Evaluation of salivary thiocyanate as an indicator of smoking behavior.

Salivary samples from three placement sites and under stimulated and unstimulated flow-rate conditions were collected from 36 participants (18 smokers, 18 nonsmokers) on each of 3 days. These samples were used to determine the best collection methodology for discriminating smokers from nonsmokers, the reliability of salivary thiocyanate (SCN) over days, and the stability of SCN given varying storage treatments. Results showed that SCN levels were significantly higher in smokers than in nonsmokers, in parotid site collections than either sublingual or mixed collections, and in unstimulated collections. Stimulated, mixed samples were reliable across days and were the best discriminator of smokers and nonsmokers. SCN levels did not differ under varying storage treatments. It is recommended that a standard methodology for collecting stimulated, mixed saliva be used when measuring SCN levels.

The influence of salivary stimulation on the validity of thiocyanate as an index of smoking status.

This study investigated the effects of salivary stimulation on thiocyanate (SCN) levels. A device for collecting parotid saliva that allowed for the measurement of flow rate was used in stimulated and nonstimulated conditions with six subjects. Results indicated that SCN levels exhibited considerable within-subject variability and were inversely related to flow rate. Under stimulated conditions, SCN levels stabilized in 3 min. Under nonstimulated conditions. SCN levels stabilized in 26 min. Although mean SCN levels were higher for smokers than nonsmokers, considerable overlap was observed such that misclassification of both smokers and nonsmokers could occur if cut-off points were not adjusted for flow rate conditions. Suggestions for standardizing stimulated conditions for collecting salivary SCN samples are discussed.

Measurement of salivary thiocyanate during the process of smoking cessation.

The changes in salivary thiocyanate (SCN) following smoking cessation were determined for 70 people recruited from community-based smoking cessation programs. Data collected over 3 months following cessation showed a half value of 5 days for abstainers, a strong linear relationship between SCN level and number of days since quitting, and considerable individual variation in precessation SCN level. It is concluded that SCN has value as an inexpensive, initial screening test of smoking behavior.