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Cortisol, Saliva, 24-Hour Average Concentration

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the average amount of cortisol, a natural steroid hormone, found in your saliva over a 24-hour period. Cortisol helps regulate metabolism, immune response, and stress reactions.

Quick summary

["Assesses long-term cortisol levels to help diagnose conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or adrenal insufficiency."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
51844-9
Short code
Cortis Sal-sCnc
Synonyms
Cortis Sal-sCnc
Category
hormone
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
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 Is This Test Done?

Your doctor may recommend this test if they suspect an issue with your adrenal glands, pituitary gland, or stress levels. It can help identify whether your cortisol levels are too high or too low over time, which might indicate conditions like Cushing’s disease or Addison’s disease.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll collect saliva samples throughout the day in a provided container. Simply spit into the container at regular intervals (e.g., every few hours) and return it to your lab or doctor’s office by the end of the day.

What Happens During the Test?

The collected saliva samples are analyzed in a lab to measure cortisol levels. The results are compared to typical ranges to determine if your levels are within normal limits or if further evaluation is needed.

What Do the Results Mean?

Results may indicate whether your cortisol production is consistent with normal daily patterns. Abnormally high or low levels could signal underlying health concerns that need medical attention.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Saliva Cortisol (24-Hour)

Frequently asked questions

Why might my doctor order this test?
Your doctor might recommend it if they suspect conditions like Cushing’s syndrome (too much cortisol), adrenal insufficiency (too little cortisol), or other hormonal imbalances related to stress or pituitary/adrenal gland disorders.
How often will I need to provide saliva samples?
You’ll typically collect saliva samples every few hours over a full 24-hour period, depending on your doctor’s instructions. Follow the provided instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
What if I miss a sample or have a medical event during the test?
If you miss a sample or experience a significant change (like severe stress, illness, or surgery), inform your healthcare provider immediately. They may need to adjust your test plan or retest if necessary.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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