2519. Melatonin (saliva)
Description
The analysis of melatonin concentration in saliva is aimed at determining its deficient or excessive level and identifying disorders that have arisen as a result. About 70% of plasma melatonin is bound to albumin and is biologically inactive. The assessment of melatonin in saliva makes it possible to specifically determine the biologically active, or “free,” fraction of the hormone.
Only this free fraction can pass through the barrier (membrane) formed by the acinar cells of the salivary gland. This means that the free fraction of steroids in saliva correlates with the amount of free and biologically active hormone in the blood. Saliva collection has clear advantages over blood sampling. Saliva collection is a non-invasive, painless, and convenient procedure; saliva samples can be collected at any time – day or night; it is the best alternative when blood collection is complicated or inappropriate (for children and elderly individuals).
When and who needs the test?
- Sleep disorders.
- Depressive state.
- Seasonal affective disorder.
Biological material
- Saliva
Preparation for the test of melatonin in saliva
- do not perform dental treatment 48 hours before collection;
- do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours before collection;
- do not brush your teeth 2 hours before collection;
- do not eat, smoke, or drink beverages for 30 minutes before collection;
- avoid contact with lipstick;
- avoid samples contaminated with...