FAQs
Saliva Collection
What is the difference between Super-SAL1™ and Super-SAL2™?
Super-SAL1™ and Super-SAL2™ are very similar, and both will yield high quality whole saliva (oral fluid) samples. The key difference is that the absorbent collection pad in Super-SAL1™ is 52 mm long (10 mm in diameter), whereas that for Super-SAL2™ is 33 mm long (10 mm in diameter). Therefore, the choice of which kit to use is dependent on the requirements of the study and needs of the investigators and participants. Due to the design of each product, the collection pad in each device will accommodate a saliva collection volume of approximately 1.5 mL.
What is the difference between Super-SAL1™ and Pure-SAL™?
The key difference is that Pure-SAL™ contains a proprietary filtration matrix in the collection barrel, which excludes cells, mucins and other interferences. This built-in filtration system results in samples that are rich in cell-free DNA, cell-free RNA, exosomes and proteins. The physical characteristics of Super-SAL1™ and Pure-SAL™ are otherwise identical. Both have an absorbent collection pad that is 52 mm long, and 10 mm in diameter.
When would I use a Super-SAL™ collection kit or a SimplOFy™ collection kit?
Both Super-SAL1™ and Super-SAL2™ are collection devices in which whole saliva is sampled from within the mouth using the absorbent collection pad. Conversely, the SimplOFy™ collection kits are designed to be used by the patient/participant placing the Collection Funnel against their lips and expectorating/drooling saliva into the Funnel. Therefore, the choice on which kit to use will depend on the type of investigations that are being performed, and the practicalities of collecting samples depending on location and study population.
When would I use SimplOFy™ DNA or SimplOFy™ Protein?
Both of the SimplOFy™ devices contain dried stabilising buffer embedded in the tube cap. For SimplOFy™ DNA the stabilising buffer is optimised for DNA (blue tube cap), and for SimplOFy™ Protein the stabilising buffer is optimised for protein (orange tube cap). Select the collection device that is most suitable for your analysis requirements. The dried buffer in the tube cap ensures that it cannot be spilt or lost during the collection process.
How do I assess the recovery rates for analytes using the Salvivo collection kits?
It is strongly recommended that you perform spiking/recovery experiments for the analyte(s) under investigation using the collection kits of your choosing. Some analytes may bind to components of absorbent pads and this may need to be corrected for, depending on the research and assay requirements. Generally, recovery rates for commonly measured analytes are within the range 80-120%.
Is it safe to mail samples in collection tubes to a laboratory?
Several of the Salvivo saliva collection devices incorporate collection tubes with a screw cap. Ensure that the screw cap is firmly tightened and place the collection tube(s) into an appropriate mailer for transportation to a laboratory using standard shipping methods for liquid biological samples.
FishburneTabs®OH (Oral Hydration)
Why use the FishburneTabs®OH?
Compared to other methods for assessing oral hydration, the FishburneTabs®OH are faster, less expensive, and take far less clinician/researcher time – and with highly consistent and repeatable results. They are also environmentally sustainable, being an incinerable, paper-based product.
What do the numbers represent on the FishburneTabs®OH?
Numbers make it easy to show change and to describe that change quantifiably. The numbers on the handle, the Fishburne Scale, were chosen to provide a consistent representation of oral hydration.
Do the FishburneTabs®OH measure saliva flow?
No, the FishburneTabs®OH do not measure saliva flow. Instead, consider that saliva flow rate, like a river, is a measure of volume of liquid over time. FishburneTabs®OH measure ambient saliva at a single moment – it is, therefore, a snapshot of oral hydration.
Are the FishburneTabs®OH calibrated to any other measure of oral hydration?
The FishburneTabs®OH have been shown at Tufts University, USA to be equivalent in detecting oral hydration (and oral dryness) to the Challacombe scale, the standard developed at King’s College London. [*Quantitative Measures of Saliva Hypofunctions, Athena Papas, Mabi L. Singh, Matthew Finkelman, Carlo Amorin Daep, AADOCR, Mar 2023.]
How many times can I use the FishburneTabs®OH with a single person?
As many times as the person will use it! FishburneTabs®OH have no implicit time interval limitations—except acceptance by the individual. Each FishburneTab®OH can only be used once of course, but there is no limit to how many could be used during a day. For example, it might be appropriate to assess oral hydration in the morning and in the evening.
Why are FishburneTabs®OH shaped like little guitars?
The FishburneTabs®OH were created to perform consistently within the human oral cavity which is remarkably similar across our human species. Saliva collected on the dorsum of the tongue (the tongue upper surface) is the target. Creating an appealing looking device with a handle containing a scale to indicate oral hydration, a collection body to fit most people, and wings on the side to ensure consistent placement was the work of a fantastic professional design team.
When the FishburneTabs®OH are used, the absorbent heart-shape pad sits on the tongue and the numbers face down—why is that?
Our directions call for a tongue swirl to mix saliva prior to placement of the Tab onto the dorsum of the tongue. This action brings saliva from the submandibular, parotid and minor salivary glands onto the surface of the tongue. Then, when the FishburneTab®OH is placed on the tongue and the mouth is opened and then closed, the neurological resting reflex initiates, in which the tongue pushes forward against the teeth and the palate when the mouth is closed, and molars meet. (Go ahead…try it!). Using this method, saliva coming from all glands is included in the sample and the saliva mix is consistent with the experience of the person.
Are the FishburneTabs®OH FDA approved?
In 2019, the FishburneTabs®OH were submitted to the FDA as a Class 1 Medical Device (exempt) on the basis of similar devices already appearing in the US market. Our application was accepted without revision.
What makes FishburneTabs®OH different from the other marketed products that absorb saliva?
Consistent numeric indicators, superior absorbent paper selected from a unique and very high-quality paper source for guaranteed consistency, created in a facility certified to rigorous medical standards distinguish FishburneTabs®OH from single paper strips, swabs, sponges or tampon-type absorbent devices.
Are FishburneTabs®OH safe to use?
Yes, the absorbent paper is selected from a unique and high-quality paper source, and created in a facility certified to rigorous medical standards. The numerical scale on the handle of the tab is produced using food-grade dye.
Are the FishburneTabs®OH patented?
Yes. The US Patent was granted in 2018. An additional continuation patent was granted in 2021.
FishburneTabs®SC (Sample Collection)
Why use the FishburneTabs®SC?
Compared to other methods for collecting saliva samples for biomarker detection, the FishburneTabs®SC are faster, less expensive, and take far less clinician/researcher time – and with highly consistent and repeatable results. They are also environmentally sustainable, being an incinerable, paper-based product.
Are the FishburneTabs®SC calibrated to any other measure of saliva sample collection?
The FishburneTabs®SC have been shown at Tufts University, USA to permit collection of samples which remain stable following prolonged storage at -80oC for periods of up to 3 years and with high sensitivity and specificity compared to liquid saliva samples. Dried saliva samples are stable following collection. Please ensure that you assess stability of the samples in specific biomarkers that you will evaluate. [Mora AC, Sogn AK, Tierney AJ, Tzavaras E, Singh ML, Mahn Arteaga G, et al. Validation of dried saliva for molecular diagnostics. ChemRxiv. 2025; doi:10.26434/chemrxiv-2025-66dj9]
How many times can I use the FishburneTabs®SC with a single person?
As many times as the person will use it! FishburneTabs®SC have no implicit time interval limitations—except acceptance by the individual. Each FishburneTab®SC can only be used once of course, but there is no limit to how many could be used during a day. For example, depending on the requirements of the research study, you may wish to collect a sample in the morning and in the evening, or before and after exercise, or whatever the requirements of the investigation are. However, most researchers will likely require to obtain a single sample using the FishburneTabs®SC.
How do I get my sample out of the FishburneTabs®SC so that I can perform assays for my biomarker(s) of interest?
Full instructions are provided in the accompanying protocol. In brief, a punch biopsy instrument is used to punch out discs from the absorbent pad (as many as 9 discs can be usually removed from the pad). These are then simply placed into an Eppendorf or microcentrifuge tube, to which elution buffer is added and then the elution protocol (centrifugation) is followed. Aliquots of the supernatant (containing the biomarker) can then be removed using standard pipettes, to then proceed to the assay protocol. It is strongly recommended that you perform spiking/recovery experiments for the analyte(s) under investigation using the FishburneTabs®SC, depending on the research and assay requirements.
Why are FishburneTabs®SC shaped like little guitars?
The FishburneTabs®SC were created to perform consistently within the human oral cavity which is remarkably similar across our human species. Saliva collected on the dorsum of the tongue (the tongue upper surface) is the target. Creating an appealing looking device with a handle, a collection body to fit most people, and wings on the side to ensure consistent placement was the work of a fantastic professional design team.
When the FishburneTabs®SC are used, the absorbent pad side sits on the tongue—why is that?
Our directions call for a tongue swirl to mix saliva prior to placement of the Tab onto the dorsum of the tongue. This action brings saliva from the submandibular, parotid and minor salivary glands onto the surface of the tongue. Then, when the FishburneTab®SC is placed on the tongue and the mouth is opened and then closed, the neurological resting reflex initiates, in which the tongue pushes forward against the teeth and the palate when the mouth is closed and molars meet. (Go ahead…try it!). Using this method, saliva coming from all glands is included in the sample and the saliva mix is consistent with the experience of the person.
Are the FishburneTabs®SC FDA approved
In 2019, the FishburneTabs®SC were submitted to the FDA as a Class 1 Medical Device (exempt) on the basis of similar devices already appearing in the US market. Our application was accepted without revision.
What makes FishburneTabs®SC different from the other marketed products that absorb saliva?
Superior absorbent paper selected from a unique and very high-quality paper source for guaranteed consistency, created in a facility certified to rigorous medical standards distinguish FishburneTabs®SC from filter papers or other absorbent pads or sponges.
Are FishburneTabs®SC safe to use?
Yes, the absorbent paper is selected from a unique and high-quality paper source, and created in a facility certified to rigorous medical standards.
Are the FishburneTabs®SC patented?
Yes. The US Patent was granted in 2018. An additional continuation patent was granted in 2021.
General Questions
I would like to use Salvivo collection devices, but I am not sure which ones to purchase.
Please contact us with any queries or questions about the devices and kits. We are experienced researchers in the field of saliva collection and analysis and will be happy to help you with any questions that you may have. We are confident that somewhere in our extensive product range there is a product that will meet your needs!
Can you supply me with samples of your collection devices.
Yes, we can supply a small number of selected collection devices for you to assess their suitability for your requirements. We simply request that you cover the costs of shipping to your location.
How do I purchase collection devices from Salvivo?
We use a Request a Quote process. Please complete the online form to explain your requirements and we will provide you with a quote for the products you are interested in. Following this, we require a purchase order or equivalent, and we will invoice following shipment to your location.
Can I talk to someone at Salvivo to discuss any queries or questions?
Yes, please email us at info@salvivo.com with your contact details and we will get back to you as soon as we possibly can.