Preparation before collection
Label the tube with your full name, date of birth, date and time of collection (including PM or AM)
Relax for approximately 1 hour (high activity or excitement can raise your cortisol level)
Do not eat or drink (except water) for 30 minutes
Remove lipstick or lip balms
Avoid brushing or flossing teeth 30 minutes prior to collection
Collection
Remove the cap of the tube by pushing it slightly to the side
Do not remove the sponge holder (if it is dislodged, push it back into the tube)
Tip the sponge directly into your mouth. Do not touch the sponge with your fingers.
Very gently chew and roll the sponge in your mouth for 2 minutes.
When finish, hold the saturated sponge with your front teeth and return the sponge directly into the tube holder without touching it.
Close the tube firmly with the cap. Keep the sample in the fridge prior to delivering it to your closest Monash Health Pathology collection centre.
Please note cytogenetic buccal swab containers with Blue preservative fluid are not suitable for Salivary Cortisol.
