Test Code SALCT Cortisol, Saliva
Necessary Information
Collection time is required.
Specimen Required
If multiple specimens are collected, submit each Salivette under a separate order number.
Patient Preparation:
1. Patient should not brush teeth, eat, drink, or take any oral medication for at least 60 minutes before specimen collection.
2. Have patient rinse mouth thoroughly with water for 1-5 seconds. Wait 10 minutes before collecting the specimen to avoid contamination of the saliva by interfering substance.
Supplies: Cortisol, Saliva Collection Kit (T514)
Container/Tube: Sarstedt Salivette
Specimen Volume: 1.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Provide patient with a Saliva Collection Kit (Salivette) containing the Cortisol - Saliva Collection Instructions and ask them to follow the instructions as written.
2. Instruct patient to collect specimen between 11 p.m. and midnight and record collection time on the Cortisol - Saliva Collection Instructions sheet.
3. Instruct patient to return Cortisol - Saliva Collection Instructions with the appropriately labeled Salivette to the laboratory.
Additional Information: Reference values are also available for an 8 a.m. (7 a.m.-9 a.m.) or a 4 p.m. (3 p.m.-5 p.m.) collection, however, the 11 p.m. to midnight collection is preferred.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.6 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Saliva | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days |
Frozen | 60 days | |
Ambient | 28 days |
Useful For
Screening for Cushing syndrome
Diagnosis of Cushing syndrome in patients presenting with symptoms or signs suggestive of the disease
Reject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
2 to 5 daysReporting Name
Cortisol, SalivaReference Values
7 a.m.-9 a.m.: 100-750 ng/dL
3 p.m.-5 p.m.: <401 ng/dL
11 p.m.-midnight: <100 ng/dL
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Performing Laboratory

CPT Code Information
82533