Saliva collection devices affect sex steroid concentrations

Abstract

BackgroundSaliva collection devices solve some of the technical issues related to sampling and processing of saliva. However, the widely used Salivette cotton or polypropylene rolls interfere with down-stream analysis of some of the salivary compounds. The aim of our study was to prove the effect of sampling using two different Salivette collection devices on salivary testosterone and estradiol concentrations. MethodsSaliva samples were collected from young healthy women (n=231) and men (n=69) using Salivette cotton and polypropylene rolls or by passive drooling as whole unstimulated saliva. Testosterone and estradiol concentrations were determined using ELISA. ResultsRepeated measures ANOVA and Bland–Altman plots showed that Salivette cotton rolls considerably increase salivary testosterone (by 42% in women and by 28% in men) and estradiol levels (by 9% in women and by 33% in men). Samples collected using the Salivette polypropylene rolls contained significantly lower concentrations of salivary testosterone (by 16%) and estradiol (by 15%) in women, but not in men. ConclusionsSampling using Salivette collection devices significantly alters salivary concentrations of sex steroids. Although the mechanism of bias introduced by the sampling is not clear, Salivette collection devices should be used with caution for research focused on salivary sex steroids.