4-Tube Cortisol-Salivary

This test for adrenal insufficiency includes four measurements of your salivary cortisol level during one day. Cortisol, also known as the "stress hormone" can be either too high or too low which may be a sign of adrenal distress. This is a take-home kit that you pick up at the closest lab location when you take the emailed lab request form, then follow the collection times shown in the table below, and finally, return the kit to the lab. Your test results will be emailed 5 business days later.

 

Understanding Cortisol Saliva Test: What You Need To Know

This test for adrenal insufficiency includes four measurements of your salivary cortisol level during one day. Cortisol, also known as the "stress hormone," can be either too high or too low, which may be a sign of adrenal distress.

This test for adrenal insufficiency, also known as hypocortisolism or primary adrenal insufficiency, includes four measurements of your salivary level of cortisol during one day. Cortisol, also known as the "stress hormone," can be either too high or too low, which may be a sign of adrenal distress. Patients can conduct a cortisol saliva test or a urine cortisol test to assess adrenal hormones. This involves collecting four non-invasive samples over the course of one day, from which doctors are able to generate results with a diurnal cortisol curve. This four-point graph reveals cortisol levels throughout the day and allows health care providers to pinpoint issues with primary adrenal insufficiency. Saliva testing has long been used as an accurate and reliable method for measuring cortisol because it’s simple and non-invasive, and patients can collect these samples multiple times per day. This is a take-home kit that you pick up at the closest lab location when you take the emailed lab request form, then follow the collection times shown in the table below, and finally, return the kit to the lab. Your test results will be emailed 5 business days later. The cortisol levels obtained from the test may vary depending on the time of the test and other factors that affect cortisol levels.

If your order includes additional blood or urine tests, we suggest acquiring the specimen kit from the lab at least two days prior to scheduling an appointment or walking in for your blood draw.

General Preparation for the Cortisol 4 Point Saliva Test

1. Wait at least 1 hour after eating to collect the specimen. At least 30 minutes before collecting the saliva specimen, rinse your mouth to remove residue from food, drinks, candy, etc. so as to avoid sample dilution.

2. The timing of the first morning collection is critical; it must be collected 30 minutes after awakening.

Timing of the Tests:

Specimen 1: collect 30 minutes after waking

Specimen 2: collect before lunch (approximately 3-5 hours after the first specimen)

Specimen 3: collect before dinner (approximately 3-5 hours after the second specimen)

Specimen 4: collect 30 minutes before bedtime

Example format: Collection times should be adjusted to reflect each person’s typical day.

Wake: 6:30am

Specimen 1: collect at 7:00 a.m.

Specimen 2: collect at 11:30 a.m.

Specimen 3: collect at 4:00 p.m.

Specimen 4: collect at 9:30 p.m.

Sleep: 10:00 pm

Considerations to Consult with Your Physician

Consult your physician on the following:

·        If you are prescribed sublingual hormones (under the tongue), it is recommended that you refrain from taking sublingual hormones throughout the entire day of saliva collection. Allow 24-36 hours after the last dose before collecting your first saliva sample.

·        If you are prescribed topical hormones (hormone creams or gels), it is recommended that you refrain from applying topical hormones throughout the entire day of saliva collection. Allow 12–24 hours before collecting your first saliva sample.

·        Contact your provider on a protocol if you are prescribed cortisol medications for adrenal support

Patient Preparation for the Test

1. Do not eat, drink, smoke, or use oral hygiene products for at least 30 minutes, then rinse the mouth with water and discard. Please wait at least 5 minutes after this rinse to start the collection procedure.

2. You should collect saliva at the time(s) that your doctor specifies.

3. No food or fluids for 30 minutes prior to collection.

4. Do not use any creams, lotions, or steroid inhalers immediately prior to collection.

5. Avoid any activity that can cause your gums to bleed, including brushing and flossing your teeth. Consult with your doctor if this is a chronic problem.

Test Methodology

The test is performed with the most accurate assay: Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

 

Everything You Need to Know About the 4-Tube Cortisol Saliva Test

According to the American Institute of Stress, more than 30% of the US population feels extreme stress on a regular basis. This could affect their physical and mental health, leading to severe sleep problems in some individuals.

When you feel stressed, your adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. Usually, the "fight or flight" response is what sets this off. Since most people have to juggle so many responsibilities and tasks every day, no wonder that we feel so stressed every day.

Luckily, stress can be reduced, but you need to learn how to measure it first. You can do this with a 4-tube cortisol-salivary test. This is an accurate way to determine how stressed you are. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is a 4 Tube Cortisol Saliva Test?

The main stress hormone that your body produces is cortisol. It's produced every day in direct correlation with various factors that affect your life. For example, if you have a busy career and a lot of responsibilities on your shoulders, your adrenal glands automatically produce more cortisol.

On the other hand, if you live a rather relaxing lifestyle and routinely spend time in the middle of nature, your stress levels are probably lower. You can scientifically measure this hormone with the help of a 4-tube cortisol-salivary test.

This test is performed with a sample of your saliva. You can purchase this test online and send your samples to a lab. Your doctor will be able to interpret the results once you receive them in a few days. If your stress levels are high, you might need to find ways to relax and get rid of them to prevent more complicated health problems. There are no known risks to a saliva test, so it is a safe and convenient option for monitoring your high cortisol levels.

How is the Salivary Cortisol Test Performed?

The reason this test is called a 4 tube cortisol-salivary test is that it involves spitting into 4 test tubes at different times of the day. Your saliva contains a lot of information regarding your levels of cortisol. You should do this at different moments of the day to ensure an accurate reading. A cortisol saliva test, also known as a saliva test, is usually done at home with a kit to collect a saliva sample. Your provider will tell you what time to collect your sample. It's often done at night before you go to bed, when cortisol levels are normally lower.

For example, the first collection time is in the morning, right after you wake up. This is best done around 8 a.m. The second collection time is at noon. In the evening, or around 4 p.m., you should collect another sample. Finally, the last sample should be collected at midnight, preferably between 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.

Your cortisol levels vary depending on various factors. Collecting samples at different moments of the day offers a more accurate reading. The timing is crucial, so you will be responsible for setting alarms throughout the day so you can collect the samples at the right moment.

Keep in mind that you might need to interrupt taking sublingual hormones or topical hormones for at least 2–3 days before collecting the saliva samples. These hormones might interfere with the end result. Your doctor can give you more information about this, so don't be afraid to ask what you're allowed and not allowed to do before taking a 4-tube cortisol-salivary test.

How Is the 4 Tube Cortisol Saliva Test Interpreted?

Since the adrenal glands produce cortisol, the end result will aid doctors in identifying adrenal insufficiency. This means that you're either producing too much or too little cortisol. Adrenal insufficiency can lead to other health problems, and that's why a 4-tube cortisol test is important.

For example, some of the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include extreme fatigue, low blood pressure, weight loss, and decreased appetite. Adrenal insufficiency may also be to blame if you feel like your gym performance has significantly decreased.

Keep in mind that alongside this test, your doctor might also check your DHEA levels and other hormones. These will be required to establish a more accurate diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency. Again, a few saliva samples are enough; you are not required to draw blood for this test.

If you are diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency (also known as Addison's disease), you might be prescribed medication to deal with this problem. For example, some of the most common hormones offered as treatments include hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone acetate.

What Are Normal Values for Cortisol Levels?

There are a few reference values for salivary cortisol that help doctors diagnose adrenal insufficiency or other forms of problems with your adrenal glands. Your cortisol levels are usually the highest early in the morning, and they drop throughout the day.

For example:

• Between 0.025 - 0.600 ug/dl in the morning
• Between 0.010 - 0.330 ug/dl in the afternoon
• Between 0.010 - 0.200 ug/dl in the evening
• Between 0.010 - 0.090 ug/dl at night

These are the standard values for salivary cortisol for children and adults. Anything higher or lower would qualify you for adrenal insufficiency. Once you get the results, you can compare them against these values as well as ask for assistance from your primary healthcare provider.

Order Your 4 Tube Cortisol Saliva Test Today!

Keep in mind that excessive stress is frequently the root cause of many complicated and even life-threatening diseases. Not only does excessive stress reduce the quality of your life, but it can also make you ill in just a few years.

Fortunately, you can now scientifically measure your stress levels using a 4 tube cortisol-salivary test. Order this type of test from DiscountedLabs.com today and check your cortisol levels. The results are completely confidential, and they will be emailed back to you in just a couple of business days!

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

How accurate is a cortisol saliva test compared to other tests for cortisol levels?

The accuracy of a cortisol saliva test compared to other tests for cortisol levels can vary depending on several factors. Cortisol saliva tests are generally considered to be a reliable and non-invasive method for measuring cortisol levels throughout the day. They are often used to assess adrenal function and diagnose conditions such as Cushing's syndrome or adrenal insufficiency.

Compared to blood tests, which measure cortisol levels at a specific moment in time, saliva tests provide a more comprehensive picture of cortisol fluctuations throughout the day and help the body control blood sugar levels. Saliva tests can be done conveniently at home, and multiple samples can be collected over the course of a day to track cortisol patterns.

However, it's important to note that different types of cortisol tests may have their own limitations and considerations. Factors such as collection technique, timing, and individual variations in saliva composition can affect the accuracy of results.

To ensure the most accurate assessment of cortisol levels, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional who can guide you in selecting the appropriate test and interpreting the results within the context of your specific health concerns.

Can stress affect cortisol levels and, if so, how does this impact the results of a test?

Yes, stress can affect cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that is released in response to stress, and it plays a role in regulating various bodily functions, including metabolism, immune response, and blood pressure. When we experience stress, cortisol levels typically rise to help our bodies respond to the perceived threat or challenge.

When it comes to testing cortisol levels, stress can impact the results in a few ways. Firstly, if you are experiencing high levels of stress leading up to the test, it may cause an elevation in your baseline cortisol levels. This could lead to a false impression of chronically high cortisol levels when they might actually be temporary due to the stress.

Additionally, the timing of the test is important. Cortisol levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day, with higher levels in the morning and lower levels in the evening. If you are undergoing a one-time cortisol test and happen to be particularly stressed on that specific day or time of day, it may not accurately represent your normal cortisol patterns.

It's worth noting that chronic or prolonged exposure to high levels of stress can have negative impacts on overall health and well-being. Therefore, managing stress through healthy coping mechanisms like exercise, relaxation techniques, and seeking support can be beneficial for both your cortisol levels and overall health.

Is there a specific time of day when a cortisol saliva test should be performed?

There is indeed a specific time of day when a cortisol saliva test should be performed. Cortisol levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day, with the highest levels typically occurring in the morning and the lowest levels in the evening. To get accurate results, it is generally recommended to take a cortisol saliva test within 30 minutes of waking up, typically between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. This allows healthcare professionals to assess your cortisol levels at their peak and establish a baseline for further analysis. It's important to follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or testing facility to ensure accurate and reliable results.

How can the results of a cortisol saliva test be used to diagnose medical conditions?

A cortisol saliva test is a diagnostic tool for determining the levels of cortisol, an adrenal gland-produced hormone, in your saliva. Elevated or decreased cortisol levels can indicate certain medical conditions, such as adrenal insufficiency, Cushing's syndrome, or Addison's disease.

By analyzing the results of a saliva cortisol test, healthcare professionals can assess your adrenal function and identify any abnormalities that may be contributing to your symptoms. A saliva cortisol test is done to measure the level of cortisol, a hormone in saliva that is made by your adrenal glands, two small glands that sit above the kidneys. However, it's important to note that cortisol levels can fluctuate throughout the day, so multiple tests may be necessary to get an accurate picture of your hormone levels.

Ultimately, the results of a cortisol saliva test serve as one piece of information that healthcare providers use alongside other clinical assessments and tests to make an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan for your specific condition. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional who can interpret the results in the context of your overall health and medical history, as well as the normal range for cortisol levels in healthy individuals. This will help determine if your cortisol levels are within the expected range.

Can lifestyle changes like exercise and diet alter the results of a cortisol saliva test?

Lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet, can potentially influence the results of a cortisol saliva test. The body releases the hormone cortisol in response to stress, and it has a natural daily rhythm with higher levels in the morning and lower levels in the evening. Exercise can temporarily increase cortisol levels, so it's recommended to avoid vigorous exercise before taking a cortisol saliva test to ensure accurate results. Additionally, diet can also play a role in cortisol production. Consuming caffeine or sugary foods can stimulate cortisol release, while maintaining a balanced and healthy diet may help regulate cortisol levels. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for specific guidance on how to prepare for a cortisol saliva test and any necessary lifestyle modifications.

What are the symptoms of high cortisol?

High cortisol levels can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:

1. Weight gain, especially around the abdomen

2. Increased appetite and cravings for sugary or fatty foods

3. Difficulty sleeping or insomnia

4. Fatigue and low energy levels

5. Mood swings, irritability, and anxiety

6. Impaired cognitive function, such as difficulty concentrating or remembering things

7. High blood pressure

8. Weakened immune system, leading to frequent illnesses or infections

9. Slow wound healing

10. Irregular menstrual cycles in women

It's important to keep in mind that having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate that you have high levels of cortisol or low cortisol levels because other factors can also cause them. If you suspect that you may have high or low levels of cortisol, it is recommended that you consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Which Patients is the Salivary Cortisol x 4 Test Best Used For?

The Salivary Cortisol x 4 Test is best used for patients who are experiencing symptoms or conditions related to stress, adrenal dysfunction, or hormonal imbalances. This test measures cortisol levels at four specific times throughout the day (morning, noon, afternoon, and evening) to provide a comprehensive picture of cortisol production and regulation. It can be particularly useful for individuals with suspected adrenal fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome, mood disorders, sleep disturbances, or unexplained weight gain or loss. The results of this test can help healthcare providers identify abnormalities in cortisol patterns and tailor treatment plans accordingly. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if this test is appropriate for your specific situation.

Are at-home cortisol tests better or worse than in-person tests?

There are pros and cons to both at-home cortisol tests and in-person tests. At-home cortisol tests, such as the ones used to check for Cushing syndrome, offer convenience and the ability to collect samples in the comfort of your own home. They can be a good option for individuals who prefer privacy or have difficulty accessing in-person testing facilities. However, it's important to note that at-home tests may not be as accurate or reliable as in-person tests. To ensure accurate results, trained professionals typically conduct in-person tests while adhering to standardized procedures. They may also offer additional insights or context that can inform your healthcare decisions. Ultimately, the choice between at-home and in-person cortisol testing will depend on your individual needs and preferences and the guidance of your healthcare provider.

References:

 Reference ranges of late-night salivary cortisol and cortisone measured by LC-MS/MS and accuracy for the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome

The Merck Manuals: "Cortisol Test - Understand the Test & Your Results"​

Salivary cortisol levels throughout childhood and adolescence: relation with age, pubertal stage, and weight

Reference ranges of late-night salivary cortisol and cortisone measured by LC-MS/MS and accuracy for the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome