title: Saliva specimen: a new laboratory tool for diagnostic and basic investigation.
abstract: The assay of saliva is an increasing area of research with implications for basic and clinical purposes. Although this biological fluid is easy to manipulate and collect, careful attention must be directed to limit variation in specimen integrity. Recently, the use of saliva has provided a substantial addition to the diagnostic armamentarium as an investigative tool for disease processes and disorders. In addition to its oral indications, the analysis of saliva provides important information about the functioning of various organs within the body. In this respect, endocrine research certainly occupies a central role. The present review considers the laboratory aspects of salivary assays with respect to the different analytes including ions, drugs and various non-protein/protein compounds such as hormones and immunoglobulins. This review also examines the consequences of preanalytical variation with respect to collection strategy and subsequent storage conditions. It is likely that the use of saliva in assays will continue to expand thus providing a new instrument of investigation for physiologic as well as pathophysiologic states.
authors.affiliation: Section of Clinical Biochemistry, Department of Medical Diagnostic Sciences and Spec. Ther., University of Padua, c/o ex Istituto di Semeiotica Medica, Via Ospedale 105-35128, Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chiappin
authors.forename: Giorgia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Antonelli
authors.forename: Rosalba
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gatti
authors.forename: Elio F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: De Palo
mesh_terms: D019963:Clinical Chemistry Tests; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D019937:Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures; D006801:Humans; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry*