Sample collection and handling considerations for peptidomic studies in whole saliva; implications for biomarker discovery

► We explore the effect of several pre-analytical factors on the salivary peptidome. ► Low molecular weight proteins and peptides were isolated and analyzed by LC-MS2. ► Freezing rate affected measured levels of some peptides. ► Donor nutritional status had no effect on peptide levels. ► 15 min room temperature sample incubation did not change measured peptide levels.