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

ABSTRACT

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.