There are many reasons to get a saliva test done – from detecting complex diseases and conditions to offering a pain-free solution to routine tests.
Saliva cortisol tests are the most common test for diagnosing hormonal and adrenal issues in your body. That may seem like new-age technology from the aliens, but it is a reliable and affordable solution for many conditions that may otherwise go undiagnosed.
If you are due to go for a saliva test, there are a few things that you should know to make the testing process go smoother and to get the best possible chance for hyper-accurate results. So, with that in mind, keep the below seven points in mind before you deposit your saliva sample.
Be Properly Hydrated
Water hydration well before your appointment date is critical for a successful saliva test. Drink at least 8 ounces of water every hour before your test time, but stop drinking water half an hour before giving your sample.
Make sure to drink water and not soda or coffee within two to three hours of your test time – that will make your test unreliable when it gets to the laboratory for analysis. Rinse your mouth with water 30 minutes before testing if you have had anything to drink other than water.
Take Your Phone
You will need the QR code on your phone if you are getting a saliva test done to test for COVID-19. Many other tests will also start with you receiving a QR code, so make sure that you have your phone with you while you are waiting.
Even if they don’t need to scan a code, your phone will keep you occupied while you wait for your turn to deposit your sample.
Saliva Can Diagnose Many Things
A saliva collection kit can help to diagnose multiple conditions and diseases. If you’re worried that a saliva test is a waste of time, then stop. Diseases and disorders that affect your endocrine and adrenal systems can be diagnosed using saliva, and so can some mental health issues.
Medical technology is evolving, which means that medical professionals and scientists will keep finding ways to make testing and diagnostics quicker and less painful procedures.
Don’t Be Afraid
Saliva tests are just as accurate as any other traditional form of detection or diagnosis. Don’t be afraid that your results won’t be accurate – as long as you follow the strict guidelines for ensuring that your specimen is useable, you will be fine.
This form of detection and diagnostics is pain-free, simple, and it is becoming more and more cost-effective.
Don’t Cough
When depositing your saliva sample in the tube – don’t cough or clear your throat. Many people mistake a saliva sample with a mucus one, mucus is not the same thing, and having phlegm or mucus present in your sample can affect the results of your test – or even render it useless.
The same applies to sniffing, so don’t do that either. All you should be depositing is a clear sample of your saliva. If you need help to produce enough saliva because you are nervous, try thinking about sour foods. That will help your saliva glands to produce more and give you a better specimen.
Take Your ID
When going for your saliva test, remember to take a photo ID with you. This form of identification can be anything from your passport to your driver’s license, as long as it has a clear photo of you on it, it will suffice.
Relax
One of the most vital things to do before going for your saliva test is to stay calm. Practice a few breathing exercises if you are nervous; they can help to calm the nerves.
Being anxious or nervous will interfere with your saliva production, and you’ll be more tempted to cheat and drink water. That won’t help your case because all it will do is interfere with you getting accurate test results.
Almost all rejected test samples are rejected because the saliva sample has either been tampered with or has been contaminated.
To End
Modern medical advances will never cease to amaze, so take your time to read up about new procedures and processes – you might find an easy way for you to have a routine test done. So many people don’t even realize how mainstream some of these testing methods are. It is highly recommended that you try them and see the results for yourself.
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