Effect of 2 h of room temperature storage on salivary glucose concentration

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY: Although many studies are available validating the role of saliva as an alternative diagnostic tool, no reliable data are available on the duration of time, a salivary sample can be reliably stored at room temperature for estimation. It varies from one analyte to another and has to be researched. AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of 2 h of room temperature storage on salivary glucose concentration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Saliva samples obtained by spitting method from thirty healthy volunteers were centrifuged and glucose concentration determined in the supernatant obtained. The test was repeated 2 h later following room temperature storage of the supernatant. RESULTS: The data obtained were analyzed using wilcoxson signed rank test. No significant difference between was observed between the two values. CONCLUSION: Salivary glucose can reliably estimate on centrifuged samples following 2 h of room temperature storage.