One of the first saliva swab collection devices designed to collect saliva for the measurement of salivary cortisol was the Sarstedt Salivette®. Over time and because of its simple design, the use of the term Salivette® in the literature became synonymous with swab-based saliva collection methods. The Salivette® features a tube, a swab, an internal container to hold the swab, and a slip fit cap.
Since then, new technology and next generation protocols for saliva swab collection have been introduced that significantly improve on the performance of the Salivette®. These improvements have optimized the collection devices and collection techniques, and as a result, have minimized variability in results, enhanced adaptability for multiple testing applications, maximized sample volumes and recoveries, and increased the ease of use and minimized participant burden (Granger et. al, 2007).
Researchers should look beyond the Salivette® and be sure the saliva collection method they choose includes the following features:
- Validated for accurate results
- Suitable for possible DNA collection
- Ease of use for participants of different ages
- Clean, safe, and non-toxic
- Collects sufficient sample volume for analysis
- Minimizes risk of choking