Please read all instructions and
watch the video before starting the process!
You will be making a solution of Citric Acid to stimulate
salivary secretion. Citric Acid is a food additive which is generally available as a 50% solution. We will use a 5% solution
on the applicator swabs. You will only use one of the swabs. Repeat steps 4-11 using
the second applicator only if needed.
The best way to obtain the saliva is
for one person to restrain the pet in a corner, with your back to the corner, and your pet between your legs. Use your legs
to keep your pet stable in the corner, and use your hands to hold his/her mouth closed. Most pets tolerate the swab with no difficulty, and the swab
can be moved about in the mouth to stimulate secretions. Some pets may be aware of the salivary stimulation and begin to squirm
after about 1 minute. Do not allow your pet to bite the swab.
The following Points are very important to guarantee the
usefulness of the results and the safety of your pet.
1. Apply exactly 1 ml of the citric acid solution to the applicator
2. Calmly restrain your pet in a corner. The
salivary stimulation is not painful or hurtful, but your pet may squirm.
3. Do not allow your pet to bite the applicator,
remove immediately if it does.
4.
If your pet doesn't mind the swab, feel free to move it about in the mouth to stimulate secretion.
5. The glove is provided to allow for a clean
transfer of protein from the swab to the vial. We don't want any protein on your hands to end up in the vial.
Saliva sampling instructions:
1
Empty the contents of the Citric Acid packet into the measuring cup.
2.
Add the contents of the liquid packet 15 ml of distilled water into the measuring cup.
3. Allow the citric acid to fully dissolve by stirring using the pipette.
4.
Fill the pipette to the 1 ml line with the Citric Acid solution.
5. Using the pipette, slowly spread the 1 ml of liquid
over the surface of the applicator.
6. Restrain your pet in a corner as shown in the video. Put the applicator in your
pet’s mouth.
7. Keep the applicator in the mouth for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes.
8. At about one minute your pet may
begin to squirm, because of the salivary stimulation.
9. After 2 1/2- 3 minutes remove the applicator.
10. Place the applicator, swab side up in a kitchen glass.
11.
Open the specimen vial.
12. Put on the enclosed glove.
13. Touching the applicator only with your gloved hand, squeeze as much of the contents of the applicator
as possible into the specimen vial.
14. Cap the vial.
15.
Label the specimen vial using one of the numbered stickers.
You should get at least 2-3 large drops of saliva. If you don't please repeat the procedure using the second
swab. Rinse the glove off to use it the second time.
Repeat steps 4 – 11 for the second applicator if needed.
16. Dispose of the applicators,
citric acid solution, pipette, and measuring cup.
Mailing Instructions:
Label the vial using one of the labels on the specimen collection sheet, and fill out the specimen collection sheet.
Be sure to include your e-mail address and please make sure that it is legible, also please include all the information about your pet and your zip code since this data will
be a part of the study. Send us the labeled sample vial, the specimen collection sheet using the enclosed mailer.
