How to Get Started with Periodontal Bacterial Testing
5 easy steps to advanced diagnostic testing
Request and receive your free 11-microbes sampling set
- Receive your free sampling sets in 2-3 business days shipped directly to your door
- Each sampling set box contains: 5 sterile absorbent paperpoints, screw-top collection vial, order form, pre-paid UPS shipping label and pouch
Collect patient samples (one patient per sampling set)
- For best results collect the samples prior to using ultrasonic and ensure the patient has not been on any antibiotic 6 weeks prior to the day of testing.
- Collect bacterial sample by inserting the sterile paperpoints from your sampling set gently into the patient’s deepest periodontal pockets.
- Place the sampled paperpoints into the collection vial. Complete the order form included with your sampling set. Into the sampling set box, place your patient’s sample vial and order form and close the box securely.
- You can also reference our Clinical Education Resources for sampling tips, workflow guidance, and implementation support.
🎥 Want a quick visual walkthrough?
How to Collect a Sample (2-minute video)
Watch exactly how to collect a paper point sample correctly for best results.
Who Should Be Tested?
Learn which patients benefit most from bacterial testing and when to test.
Package samples, and send to our MicrobeLinkDX CLIA/CAP accredited lab
- Insert box into the provided UPS pouch. Complete and apply UPS label. (Retain the middle copy of the label for your records and parcel tracking.) Give the pouch to your UPS driver with your routine packages, or drop your UPS pouch into any UPS pick-up box.
Testing begins when your order is received and MicrobeLinkDX creates your account
- When your patient samples and order form have been received, we will create your account with your contact, email, and credit card information. Your dental practice is charged only when your patient sampling set has been received and testing begins.
- The same day your sample is received we will send your account confirmation email that will include your login information and password that you will use to retrieve your result reports on our secure online portal.
Receive your patient’s MicrobeLinkDX Results Report
- You will receive an email notification when your report is complete in about 72 hours
- Once results are available, visit our Interpreting Results page to learn how to confidently apply bacterial findings to clinical decision-making and patient education.
This guide explains how periodontal bacterial testing works—from sample collection and lab processing to secure online results—so your team can confidently implement testing in daily
For a deeper look at how bacterial levels are visualized and reported, explore our Easy-to-Read Reports.
Did You Know?
Free Collection Supplies – Once you have an account with us, request your free collection supplies. There is no charge until you submit a patient’s test.