Resources
How to collect a saliva sample and run a Kora Strip.
Everything you need to collect a clean sample, get your dog salivating, and keep your kit in good shape.
Saliva collection guide
Collecting a sample, step by step.
Follow these steps with the saliva collection kit that ships with your Kora Strips. The full collection procedure takes less than ten minutes.
ImportantCollect the sample before your dog eats a large meal.
01
Prep your kit
- 1Open the saliva swab, careful not to drop the swab on the floor.
- 2Open the syringe and pull out the inner stick.
- 3Remove the cap off the sample tube.
NoteYou have been provided with two swabs and two syringes in case you need additional attempts at collecting a sample.
02
Collect your sample
- 1Holding the swab by one end with two fingers, gently rub it around the inside of your dog's cheeks, focusing on the back areas where saliva pools. Rub for 30 seconds on each side. It is important that the swab absorbs enough saliva.
- 2Insert the wet swab into the syringe, wet end first.
- 3Re-insert the syringe stick, being careful not to compress the swab yet.
- 4Squeeze the syringe to compress the swab, pressing the saliva out into the open sample tube. Fill the sample tube as close to the marked line as possible. If more sample is needed, repeat the process with the second set of swabs and syringes.
NoteIf necessary, gently hold your dog's snout while swabbing to help with the process.
03
Test your sample
- 1Apply your sample to the Kora Strip, and let the BioReader do the science.
- 2Discard of any used saliva collection kits. Store any spares for future testing.
- 3Connect your app with your BioReader to download the test data & results. Your phone does not have to stay in the same room as the BioReader.
NoteThe gel pack the Kora Strips come with are reusable! Freeze it and use it for your own needs.
Tips for triggering saliva
Getting a good sample.
A few things make collection easier. None of them are required, but they help when your dog is dry or restless.
Collect before eating
Collect the sample before your dog has breakfast or lunch. The routine helps with salivation, and food debris in the previous thirty minutes can change what the Kora Strip sees.
Let your dog sniff a favorite treat
Allow your dog to sniff their favorite treat or food to trigger salivation. They can have the treat after the saliva collection as a reward.
Swab the back of the cheeks
Saliva pools at the back of the mouth. Hold the swab by one end and rub for about thirty seconds on each side, focusing on the back areas.
Gently hold the snout
If your dog moves a lot, gently hold the snout while swabbing to help keep the swab in the right place.
Try ginger powder
Still struggling to get enough saliva? Toss a treat in a little ginger powder. The bitterness triggers salivation.
Be patient
This may be a new experience for both you and your dog. Most dogs take a couple of swabs to settle into it.
User manuals
Product manuals.
Detailed manuals for the BioReader, Kora Strips, and the Pronova app. These will be available before the store opens.
Kora Strip testing instructions
Step-by-step guide for preparing your kit, collecting a saliva sample, and running a test at home.
Download PDFBioReader user manual
Setup, pairing, charging, and running a self check.
Kora Strip handling guide
Unboxing a cold shipment, fridge storage, and room-temp prep before a run.
Pronova app guide
Reading results, building a baseline, and exporting a vet summary.
Good to know