Cortisol, Free (Saliva)
This test measures the amount of cortisol, a natural steroid hormone, in your saliva. It helps assess your body’s cortisol levels over time, which can be useful for diagnosing conditions related to the adrenal glands or stress responses.
["Free saliva cortisol helps track stress hormone levels without blood draws."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58657-8
- Short code
- Cortis 2h p 1 ug/kg CRH IV Sal-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Cortis 2h 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 Is Done
Your healthcare provider may recommend a free saliva cortisol test if you have symptoms of adrenal gland issues, such as irregular blood pressure, fatigue, or unexplained weight changes. It’s also used to evaluate conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or Addison’s disease, where cortisol levels are too high or too low.
How the Test Works
You’ll collect saliva samples at specific times (often morning and evening) using a provided kit. The samples are then sent to a lab for analysis to measure cortisol concentration in your saliva.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but avoid caffeine or smoking for a few hours before collecting samples to get more accurate results. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully for timing and sample collection.
What the Results Mean
Saliva cortisol levels can vary naturally throughout the day. Low levels may indicate adrenal insufficiency, while high levels could suggest overproduction of cortisol. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your symptoms and other tests.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Free saliva cortisol testing is particularly useful for diagnosing conditions like Cushing’s syndrome (excess cortisol) or adrenal insufficiency (low cortisol). Unlike blood tests, saliva cortisol reflects free, biologically active cortisol without interference from proteins, giving a more direct measure of your body’s stress response.
Short name
Free Saliva Cortisol
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal saliva cortisol levels?
How often should I get this test?
Can I take anything before or after collecting saliva samples?
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