Saliva Collection Kit Instructions

Welcome to the BC Cancer Jewish BRCA Testing Program! 

Have you recently requested or received a Saliva Collection Kit?  

Follow along below for an easy to follow, clear overview of the saliva collection and shipping process.  There are also helpful videos to take you through each step. 

*The following instructions are provided for educational reference. BRCAinBC does not administer or oversee the testing process provided by the BC Cancer Jewish BRCA Testing Program.

Please note that the information provided here is different than the instructions you receive in your saliva collection kit.

We suggest that you use these instructions to complete the process.

Saliva collection instructions

Customs document instructions

FedEx shipping document instructions

What to Expect Now

Your kit includes several parts. Here’s what you’ll find:

What’s in the Box

  1. Saliva Collection Kit (blue and white box) – which contains your saliva kit and doubles as the return box.

  2. Clear Plastic Container, holding the Funnel and Tube needed to collect your saliva sample.

  3. Shipping Labels - for your return shipment to Invitae

  4. Customs Forms - required for return shipping to Invitae

  5. Register Your Test Online card

Tip: Keep these items in separate piles before you start. It will help you stay organized.

Next Steps

  1. Register your test using Invitae portal and the code on your Register Your Test Online card or from the email invitation you received. 

  2. Obtain your saliva sample  

  3. Mail your sample back to Invitae. Results usually takes 3–6 weeks. 

  4. Get your results securely via the Invitae portal. If your result is positive, a BC Cancer Jewish BRCA Testing Program team member will contact you directly. 

For help: email jewishbrca@bccancer.bc.ca.

Saliva Collection Instructions

Video 1: Saliva Collection (5 minutes)

Before You Begin

  • Don’t eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum for 30 minutes before collection.

  • Check the tube’s expiration date, found next to “Collect Saliva by” on the label. 

  • Expect it to take 2–5 minutes to produce enough saliva.

  • Ship your sample within 1 week of collection

Collecting Your Sample (7 Steps)

1

Spit into the funnel until saliva (not bubbles) reaches the fill line.

2

Close the funnel lid until you hear a click.

3

Unscrew the funnel and discard it.

4

Seal the tube tightly with the small cap.

5

Shake for 5 seconds.

6

Label the tube with your First Name, Last Name, Date of Birth, and Collection Date. This information is needed to process your sample. (Leave MRN/RQ blank.) 

7

Place the tube into the specimen bag with absorbent sheet, then back into the kit box.

✅ Your sample is now collected. Next: Complete the customs forms. 

Customs Form Instructions

Video 2: Customs Form (3 minutes)

You will now complete the Customs Form needed to ship your sample back to Invitae in San Francisco, USA.

Please locate the form called Commercial Invoice: For Customs Use Only.

IMPORTANT! You will need to complete all 3 copies of this form and return them with your kit.

Tip! Fill out all three by hand OR fill out one copy and photocopy it twice.

How to Fill It Out

1- Under SHIP FROM:

  • Complete section with your address, including your province and postal code.

  • You can leave “Site Name” blank.

2- Top right corner under DATE:

  • Fill in today’s date (the date you completed the form).

3- Leave INVOICE # and TAX ID # blank.

4- Under SHIPMENT INFORMATION:

  • On the left, under EST. SHIP DATE: Fill in the date you plan to ship the sample.

  • On the right, under CARRIER: Write FedEx.

5- Under ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR CUSTOMS:

  • In PORT OF LOADING: Write the name of your town, Canada.

  • In AWB: Write your unique 12-digit tracking number (TRK#). You can find this number on the Return Shipping Label addressed to LABCORP GENETICS in San Francisco.

6- Sign and date the bottom of the form with today’s date under the DECLARATION.

✅ Your customs forms are now ready. Next: prepare your package for shipping. 

FedEx Shipping Instructions

Video 3: FedEx Shipping (5 minutes)

Final step:

You will now get your package ready for FedEx Express Shipping and schedule your pickup.

Your kit includes several items required for shipping. Here’s what you’ll find:

What You’ll Need

1- Commercial Invoice Forms x 3

2- Return Shipping Labels x 3

3- FedEx Shipping Bag

4- Plastic Document Holder (with purple flap)

5- Saliva Collection Kit (blue and white box) with your collected sample inside

Tip! Lay all items out on the table before you begin.

Step-by-Step

1- Gather documents: Take 3 Commercial Invoice Forms, the Plastic Document Holder (purple flap), and 2 Return Shipping Labels. Leave 1 label for the FedEx Bag.

2- Fill holder: Place the 3 invoices and 2 labels into the Plastic Document Holder. Seal it.

3- Prepare FedEx bag: Take the FedEx Shipping Bag and the last Return Shipping Label. Stick the label on the side marked “This pak is only for FedEx express shipments.”

4- Attach documents: Flip the bag to the side marked “Place shipment information on center of pak.” Stick the sealed Document Holder on the plus sign (+).

5- Insert kit: Place your closed Saliva Collection Kit (blue and white box) into the FedEx Bag. Seal.

6- Discard extras: Throw away the Customs Declaration Letter—it’s not needed.

Schedule Your Pickup

  • Call FedEx: 1-800-463-3339

  • Provide:

    • Invitae Account Number: 19430578-8

    • Your tracking number (TRK#)

    • Your pickup address

    • Delivery address: LABCORP GENETICS, 1400 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94100

Tip: If pickup isn’t available, ask for the nearest FedEx drop-off site that accepts human samples.

Final Step: Register Your Test

Go to www.invitae.com/patients and enter the code from your card.
This allows you to track progress and receive your results.

✅ You’re Done!

Your sample is now collected, packaged, and ready for return.