Oestrone (E1) · Oestriol (E3) · Progesterone (P4) · Oestrogen Quotient · Progesterone Ratio · Testosterone · DHEA-S
Before you collect
A little preparation on your collection morning keeps your result accurate.
Before you collect
Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine (smoking) on your collection morning — and ideally avoid alcohol the night before — unless your provider advises otherwise.
2 hours before
Do not eat, brush or floss your teeth, or use mouthwash. You may drink a little water during this time.
Just before
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and rinse your mouth with water 15 minutes before collecting.
Hormone & bio-identical therapy users
This test is often used to monitor how you're responding to treatment. Continue your hormones as prescribed — you do not need to stop them unless advised by your practitioner. Note the product and type (for example oestrogen or progesterone cream, or a troche) on your request form, and collect your sample using the timing below so your result reflects your treatment accurately.
| Product type | When to collect your sample |
|---|---|
| Creams / gels / capsules | 12–24 hours after last dose |
| Troche / sublingual | 36 hours after last dose |
| Patches | 24–48 hours after applying patch |
| Injections / pellets | Midpoint between treatments |
Collecting your sample
You'll collect one saliva sample. Take your time and fill the tube properly — an insufficient sample can't be processed.
- Wash your hands, then rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and wait at least 15 minutes before collecting.
- Unscrew the lid of the collection tube and hold it to your lips.
- Tilt your head forward and let saliva pool naturally inside your mouth.
- Allow saliva to passively pool into the tube — don't force or spit. Continue until you reach the fill line with liquid saliva.
- Fill the tube to the line with liquid saliva. Avoid foam or bubbles — tap the tube with a fingernail or on a hard surface to settle them.
- During collection, don't cough, clear your throat, or draw mucous from the back of your throat into the tube.
- Screw the cap on tightly to avoid any leakage in transit.
- Label the tube straight away with the details in the checklist below.
Label your tube with:
- Your first name and surname
- Your date of birth
- The time collected (including am or pm)
- The date of collection
Packing & sending
- Check your request form is complete — full name, date of birth, address and contact number. Details must match your tube label.
- Place your labelled tube into the sealable section of the specimen transport bag, and the request form into the non-sealable pocket.
- Seal everything inside the prepaid return envelope provided and post it via your nearest Australia Post outlet or express post box the same day.