Test Details
Lab Company: US BioTek
Sample Type: Buccal Swab, Saliva
Collection Location: At Home
This test examines the bacteria and other microorganisms in your mouth, providing important information about your oral health. It can help identify potential dental problems and even reveal how your oral health may be affecting your overall well-being. The results can guide personalized changes to your diet and lifestyle, helping you improve and maintain a healthier mouth and body.
Key Details
💊 You must avoid certain medications for up to 14 days before sample collection.
❌ You must avoid certain activities for up to 24 hours before sample collection.
🧪 You will collect 2 samples.
🚚 Ship your sample to the lab as soon as possible after sample collection.
Preparation & Timing
Avoid the following medications for 14 days before sample collection.
Antibiotics
Antifungals
DO NOT discontinue any prescription medications without consulting with your healthcare provider.
Avoid the following medications for 7 days before sample collection.
Anti-inflammatories
Probiotics
Botanical antimicrobials
Botanical antifungals
DO NOT discontinue any prescription medications without consulting with your healthcare provider.
Avoid the following activities for 24 hours before sample collection.
Oral sex
Using antimicrobial mouthwash
Avoid the following activities on the day of sample collection.
Using fixing cream on dental prostheses
Eating for 30 minutes before sample collection
Drinking for 30 minutes before sample collection.
Collection Instructions
You will collect 2 samples - a saliva sample and a swab sample.
Write the following information on the sample tubes.
Patient's full name
Date of collection
Complete the test requisition form.
Please ensure the name on your samples, requisition form, and Rupa order all match. You may be required to recollect your sample if they do not match.
Carefully open the swab packet.
Grab the swab by the long white stick.
DO NOT touch the swab tip with your fingers.
DO NOT touch the swab tip to any surface.
Firmly scrape the inside of your left cheek with the swab for 30 seconds.
Rotate the swab while you move it around on your cheek.
Firmly scrape the inside of your right cheek with the swab for 30 seconds.
Rotate the swab while you move it around on your cheek.
Carefully remove the swab from your mouth.
Open the transfer tube.
DO NOT spill any of the liquid inside the tube.
Insert the swab tip first in the tube.
Align the black line of the swab with the edge of the tube.
Snap the stick off of the swab.
The swab tip should remain in the liquid.
Close the tube tightly.
Gather the saliva tube with the attached funnel.
Spit gently into the saliva funnel.
If you have trouble producing saliva, try
Yawning
Thinking of your favorite food
Touching your tongue to the roof of your mouth.
Fill the tube until the saliva (excluding bubbles) reaches the fill line.
You can shake the tube gently to help the saliva flow downward into the tube.
Once the saliva reaches the fill line, slowly and carefully unscrew the funnel from the tube.
A stabilizing solution will be released into the tube.
Shake the funnel gently over the tube to ensure all of the fluid transfers completely.
Discard the funnel.
Remove the lid from the bottom of the tube.
Screw the lid on the tube tightly.
Invert the tube 5 times to mix the saliva and stabilizing solution together.
Place the two sample tubes into the biohazard bag.
Seal the biohazard bag.
Requisition & Payment
Your kit has been prepaid. You DO NOT need to pay anything extra.
You must complete your requisition form and sent it back with your samples.
Since you pre-paid for your tests, you do not need to fill in the payment information on this form.
Please ensure the name on your samples, requisition form, and Rupa order all match. You may be required to recollect your sample if they do not match.
Shipping
Ship your samples back to the lab as soon as possible after sample collection.
To prepare your samples for shipping,
Place the two sealed sample tubes into the biohazard bag.
Ensure the absorbent pad is in the biohazard bag.
Place the completed requisition form into the pocket on the biohazard bag.
Place the biohazard bag into the crush-proof box.
Place the crush-proof box into the return shipping envelope.
Seal the return shipping envelope.
Make a note of the tracking number on the return label so you can track your sample back to the lab.
Consult the shipping label to see which shipping carrier to use.
Take your sample package to the nearest shipping location.
DO NOT place your sample in a drop box.
Results
Results should be released to your provider 7-10 business days after samples are received at the lab. Rupa Health cannot guarantee processing time.
More Resources
Questions?
Reach out to Rupa Health via the chat in your patient portal.