Abstract: The present invention provides methods for monitoring the effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy in a perimenopausal, early menopausal, or late menopausal woman, comprising testing for hormonal levels in a body fluid of the woman at intervals depending on the stage of menopause, and adjusting levels of replacement hormone administered to the woman based on the test results.

Abstract: A fluid collection, filtration, and storage device is described. The device has a first tube with a closed first end, an open second end, inner tube-wall surfaces, and an internal diameter; a second tube with a first end porously closed by a filter and an open second end and having an external diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the first tube, the second tube slidably contacting the inner tube-wall surfaces of the first tube at the first end of the second tube when the second tube is inserted in the first tube; and a cap adapted to seal the open second end of the first tube and the open second end of the second tube in a single closing operation while the second tube is inserted into the first tube. The kit is particularly adapted for collecting and storing viscous biologic samples, such as saliva, in the inner tube after the sample has been mixed with a preservative or other substance initially located in the filter.

Abstract: A fluid collection, filtration, and storage device is described. The device has a first tube with a closed first end, an open second end, inner tube-wall surfaces, and an internal diameter; a second tube with a first end porously closed by a filter and an open second end and having an external diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the first tube, the second tube slidably contacting the inner tube-wall surfaces of the first tube at the first end of the second tube when the second tube is inserted in the first tube; and a cap adapted to seal the open second end of the first tube and the open second end of the second tube in a single closing operation while the second tube is inserted into the first tube. The kit is particularly adapted for collecting and storing viscous biologic samples, such as saliva, in the inner tube after the sample has been mixed with a preservative or other substance initially located in the filter.

Abstract: A fluid collection, filtration, and storage device is described. The device has a first tube with a closed first end, an open second end, inner tube-wall surfaces, and an internal diameter; a second tube with a first end porously closed by a filter and an open second end and having an external diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the first tube, the second tube slidably contacting the inner tube-wall surfaces of the first tube at the first end of the second tube when the second tube is inserted in the first tube; and a cap adapted to seal the open second end of the first tube and the open second end of the second tube in a single closing operation while the second tube is inserted into the first tube. The kit is particularly adapted for collecting and storing viscous biologic samples, such as saliva, in the inner tube after the sample has been mixed with a preservative or other substance initially located in the filter.

Abstract: A method for detecting the onset of labor in a patient, which comprises analyzing a body fluid of the patient for estriol concentration; correlating the concentration with a standard value; and relating a higher concentration of estriol relative to the standard value as an indication of potential onset of pre-term labor. The standard is usually selected from the group consisting of (1) a predetermined range of estriol concentrations for the body fluid in normal pregnant humans at a preselected time relative to normal, full-term delivery, or (2) a previously measured estriol concentration of the same body fluid of the same pregnant human. Use of this method does not require determination of an estriol/progesterone concentration ratio in the body fluid being test.

Abstract: A method of monitoring tocolytic therapy, which comprises determining a first concentration of estriol in a body fluid of a pregnant patient undergoing or diagnosed as a candidate for undergoing treatment with a tocolytic agent and, based on the value of the first concentration relative to a standard, either initiating, continuing, discontinuing, or modifying the treatment.