Cortisol, Saliva, 24-Hour Integrated Mass Concentration
This test measures the total amount of cortisol (a stress hormone) in your saliva over a 24-hour period to assess your body’s cortisol production and response to stress.
["Understanding your natural cortisol levels helps diagnose conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or adrenal insufficiency."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58640-4
- Short code
- Cortis sp11 p chal Sal-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Cortis sp11 p chal 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
- 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 doctor may recommend this test if they suspect hormonal imbalances related to cortisol, such as excessive cortisol production (Cushing’s syndrome) or insufficient cortisol (adrenal insufficiency). It can also help evaluate chronic stress responses or evaluate treatment effectiveness for conditions like Addison’s disease or pituitary disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. Collect saliva samples throughout the day (typically morning to morning) using a provided kit. Return the samples to your lab or clinic as instructed. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, or certain medications that could affect cortisol levels for 24 hours before testing.
What the Test Results Mean
Results are compared to reference ranges for a typical 24-hour cortisol profile. Abnormal results may indicate overproduction or underproduction of cortisol, guiding further medical evaluation.
Common Conditions Linked to Cortisol Testing
Elevated cortisol levels may be linked to conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, chronic stress, or certain tumors. Low cortisol levels may suggest adrenal insufficiency or autoimmune disorders affecting the adrenal glands.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Cortisol is a critical hormone involved in metabolism, immune response, and stress regulation. Abnormal levels can cause symptoms like weight changes, fatigue, mood swings, or unexplained muscle weakness. This test helps diagnose conditions that may require treatment, such as hormone replacement therapy or management of stress-related disorders.
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal cortisol levels?
How is this test different from a blood cortisol test?
Can I take medications before this 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