Salimetrics Publishes an Easy-to-Follow Sample Collection Handbook to Standardize Dried Blood Spot Collection in Biobehavioral Research

A new Salimetrics' research guidance tool establishes a common protocol to standardize the collection of dried blood spot biospecimens of the highest-quality, at scale, and with minimal participant burden 

CARLSBAD, Calif., Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Salimetrics today announced the online publication of its Dried Blood Spot (DBS) Collection Handbook. The handbook is a part of Salimetrics' recently expanded research toolkit and provides investigators with a "first-of-its-kind" detailed resource This common protocol, an easy-to-use standard operating procedure, is designed to enable biobehavioral research teams to employ DBS biospecimen collection effectively and efficiently and improve data quality. The new guide leverages Salimetrics' expertise in biospecimen collection methods and understanding that high-quality samples lead to the highest quality data.

"For years, we labored in the trenches to fine tune collection methods to improve saliva sampling success rates; we built a substantial foundation of knowledge about how to do so, and not do so. It's clear that that experience can be applied here to improve upon the ways the community is collecting dried blood spots," says Douglas Granger, PhD., Salimetrics Chief Science and Strategy Advisor. "A common protocol is a very good starting point. It will enable higher success rates in sample collections within each study, and make the comparison of findings between studies easier. Doing so will elevate the science."

The DBS collection handbook also informs investigators of the impact that can be gained by inclusion of DBS sampling into new or existing studies.  Most importantly, as biobehavioral research advances, developing our understanding of how multiple biological systems work in coordination will be key.  DBS assessments enable an expansive range of possible physiological biomarker measures.  

"Elevating biobehavioral research by enabling investigators to do work that is significant, innovative, and high impact has been Salimetrics' north star for almost three decades," says Granger.

A look inside the DBS Collection Handbook 

• Clear, field-ready procedures for preparing the environment, collecting free-flowing capillary blood, drying cards, and packaging for shipment. 

• Actionable guidance for how many fully filled spots are recommended for common targets (e.g., CRP, cytokines, HbA1c). 

• Practical tips for vulnerable populations, plus troubleshooting checklists. 

• Integration notes on collecting DBS alongside saliva, such as how to manage key collection considerations. 

Inclusion of DBS and saliva sampling 

Saliva opens powerful windows into physiology, often enabling frequent, at-home sampling, while DBS expands the biomarker menu to blood-derived analytes (e.g., CRP, cytokines, HbA1c) with minimally invasive, transport-friendly collection. This becomes a practical "best of both worlds" design for many EMA or home-based studies.  

Proven, researcher-friendly logistics 

Salimetrics provides participant-ready sample collection kits for both saliva and DBS that combines unified, expert workflows through the CoreLab+ with consultative protocol support from study design to reporting. Research teams can achieve a single, integrated experience from collection through analysis that's backed by standardized methods and robust quality control. 

Availability 

The Dried Blood Spot Collection Handbook is available now on the Salimetrics website. Researchers can also request a quote for DBS and saliva collection kits, consult with Salimetrics' scientific team, or route samples directly to Salimetrics CoreLab+ for integrated analysis and reporting. 

To learn more, simply visit https://salimetrics.com/, or Ask an Expert.  

About Salimetrics 

Salimetrics is a trusted partner in providing accessible, reliable, reproducible, and scientifically validated biospecimen methods for research studies. From saliva and dried blood spots collection methods to logistical support, to Salimetrics' world-class Core Lab testing services, Salimetrics supports researchers at every stage of their study between grant submittal and publication. Founded in 1998 by Douglas A. Granger, Ph.D., Salimetrics, LLC has supported thousands of published studies in a wide spectrum of scientific specialties, including academic researchers, CROs, pharmaceuticals, and the immunodiagnostic industry around the world with their commitment to science, support, quality, value, and community. 

SOURCE Salimetrics, LLC