Test Details

Lab Company: Precision Analytical
Sample Type: Saliva
Collection Location: At Home

The DUTCH Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) test measures hormones to analyze a patient’s stress response and adrenal function.

Key Details

🗓️ Collect all samples on the same day.
💤 Collect your samples on a day in which you did not have significant sleep disturbances.
❌ You must avoid certain beverages and activities before and during the collection period.
💊 If you are taking hormones, consult the information below and your healthcare provider to discuss collection timing.
🧊 Freeze all samples within 12 hours of collection. Keep your saliva samples frozen until you ship them.
📦 Samples should be shipped to the lab as soon as possible after sample collection.

Collect your sample on a day in which you did not have significant sleep disturbances.
If you are taking:
- Oral Hydrocortisone: Please review the video instructions HERE.
- Glucocorticoids, check with your healthcare provider regarding when you should collect your samples.

DO NOT use hydrocortisone cream.
- This applies to both the patient and anyone else in the household.
DO NOT exercise.
DO NOT drink caffeine or alcohol the night before sample collection.

DO NOT floss your teeth until all samples have been collected.
WAIT to brush your teeth until
- Morning: After collection 3
- Evening: After collection 5
WAIT to eat until:
- Morning: After collection 3
- Evening: After collection 4

Collect according to the following schedule.

Set the following items next to your bed the night before your collection.
1. Saliva collection device
2. Requisition form
3. Pen
Collect the first sample immediately upon waking, before getting out of bed.
Remove the tube cap.
Place the cotton swab from the collection device in your mouth.
1. Touch the swab as little as possible with your hands.
Leave the swab in your mouth until fully saturated.
1. DO NOT leave it in longer than 5 minutes.
2. TIP: Lightly chewing on the swab may help stimulate saliva flow.
Once the swab is saturated, place the swab back into the same tube as you found it.
1. DO NOT remove the inner tube.
2. DO NOT spit into the tube.
Complete all information on the tube label.
Freeze the saliva sample until ready to ship.
After you have completed the first collection,
1. Set a timer for the second and third collections.
2. Move to a well-lit location.
Repeat steps 3-8 for each collection.
COMPLETE THE TEST REQUISITION FORM.
1. Instructions on how to fill out your requisition can be found HERE.
2. Failure to complete and send the test requisition form may result in a sample recollection.
Place the completed requisition form and saliva samples into the test kit box to ship back to the lab.

Your kit has been prepaid. You DO NOT need to pay anything extra.
You must complete your requisition form and send it back with your samples. Failure to complete and send the test requisition form may result in a sample recollection.
- Since you pre-paid for your tests, you do not need to fill in the payment information on this form.

Please ship your samples as soon as possible after collection.
- If you have to wait to ship your samples, please keep all samples in the freezer until you are ready to ship.
To prepare your samples for shipping,
- Place the frozen saliva tubes into the test kit box.
- Place the test kit box into the provided UPS envelope.
- Place the completed requisition form into the provided UPS envelope.
- Seal the envelope.
Make a note of the tracking number so that you can track your sample back to the lab.

Results should be released to your provider 7-10 business days after samples are received at the lab. Rupa Health cannot guarantee processing time.

Reach out to Rupa Health via the chat in your patient portal.