A procedure based on a spot test for salicylate is presented. The method is simple, rugged and is based on the salycilate native fluorescence measurement on the surface of a filter paper by using optical fibers for light conduction. The fluorescence was linear at concentration range of 0.01-0.4 mmol l -1. The relative standard deviation of 5% (n=10) was observed. Detection and quantification limits were 4 and 14 μmol l-1, respectively. The results obtained in pharmaceutical salicylate determinations showed that practically no statistical difference existed with the pharmacopeical method (95% confidence level). The recovery studies in biological samples spiked with salicylic acid at overdose concentration levels showed that the matrix sample did not interfere in the method. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.