Cotinine Saliva Collection

Salimetrics cotinine assay is designed to be highly sensitive so that discrimination can be made between primary and secondary tobacco smoke exposure.  However, levels of cotinine in known heavy smokers will be outside of Salimetrics’ assay range and must be assayed after dilution.

Cotinine is a metabolite of nicotine.  Nicotine may also exist in many consumer products including water, patches, gum, water, and food ingredients.

Before Sample Collection

• Avoid foods with high sugar, acidity, or caffeine immediately before sample collection.
• Document consumption of alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and prescription/over-the-counter medications within the prior 12 hours.
• Document vigorous physical activity and the presence of oral disease, injury or inflammation.
• Do not brush teeth or eat a major meal within 60 minutes of sample collection.
• Rinse mouth with water to remove food residue and then wait at least 10 minutes before collecting saliva.

During Sample Collection

• Recommended Collection Volume: 75 µl*
• Use a collection device that has been validated for the measurement of this analyte.
• Follow your selected sample collection device/method protocol.

*Add 300 µl to the total volume of all tests for liquid handling

After Sample Collection

• Record the time and date of specimen collection.
• Refrigerate samples immediately (if possible) and freeze at or below -20°C (household freezer) as soon as possible (within 6 hours of sample collection)
• Samples visibly contaminated with blood should be recollected.
• Do not add preservatives to saliva samples unless it has been previously validated with the assay.