Saliva collection devices affect sex steroid concentrations

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Biochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Saliva collection devices aim to simplify sample handling.
• Traditional Salivette devices (cotton, polypropylene) can interfere with salivary compound analysis.
• Accurate measurement of salivary hormones is crucial for various research applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of two Salivette collection devices on salivary testosterone and estradiol concentrations.
• To compare the accuracy of Salivette cotton vs. polypropylene rolls against passive drooling.
• To identify potential biases in sex steroid measurements due to saliva sampling methods.

Main Methods:

• Saliva samples collected from 231 women and 69 men using Salivette cotton rolls, Salivette polypropylene rolls, or passive drooling.
• Whole unstimulated saliva was analyzed for testosterone and estradiol concentrations.
• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) used for hormone quantification.

Main Results:

• Salivette cotton rolls significantly increased salivary testosterone (women: +42%, men: +28%) and estradiol (women: +9%, men: +33%).
• Salivette polypropylene rolls decreased salivary testosterone (women: -16%) and estradiol (women: -15%), with no significant effect in men.
• Significant alterations in sex steroid concentrations were observed based on the collection device used.

Conclusions:

• Saliva sampling methods using Salivette devices demonstrably alter sex steroid concentrations.
• The specific mechanism causing these measurement biases requires further investigation.
• Caution is advised when using Salivette devices for research involving salivary sex steroids.