Impact of saliva collection methods and room temperature storage on the measurements of salivary adrenal hormones

Abstract

Although commercial saliva collectors are available, their reliability for use in the analysis of salivary hormones remains uncertain. Here, we investigated the impact of saliva collection methods (passive drool [straws], cotton rolls and polymer rolls) on the outcome of measurements of salivary adrenal hormones (cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA] and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate [DHEA-S]). We also investigated the effects of the storage of saliva at room temperature on the measurements. Saliva samples were collected from 20 adults (7 men, 13 women) by using straws, cotton rolls and polymer rolls. Some of these samples were stored at room temperature for 4 or 9 days. Samples stored at room temperature for 9 days had significantly higher DHEA levels than those frozen on the day of collection (p < .05). Compared to the samples collected using straws, those collected using cotton rolls showed high concentration of DHEA-S (p < .01). For future studies involving examination of salivary adrenal hormone levels, it is crucial that researchers are aware of these issues regarding the effects of the saliva collection methods and storage.View full abstract