In order to achieve the best results for your research or customers, you need to pick the right materials and follow some basic recommendations for collection, handling, storage, and shipping of your biological samples.
While blood and urine samples are collected with ‘standard’ devices provided by several companies (like “S-Monovettes” from Sarstedt Inc.), the devices for saliva collection should be carefully chosen. Saliva collection by passive drool is probably the single best and least expensive method to obtain samples suited for many different hormones and other salivary parameters. You can use the SaliCap (from Tecan) for effortless collection of saliva. Some investigators rather choose the blue-capped Salivette (from Sarstedt Inc). However, while this device is great for the measurement of salivary cortisol, testosterone, and amylase, you will receive false results for other hormones and biomarkers with it. Never use the green-capped or white-capped Salivettes!
In some of your patients or study participants it may not be possible to collect saliva samples with SaliCaps or Salivettes. Especially for infants and toddlers you should consider microsurgical eye sponges or special swabs.
For the collection and storage of hair or fur samples, we suggest reading this document and/or watching this demo video.
Always try to store your saliva, blood, urine, or CSF samples in a freezer (-18° Celsius or lower) as soon as possible after collection. In some cases, it is not necessary to do this immediately. Salivary cortisol and amylase are robust – saliva samples can be stored at room temperature or in the fridge (4° Celsius) for up to one week without jeopardizing the integrity of the samples.
Shipping your samples to us is easy: For salivary cortisol and amylase assays, you can simply put your samples in a cardboard box – no need to add dry ice or cool packs if you use a courier with a 1-3-days delivery service. For other hormones and biomarkers, we recommend using an insulating shipping box like this and add dry ice. This will keep your samples in good condition for a prolonged period of time. Order express delivery for your precious samples. More details for handling and shipping of liquid samples can be found here – details for collection, storage, and shipping of hair or fur samples are here. Important: Always complete and include an order form with your shipment. Order form liquid samples or hair/nail/scales samples.
Dresden LABservice GmbH
Tatzberg 47-49
01307 Dresden
Germany
