Why use this test? The Comprehensive Cortisol Test Kit is a multi-point saliva test used to identify abnormal cortisol output and provides a wide-view observation of the cortisol daily pattern.
Test Kit Detail
Instructions provided: Yes.
Specimen collection: See further down this page.
Referral provided: Yes.
Fasting requirements: Fasting overnight for the first sample collection only. Advice on meal times provided upon request.
Results include:
- Coloured results coded graph.
- Include personalized Summary.(by the lab)
- Include advice in cases where an irregular result is discovered. (by the lab)
Used by date: 12 months from purchase.
Sample Cortisol Test Results
Warning: Not suitable for people using prednisone/prednisolone therapy.
Simple 3 Step Process:
- Purchase the test, have it delivered to your doorstep. Sent via Express Post same day Mon-Fri, <5PM AEST.
- Perform saliva collections and complete the included referral form.
- Post your sample and referral form back to the lab’ using the Express Post satchel. Tracking included.
Finally, receive your hormone test results by secure .PDF to your designated email address.
Cortisol specimen collection schedule:
- Collect sample 1 between 6AM and 8AM, @30 min from rising.
- Collect sample 2 between 12PM and 1PM
- Collect sample 3 between 4PM and 5PM
- Collect sample 4 between 8PM and 10PM, or just before bed.
Why use Saliva for testing Cortisol?
Saliva is universally known as an ideal specimen type for measuring cortisol and one reason for that is the convenience. We can collect all the samples ourselves, and in a non invasive way². Another reason saliva remains the preferred specimen type for cortisol testing is that over 90% of the cortisol in our bodies is bound to receptors and non-active. The biological activities (actions) depend exclusively on the FREE fraction. Saliva only tests for FREE cortisol providing a highly relevant test result.
How stress leads to fatigue
Excessive demand for cortisol triggered by stress negatively impacts the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA), also referred to as the “stress axis”¹. Over time this can exhaust the adrenal glands and disrupt production of other hormones.
What can I do if my cortisol level is irregular?
A slight cortisol irregularity is not considered dangerous and may be corrected with a ‘few tweaks’ to diet and exercise and/or improvements to sleep habits. It can also be a catalyst for making the changes one desires. Severe cortisol irregularity is associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) also referred to as the “stress axis”¹, and should be followed up with a GP.
Work related stress as a factor
Cortisol activates our metabolic break-down processes, known as the ‘metabolism’, making energy-rich compounds available to the body.
Research* in 2018 found that people who were identified as having a high level of work-related stress had noticeably higher cortisol values at midday and in the evening. The study compared the cortisol levels of “burnout patients” with those of healthy employees, and considered work related stress experienced by each group.
Laboratory: This test is performed by NutriPATH™ in Melbourne, Victoria. TestoChecker® will provide Support to ensure it all goes smoothly.
NutriPATH™ quality compliance is of a high standard, it includes:
- NATA ISO 15189 – Requirements for Quality and Competence in Medical laboratories.
- BSI ISO 13485- Quality Management for Medical Services.
Safety: Saliva hormone testing may be useful when investigating illness but only as one investigative tool in a larger “toolbox”. If you are experiencing pain, discomfort or suspect you may have medical issues, see your GP or attend the nearest hospital for checkup.
Sources cited: ¹Kalman BA, Grahn RE. Measuring salivary cortisol in the behavioral neuroscience laboratory. J Undergrad Neurosci Educ. 2004 Spring;2(2):A41-9. Epub 2004 Jun 15. PMID: 23493518; PMCID: PMC3592595. ²*Study lead investigators, Helmuth Haslacher and Alexander Pilger from the Division of Medical-Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics (KILM) of MedUni Vienna and Robert Winker from the stress clinic at the Health and Prevention Center of the KFA (Health Insurance Agency) | *2012 – Salivary hormone measurement using LC/MS/MS: specific and patient-friendly tool for assessment of endocrine function. Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Japan. PMID: 22975487
Maurice Burrows –
A couple of very minor hiccups but overall the customer service is excellent. I will definitely be using them again.
Sean M –
Really amazing service !! Michelle was absolutely fantastic throughout the entire process, kept me updated all the time, responded quickly to my queries and followed up on my results. Thank you so much, I will be back!
Andrew Back (Independantly Verified) –
An absolute game changer in health care supported by first class, personalized service. I was very impressed by the technology and the level of care provided. I highly recommend them.
Andrew Back (Independantly Verified) –
An absolute game changer in health care supported by first class, personalized service. I was very impressed by the technology and the level of care provided. I highly recommend them.