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All CollectionsLab Test InstructionsAyumetrix
Diurnal Cortisol
Diurnal Cortisol
Updated over a year ago

Test Details

Lab Company: Ayumetrix
​Sample Type: Saliva
​Collection Location: At Home

The Diurnal Cortisol test provides an assessment of your cortisol levels throughout the day.

Key Details

  • You will need to time your test appropriately with your menstrual cycle.

  • You will need to time your test appropriately with your hormone doses.

  • DO NOT collect your samples if you are sick.

  • You must avoid certain foods and activities on the day of sample collection.

  • You will collect FOUR saliva samples on the SAME DAY.

  • Ship samples the day after collection.

Preparation & Timing

  • You will collect FOUR saliva samples. ALL SAMPLES MUST BE COLLECTED ON THE SAME DAY.

  • If you are a male or non-menstruating female, you can collect your samples on any day.

  • If you are a menstruating female,

    • Regular cycles: Collect samples between days 19-21 of your cycle (where day 1 is the first day of your period).

    • Irregular cycles: Collect samples any day you are not bleeding.

    • Find more information on timing your test properly HERE.

  • DO NOT collect your samples if you are sick.

  • You can continue to take most of your supplements and vitamins. Please note any supplements you take on collection day on the requisition form.

  • If you are taking any of the following hormones, collect your sample halfway between doses.

    • Hormone injections

    • Hormone pellets

    • Transdermal patch hormones

5 Days Before Sample Collection

  • Stop using cortisol-containing products.

    • Talk to your healthcare provider about timing if you are taking cortisol for adrenal support.

3 Days Before Sample Collection

  • DO NOT use any over-the-counter anti-aging creams.

  • Stop using 7-keto-DHEA.

    • Consult your healthcare provider before discontinuing any prescription medications.

24 Hours Before Sample Collection

  • Stop using topical and sublingual hormones.

  • Stop using oral hormones (except progesterone).

  • Consult your healthcare provider before discontinuing any prescription medications.

10 Hours Before Sample Collection

  • Stop using oral progesterone.

    • Consult your healthcare provider before discontinuing any prescription medications.

Day of Sample Collection

  • DO NOT drink alcohol.

  • DO NOT use any lip products (lipstick, chapstick, etc.).

  • DO NOT take any hormones.

    • Consult your healthcare provider before discontinuing any prescription medications.

60 Minutes Before Sample Collection

  • DO NOT eat a big meal.

30 Minutes Before Sample Collection

  • DO NOT eat.

  • DO NOT drink anything but water.

  • DO NOT brush your teeth.

  • DO NOT exercise.

  • DO NOT smoke or use tobacco products.

Collection Instructions

You will collect FOUR saliva samples. ALL SAMPLES MUST BE COLLECTED ON THE SAME DAY.

  1. Rinse your mouth with water 5 minutes before sample collection.

  2. Wash your hands and dry them with a clean towel.

  3. Open the kit and get only one collection tube.

  4. Close the kit immediately.

  5. Unscrew the cap on the tube.

  6. Pool saliva in your mouth.

    1. To help produce saliva, try

      1. Yawning

      2. Thinking of your favorite food

      3. Smelling lemons or lemon juice

  7. Tilt your head forward.

  8. Push saliva down into the tube using your tongue.

  9. Fill the tube at least 3/4 full (excluding bubbles).

  10. Screw the cap tightly on the tube.

  11. Write the following information on the tube.

    1. Full name

    2. Date of collection

    3. Time of collection

  12. Place the sample tube inside the ziplock bag.

  13. Close the ziplock bag tightly.

  14. Place the ziplock bag into the freezer.

    1. Each sample tube will be added to this bag.

    2. Samples will stay in the freezer until shipped.

  15. Write the following information in section 7 of the test requisition form.

    1. Date of collection

    2. Time of collection

  16. Repeat steps 1-15 for each sample collection.

  17. Complete the test requisition form.

    1. Instructions HERE.

Requisition & Payment

  • 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.

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

How to Complete Your Requisition

Shipping

  • Ship samples the day after collection (or as soon as possible).

  • To prepare your samples for shipping,

    • Remove the ziplock bag containing the saliva samples from the freezer.

    • Place the ziplock bag into the test kit box.

    • Place the completed test requisition form into the test kit box.

    • Place the test kit box into the provided return mailer.

    • Place the prepaid shipping label on the mailer.

  • Make a note of the return tracking number on the label so you can track your samples back to the lab.

Results

  • Results should be released to your provider 3-5 business days after samples are received at the lab. Rupa Health cannot guarantee processing time.

More Resources

Questions?

Email Rupa Health at [email protected] or reach out via the chat in your patient portal.

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