Solid Phase Inc
SolidPhase Laboratory Services
We are one of the few remaining research laboratories in the country that provides Radio-Immuno-Assay for the direct determination of melatonin in human saliva. The direct saliva melatonin RIA test measures melatonin by a double-antibody radio immunoassay based on the Kennaway G280 anti-melatonin antibody. Our laboratory technicians have more than 30 years' experience using RIA technology. We continue to employ the RIA because it provides highly accurate results and is considered by many to be the gold standard. This product is intended for research use only. It is not intended for use in diagnostic procedures.
Melatonin Testing
The Melatonin RIA (Radioimmunoassay) Test is a sophisticated and highly sensitive technique used to measure the levels of melatonin in the body. Melatonin, a hormone primarily produced by the pineal gland in the brain, plays a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake cycles. Understanding melatonin levels can provide valuable insights into various health conditions, particularly those related to sleep disorders.
Description of Melatonin RIA Test
The Melatonin RIA Test involves the use of radioactively labeled antibodies to detect and quantify the presence of melatonin in a biological sample, typically plasma or saliva. The test is performed in a research laboratory setting and follows these general steps:
• A sample of plasma or saliva is collected from the patient.
• The sample is treated with a specific antibody that binds to melatonin.
• The antibody-melatonin complexes are then exposed to a radioactively labeled substance.
• The radioactive label allows for the precise measurement of melatonin levels using gamma counting.
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Shipping Samples
Our preferred method of shipping is Federal Express overnight on Dry ice. Best to ship Monday through Wednesday to avoid samples arriving over the weekend.
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Many customers provide samples in zip lock plastic bags, one bag per subject. Note that plastic bags often freeze and shatter when in contact with dry ice so please add a layer or cushion between the ice and the plastic Ziplock bags.
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Sample logs and samples need to be clearly labeled and legible. Specimens should be handled per package insert under specimens collection and storage. Customer is responsible for the shipping cost of shipping.
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We prefer to start with a small batch so that we can work out any issues with sample log, sample labeling, or anything else that arises. Most things can be fixed early in the process.
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Once testing is complete, we will hold or Store samples Refridgerated for 30 Days.
Saliva Collection and Storage
Subjects should refrain from eating during sampling period. If this is not possible, subjects should be permitted to eat immediately after a collection only and rinse their mouths with water approximately 15 minutes before the next collection.
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Avoid beverages containing artificial colorants as well as alcoholic beverages during the sampling period. Coffee is not permitted as it is counter indicated in sleep studies. Bananas should be avoided during the sampling period as well.
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Subjects should avoid brushing their teeth, with or without toothpaste, during the sampling period. It is likely that subjects with gingivitis will contaminate the saliva with plasma or whole blood leading to unknown consequences.
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Do not stimulate saliva flow by chewing gum or chewing lemons.
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When collecting saliva at night, a dim flashlight or a <_ 100 lux yellow light should avoid a possible light influence on the melatonin profile.
Saliva Sample Log
The saliva sample log you provide should include the following: Participant ID, Study Date, Time of Sample, Sample Number
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You can include anything you want on your sample log that is important to your research. Our requirements are simple: all we need is a sample number on the sample tube. If you are going to send 50 samples they should just be numbered 1-50. The numbers on both the sample and the sample log need to be legible and unique to that sample.
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When pipetting a sample that is labeled 1, we need our worksheet to also identify the sample as 1. When the results are generated from the assay tube they are posted on your sample log that corresponds to the matching cell.