The panel-specific SB-653 collection instructions cover a combined saliva and dried blood spot test. The general Saliva + Blood Spot Collection Instructions identifies SB-653 as seven LCMS saliva hormones with four-point cortisol, plus blood spot thyroid, cardiometabolic and LCMS vitamin D panels. Use the panel-specific PDF for the exact timing and kit requirements.
Plan your collection day
The combined guide says the saliva cortisol samples are collected at four points across the day: morning, noon, evening and night. It also says to collect the blood spot within one hour of waking. Check the exact timing table and tube/card requirements in your kit before starting, and mark the schedule on your calendar.
Because the saliva panel includes estradiol (E2), progesterone (Pg) and testosterone (T), the guide provides cycle timing for menstruating women. For regular cycles of 23–26 days, it says to collect on days 17–19; for 27–30 days, days 21–23; and for 31–34 days, days 25–27. For longer or shorter cycles, collect 5–7 days before the expected next period. For infrequent or unpredictable cycles, collect on a non-bleeding day. Day 1 is the first day of period flow, not spotting. Men, children and non-menstruating women can collect on any day of the month.
Prepare for saliva and blood spot samples
The guide advises avoiding anti-aging or anti-wrinkle facial creams and biotin (vitamin B7) hair and nail formulas for three days before collection. The night before, stay hydrated but avoid excessive fluids. For the cardiometabolic component, it recommends an overnight fast of 10–12 hours before the morning collection, with water only.
On collection day, do not eat or drink anything except water, or brush your teeth, before the first saliva sample and for two hours before later saliva collections. Rinse your mouth with water and wait five minutes before the first sample. Record current medicines and hormones on your requisition. The guide says not to stop prescribed hormone use; continue as prescribed. Ask your healthcare professional if you are unsure how a medication or supplement instruction applies to you.
Collect saliva at the four timepoints
- Begin the first saliva sample within 30 minutes of waking, using the large 10 mL tube when required. Wash and dry your hands, rinse your mouth with water and wait five minutes.
- Let saliva pool in your mouth, then transfer it to the tube. Fill at least halfway, not counting bubbles. The general guide says collection usually takes 15–30 minutes.
- Cap the tube securely and label it with your name, date and collection time. Repeat at the other times shown in the panel schedule, using the smaller 5 mL tubes if required.
Collect the dried blood spot
Write your name, date and collection time on the card before washing your hands. Wash with soap and water, dry them with a clean towel and warm them to help circulation. Secure the card below heart level and below your waist without touching the filter paper. Clean the side of a finger with the alcohol pad and let it air-dry, then use the supplied lancet as directed and wipe away the first drop.
Place one drop in each circle without overlapping. The blood should soak through the card; prioritise well-saturated spots over partially filled ones. Leave the card open to dry for at least four hours, then close it and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Store and return your samples
The guide says to freeze saliva samples that will not be shipped within 24 hours. Keep the dried blood spot card cool and dry as directed. Complete all paperwork and return the samples using the kit’s packaging and carrier instructions. The linked test pages list results within 3–5 working days after the laboratory receives the samples.
Explore the matching tests
See the Female Weight Management Profile Test and Male Weight Management Profile Test, both listed as SB-653, or browse Multi Hormone Profile Tests.
This article provides general sample-collection information only, not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment guidance. Follow the instructions supplied with your kit and discuss personal health questions or medication timing with a qualified healthcare professional.