Friends Medical Laboratory, Inc.

Saliva Specimens

Positively identify the donor.
Explain the test procedure to the donor.
Confirm that the donor has not had anything in his/her mouth for 15 minutes prior to providing the oral fluid sample. If the donor has had anything in his/her mouth within the last 15 minutes, wait 15 minutes prior to beginning the test.
Fill out Chain of Custody Form as follows on next page

Inspect the expiration date on the collection device packaging and open the outer packaging containing the collector and the specimen vial.
Place the specimen vial on a flat surface in view of the donor. Instruct the donor to grasp the handle and remove the collection device from the packaging sleeve.
Instruct the donor to place the collection pad between the lower cheek and gums and gently rub the pad back and forth along the gum to start the salivation process. Once moist, leave the pad between the cheek and gums for a full four (4) minutes
Open the collection vial in an upright position, rocking the cap back and forth to avoid spilling the contents (buffer solution).
After the four minutes, while the collector holds the collection vial, instruct the donor to push the collection pad into the specimen vial as far as it will go and snap the collection wand at the scored line against the side of the vial.
The collector then snaps the cap back on the vial and the collection part is complete.

Place the security tape from the bottom of the form across the top of the specimen vial and down the sides. The collector fills in the date and the donor initials the tape.
Place the specimen ID label (from the test form) over the top and down the sides of the vial – this is an important part of the Chain of Custody.
Place the specimen vial into the sealable pouch with the top copy of the Chain of Custody Form. Specimen is ready for transport to the lab.