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The high-quality Salimetrics SalivaLab has been an integral part of Salimetrics since the company was founded and has assayed millions of saliva samples. Salivary bioscience research is stronger when it is dedicated to the methods that bring rigor and reproducibility.
Get accurate Saliva Testing and DNA Analysis for your study — all through a lab partner with transparent pricing and unparalleled support. If the guidance you seek needs to go beyond salivary handling, collection and testing—if your research demands the distinct advantage of a salivary bioscience pioneer as a partner—we’ve got you covered.
Attributes of Our High-Quality Salivary Bioscience Laboratory
#1 Routine calibration of lab equipment
High-quality labs have all of their lab equipment in a scheduled, routine calibration program. Calibration of lab equipment allows for reproducible measurements; conversely, uncalibrated equipment is one of the principle sources of lab error and almost always guarantees that the same samples tested across different labs will have a high inter-lab assay variability.
#2 Rigorous quality acceptance criteria for assay results
A good assay manufacturer will provide assays that meet rigorous quality acceptance criteria, and then provide protocols and guidance that ensures each laboratory can achieve great results. It’s a simple fact: the tighter the acceptance criteria, the less variability in results; the wider the acceptance criteria, the greater the variability in results. Salimetrics’ assays are manufactured and quality tested to rigorous acceptance criteria, and the Salimetrics SalivaLab reliably achieves these standards.
#3 Documented CV% acceptance/repeat criteria
High-quality labs can control for many possible sources of lab error, but saliva samples are unique in that they may be viscous and heterogenous, and, if the saliva samples are not processed by the lab correctly, duplicate measurements of the same sample can have large deviations between the two measures. Consider duplicate measurements of the same sample having a CV% of 20%; this means that the two measurements are actually 40% apart, and the mean value is 20% apart from each of the two values. More often than not, only one of these measures is incorrect, so choosing the mean value suggests that the value intrinsically has a 20% error. Further, if the average CV% of the entire data set is 20%, then any conclusions made by the researcher would be unsupported if the conclusion did not rely on a >20% difference between the means.
In addition to following good protocols, a high-quality lab will avoid sample processing and handling errors by having well-documented criteria that only permits the acceptance of the duplicate mean based on a maximum allowable percentage of coefficient of variation between duplicate values, or when the absolute difference of the duplicate values is small and does not have biological significance. When the criteria are not met on a sample, the sample is rerun or excluded from the final data analysis. In addition, for quality control, the lab should record the sample as having been repeated.
#4 Laboratory personnel trained in salivary testing to run the assays
Understanding how to work with viscous samples to avoid the introduction of bubbles and tiny volume discrepancies when pipetting, how to prevent bias across the plate, and even how to read and interpret the aforementioned quality control data, can make a difference in the integrity of the results. Both inter- and intra-assay CVs are improved when adequately trained personnel run assays. A high-quality lab will incorporate exercises such as pipetting proficiency into the training of personnel, and document the results, before actual assays are run.
*Note: Operators #2, 3 and 5 should be retrained, focusing on small volume pipetting techniques.
#5 Routinely processes saliva samples and performs saliva testing
Practice makes perfect. The Salimetrics SalivaLab has more expertise and experience at running assays compared to labs that run assays infrequently. It’s not that most labs are unable to get acceptable results from some of their salivary testing. It’s that most labs do not know how to get the best results from all of their saliva testing, and that’s simply because they have not tackled the full breadth of issues a proven, high-quality lab has experienced. Salimetrics’ lab knows how to troubleshoot and determine where potential issues may lie, and how to correct to get the best results.
#6 Participates in a proficiency testing program
Participating in a proficiency testing program is like getting a graded report card for the lab. It’s conducted after the lab meets all of the basic requirements for rigor, including training, and thereafter at minimum on an annual basis. For diagnostic labs, it is a regulatory requirement that they demonstrate proficiency in sample handling and processing by providing sample measurements on unknown, “controlled” samples. While this might not seem relevant to research, it is! A key finding from proficiency testing is that researchers can trust that the results because the results are repeatable.
#7 Uses and recommends validated saliva collection methods
High-quality labs know that how a sample is collected and handled prior to testing can significantly impact the measurements obtained from that sample. They understand that data from poorly handled samples will likely harm the data set when developing scientific associations and conclusions. For example, not correcting for flow rate when measuring an analyte that is impacted by flow, using an incorrect method to stimulate flow, using samples subjected to multiple freeze-thaws, or using an unvalidated swab for the collection of saliva without fully understanding the bias/interference created by the swab material (See Part 2, How Good are Your Saliva Samples?) are all errors that may affect scientific conclusions. Conversely, following validated methods reduces variability: from collection; from transport; from storage; from freezing; from the bench – all of which increase the repeatability of the results. A high-quality lab knows what the validated saliva collection methods are, and like Salimetrics, they know how to make the best saliva collection recommendation for a study. These labs keep up with evolving best practices and are a great resource for newer researchers.
Considerations for adding Salivary DNA to analyte Studies:
You can combine salivary analytes with easy, accurate, and affordable genomic testing using Salimetrics SalivaLab and the same sample that you are already collecting – no specialized saliva collection devices or additional samples are required.
Don’t know what SNPs are right for you? The SalivaLab’s DNA team specializes in genetic testing services, we recommend you Request a DNA Consult (gratis) to learn more about common considerations such as # of samples, participant ethnicity, and IRB Approval.
Industry-Leading Clinical Research Services for Saliva Analysis Integration
The Salimetrics SalivaLab is a CLIA certified lab which has been supporting the drug discovery & development process of pharmaceutical and contract research organizations for over ten years. Salimetrics has standardized the tools necessary to provide cost-effective, biological measurements for saliva biomarkers and analytes in your biomedical, pharmacological, or clinical research project. The SalivaLab provides unparalleled saliva analysis in support of your therapeutic area of expertise.
Our Approach
The Salimetrics platform gives you flexibility for incorporating salivary biomarkers into your drug development or clinical research program. From early stage drug discovery, target validation, non-clinical/pre-clinical pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies, and through all phases of clinical trials, Salimetrics can provide your team with valuable biological data with saliva-based bioanalytics. Our saliva research team can assist clinical investigators in designing, participant screening or therapeutic drug monitoring to achieve your investigational research goals.
Getting Started
If you’re interested in incorporating salivary analytes or biomarkers into your drug discovery program, the fastest way to reach us is to schedule a consultation by calling us at:800.790.2258
Both large and small drug discovery projects can benefit from enhanced salivary biomarker services including:
Priority Testing
Flexibility to meet changing needs
Validation Assistance
Specialized collection and assay training
Responsive Salivary Specialist for project inquiries
Logistical management
Secure network specific File Transfer Protocol (FTP) for data
Contact: Salimetrics (USA)
