Collection Instructions:
Saliva – Hormones Profile
Test Kit Contents
Start by identifying these elements of your test kit. If you are missing or have expired components, contact Mosaic Customer Service at 800-288-0383.
- Test kit box
- Absorbent packing sheet
- Four color-coded collection vials
- Insulated cooler with lid
- Shipping laboratory pak
- Patient survey
- Ice pack (place flat in freezer immediately)
Before You Start
Collect saliva on a day determined by you and your practitioner, considering the recommendations below and on the next page.
- Women with menstrual cycles: Collect one day during days 19–23 of a 28-day cycle, counting the first day of your period as day 1.
- Men not on hormones, post-menopausal women, women with hysterectomy, women with hormonal IUD and no cycle: Collect on any day of the month. If you are taking hormones or cortisol and/or melatonin supplementation, read recommendations below.
Samples must be shipped on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.
If you collect on the weekend, hold the specimen until Monday to ship.
*Samples outside the U.S. should be shipped on Monday or Tuesday.
Medication & Supplement Guidelines
Important: Do not discontinue any medications or supplements without first consulting your healthcare practitioner.
| If You Currently Use: | Action Required: |
|---|---|
| Topical hormones (creams) | Last dose prior to collection should be taken and discontinued 12–24 hours before the first saliva collection. Do not apply topical hormones on the day of saliva collection, as this will contaminate your sample. |
| Sublingual hormone therapy | Last dose should be taken and discontinued 24–36 hours before the first saliva collection. Drink two 8-oz glasses of water immediately after taking the last dose. Do not use sublingual hormones on the day of collection. |
| Oral hormones (pills or tablets) | No restrictions. Continue use as prescribed, including on the day of collection. |
| Hormone injections, subcutaneous pellets, or transdermal patches | Time collection for the halfway point between doses or injections. For example, if injections are given on the first of each month, collect on the 14th–17th. |
| Cortisol or glucocorticoid supplementation (including hydrocortisone creams, steroidal anti-inflammatory pills, asthma inhalers) | Consult your provider for guidance. To assess natural cortisol production, it is recommended to discontinue cortisol-containing products five days prior to collection. Do not stop medications without provider approval. |
| IUD for birth control | No restrictions. Collect on any day that suits your schedule. |
| Vitamins or other supplements | Do not take on the day of collection until all four saliva samples have been collected. |
| Women with menstrual cycles | Collect one day during days 19–23 of a 28-day cycle, counting the first day of menstruation as day 1. |
Let’s Get Started
Your first saliva collection must be 30 minutes after awakening. Set a timer if necessary.
Do Not:
- Take supplements until all four samples are collected
- Eat or drink anything one hour before collection
- Brush or floss, or have dental work done within 30 minutes of collection
- Consume food or beverages containing caffeine all day
- Use anti-aging creams
Before each collection, wash your hands and rinse your mouth with water, then wait 10 minutes before collecting saliva. Use of cosmetics is allowed.
-
Collect all four saliva samples in one day using the color-coded tubes:
- Pink Tube (AM 30): 30 minutes after awakening, before breakfast
- Green Tube (Noon): Before lunch
- Orange Tube (Evening): Before dinner
- Blue Tube (Night): Immediately before bedtime
- Fill each tube approximately ¾ full. Bubbles or foam are acceptable.
- Snap each tube closed tightly after collection and place it in the freezer immediately. Freeze for at least 4–6 hours before shipping.
- Record the date and time of each collection on the bag.
Preparing the Package
- Complete the information on the bag. Add the patient’s name and collection date to the barcode sticker and place it on the plastic bag.
- Complete the patient survey and place it into the kit box.
- Place the frozen tubes, ice pack, and absorbent packing sheet into the plastic bag and seal.
- Place the sealed bag into the insulated cooler and secure the lid.
- Place the cooler into the kit box and close the lid.
- Place the kit box into the shipping laboratory pak.
- Locate the shipping instruction card included in your test kit for shipping details.
Your test results will be delivered to your healthcare practitioner within 2–3 weeks after the sample(s) are received at Mosaic Diagnostics.
Any Questions?
Phone: Our customer service team is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. CST at 800-288-0383
Email: CustomerService@MosaicDX.com
