Cortisol, Free, Saliva
This test measures the amount of cortisol, a natural steroid hormone, in your saliva. Cortisol helps regulate stress responses and other bodily functions.
["Saliva cortisol testing helps assess your body’s stress levels and hormone balance."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58648-7
- Short code
- Cortis 15M p 1 ug/kg CRH IV Sal-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Cortis 15M p 1 ug/kg CRH IV Sal-mCnc
- Category
- hormone
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 86701
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like frequent stress, fatigue, or hormonal imbalances. It could also be used to evaluate conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome or adrenal insufficiency, especially when blood or urine cortisol tests are less informative.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. Simply collect a saliva sample—usually by letting saliva pool in your mouth for a few minutes—into a provided container. The sample is then sent to the lab for analysis.
How the Test Works
Saliva cortisol is measured using an immunoassay method, which detects the hormone’s presence and concentration in your saliva. This method is non-invasive and avoids the variability that can occur with blood or urine samples.
What the Results Mean
Results help determine if your cortisol levels are too high or too low, which can indicate underlying health issues. Unlike blood or urine tests, saliva cortisol reflects recent hormone activity, offering a snapshot of your stress response at the time of testing.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Chronically elevated cortisol levels may contribute to conditions like high blood pressure, weight gain, or weakened immune function. Conversely, low cortisol can signal adrenal fatigue or other endocrine disorders. Saliva cortisol testing provides a direct, recent measure of hormone activity, aiding in the diagnosis and management of stress-related and hormonal disorders.
Short name
Free Saliva Cortisol
Frequently asked questions
How often should I take this test?
What should I do if I miss a saliva sample?
Can I eat or drink anything before the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy