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Cortisol, Salivary

Updated this week

Test Details

Lab Company: Genova Diagnostics
​Sample Type: Saliva
​Collection Location: At Home

This test measures morning cortisol.

Key Details

  • ❌ You must avoid certain activities before sample collection.

  • ☀️ Collect your sample soon after waking.

  • 🧊 Keep your sample in the freezer until you ship them.

  • 🚚 Ship your sample as soon as possible after collection.

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

Preparation & Timing

  • Avoid the following activities for 1 hour before sample collection.

    • Eating

    • Brushing your teeth

    • Flossing your teeth

    • Using mouthwash

    • Using lip balm

    • 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. Rinse your mouth with water.

  3. Spit the water out completely.

  4. Open one sample tube.

  5. Fill the tube with saliva to the fill line within 5 minutes of starting your collection.

    1. Your sample should reach the fill line.

    2. If there are bubbles in your sample, tap the tube on a hard surface to reduce foam for an accurate measurement.

    3. Avoid getting mucus in your sample.

  6. 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

  7. When you have filled the tube to the fill line, place the cap tightly on the tube.

  8. Write the following information on a label.

    1. Date of birth

    2. Date of collection

    3. The time you started the collection

    4. The time you stopped the collection

  9. Attach the label to the collection tube.

  10. Place the tube in the biohazard bag.

  11. Freeze the tube immediately.

    1. Your sample should be frozen for at least 2 hours before shipping.

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

  12. Complete the test registration.

    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 sample.

How to Complete Your Test Registration

Requisition & Payment

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

  • You must complete your test registration and return your activation card with your sample.

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

How to Complete Your Test Registration

Shipping

  • Ship your sample as soon as possible after collection.

  • Your sample should be frozen for at least 2 hours before shipping.

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

  • To prepare your sample for shipping,

    • Place the sample tubes in the freezer immediately after collection.

    • Leave your sample in the freezer for at least 2 hours.

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

    • Place the sample tubes into the biohazard bag.

    • Place the biohazard bag into the test kit box.

    • Place the completed activation card into the test kit box.

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

    • Seal the FedEx Clinical Pak.

  • Make a note of the return tracking number so 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. Rupa Health cannot guarantee processing time.

Questions?

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

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