Collecting Your Sample

  • DO NOT eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, or brush your teeth at least 30 minutes prior to testing.
  • DO NOT use mouthwash for at least two hours prior to testing.
  • DO NOT forcefully blow when collecting your sample to avoid creating bubbles.
  • DO NOT participate in saliva testing if you have tested positive for COVID-19 within 90 days. 

 

Testing Instructions

Step 1

DO NOT eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, or brush your teeth at least 30 minutes prior to testing. DO NOT use mouthwash for at least two hours prior to testing.

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Step 2

Open the straw pouch and remove the straw.
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Step 3

Unscrew the tube cap and insert the narrow end of the straw into the tube.
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Step 4

Pool saliva in your mouth, and let it fall through the straw into the tube. Do not blow forcefully to avoid bubbles.
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Step 5

Make sure the tube is filled at least halfway, then remove and discard the straw, and securely cap the tube.
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Step 6

Place the tube with your saliva sample into the bag and seal the bag.  Label the bag by legibly writing your name and campus ID number on the label and applying it securely to the bag. Unlabeled samples will be discarded.
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Step 7

Drop off your sealed and labeled sample any time at the drop-off box located across from Room 208 on the second floor of Wheelock Student Center. Samples are shipped to the lab Monday–Thursday at 2:30 p.m. Samples received after 2:30 p.m. on Thursday will be shipped out on Mondays.