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Cortisol, Salivary
Updated over a week ago

Test Details

Lab Company: Genova Diagnostics
โ€‹ Sample Type: Saliva
โ€‹ Collection Location: At Home

This test measures morning cortisol.

Key Details

  • Certain medications may affect test results.

  • You must avoid certain activities for at least 1 hour prior to collection.

  • Keep your sample in the freezer until you ship it.

  • Ship your sample as soon as possible.

  • Rupa Health recommends shipping Monday - Thursday only to avoid shipment delays.

Preparation & Timing

  • Consult your healthcare provider if you have taken ANY medications or supplements in the past 3 months. Certain medications and supplements may affect results.

    • DO NOT discontinue any medications or supplements without consulting with your healthcare provider.

  • If you are taking or have taken any of these medications in the past 12 months, consult your healthcare provider prior to taking this test. They may produce artificially high results.

    • Sublingual hormones

    • Transdermal hormones

  • If you have taken any of the following herbs, supplements, or drugs in the past 3 months, consult your healthcare provider prior to taking this test. They may affect results.

    • Ketoconazole

    • Cimetidine (Tagamet)

    • Anastrozole (Arimidex)

    • Letrozole (Femara)

    • Exemestane (Aromasin)

    • Chrysin

    • Apigenin

    • Tribulus terrestris

    • Clomiphene

    • Antiepileptics

    • Digoxin

    • Phenytoin

    • DHEA supplements

    • Oral steroids (e.g. Prednisone)

    • Cortisone cream

    • Steroid-based nasal sprays, inhalers, or eye drops

  • Avoid the following activities for at least 1 hour prior to each collection.

    • Eating

    • Drinking

    • Consuming/using anything containing caffeine

    • Brushing your teeth

    • Flossing your teeth

    • Using mouthwash

    • Chewing gum

    • Using tobacco products

Collection Instructions

  1. You will collect your sample soon after waking - between 7:00 am and 9:00 am.

  2. Fill the tube with saliva to the FILL LINE (3 mL mark).

    1. Your sample should reach the FILL LINE (not including bubbles).

    2. Avoid getting mucus in your sample.

  3. If you have trouble producing enough saliva, try

    1. Pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth

    2. Yawning

    3. Thinking about your favorite food

  4. Place the cap tightly on the tube.

  5. Write the following information on the tube label.

    1. Your first and last name - Please ensure that the name on the label matches the name on your Rupa order EXACTLY. If it does not match, you may need to recollect your samples.

    2. Time you started collection

    3. Date of collection

  6. Place the tube in the biohazard bag.

  7. Freeze the tube (in the bag) immediately.

    1. The sample should be frozen for at least 2 hours prior to shipping.

    2. The sample must remain frozen until it is shipped.

  8. Complete the test registration (instructions HERE).

    1. Please ensure that the name on the registration matches the name on your Rupa order EXACTLY. If it does not match, you may need to recollect your samples.

Requisition & Payment

  • Your kit has been prepaid. You DO NOT need to pay anything extra.

  • Instructions on how to complete your test registration can be found HERE.

    • Since you pre-paid for your tests, you do not need to fill in the payment information on this form.

Shipping

  • Ship your sample as soon as possible.

  • Rupa Health recommends shipping Monday - Thursday only to avoid shipment delays.

  • To prepare your sample for shipping,

    • Place the tube in the biohazard bag immediately after collection.

    • Place the tube (in the bag) in the freezer.

    • Leave the tube in the freezer for at least 2 hours.

    • When ready to ship, remove your sample tube from the freezer.

    • Place the biohazard bag in the test kit box.

    • Place the test kit box in the provided FedEx Clinical Pak.

    • Place the completed activation card in the Clinical Pak.

  • Make a note of the return tracking number so that you can track your sample back to the lab.

  • Ship your sample via FedEx.

    • You can take your sample to the nearest FedEx location.

    • DO NOT place your sample in a drop box.

    • You can schedule a pickup by calling FedEx at 1-800-463-3339 or visiting www.fedex.com.

Results

  • Results should be released to your provider 7-21 business days after samples are received at the lab. We cannot guarantee processing time.

  • Your provider will notify you when your results are in and schedule a follow-up appointment for you to review them together.

More Resources

Questions?

For general questions, email Rupa Health at support@rupahealth.com. For test-specific questions, contact Genova Diagnostics by calling 800-522-4762 or chatting with support.

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