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Attention residents of New York, state law requires that you have a valid prescription before this test can be processed. If you have a prescription and still wish to purchase this test, please call Supplement Clinic at 800.691.9009 and we will assist you in ordering this test. We apologize for any inconvenience. Saliva Test for Cortisol Levels
Q. Why are facial lotions or creams prohibited during collection?
A. Many "anti-aging/wrinkle" creams contain the very hormones that we
test. It is easy to contaminate a specimen by direct contact with the
straw or tube or by absorption into the body, thus altering the results
to an inaccurate higher level.
Q. Why do all four tubes need to be submitted if only one test is ordered?
A.
For the testing of Estradiol, DHEA, Progesterone, and Testosterone, an equal amount of specimen from each tube and transfer it into a
5th tube, the pool, which is used for testing. This process ensures a
more accurate overall average of the hormone level, compensating for
the natural daily peaks and troughs of these
analytes. If only one tube is collected at a random time of day, there
is no way to know if the result reflects one of those daily
fluctuations and is accurate. For Cortisol, however, we want to catch
those ups and downs, (the expected diurnal pattern) and test each tube
individually.
Q. Why is there a difference in the instructions for sublingual and topical hormone use?
A.
Sublingual hormones are detected in saliva for a longer period than
topical hormones. If these instructions are not followed, a true
therapeutic level will not be reflected.
Q. Why should cycling women collect their sample only on days 19-21 of their cycle?
A.
These days should reflect the luteal phase, which is the ideal time to
measure both progesterone (which should be at its peak) and estradiol
in order to calculate the most accurate ratio between the two.
Q. Is it necessary to complete the symptom questionnaire on the back of the test requisition?
A.
While not required, we ask you fill out this section so that
the doctor interpreting the test results takes symptoms into
consideration as well as laboratory numbers. The same thing applies to
the section of the requisition requesting information on hormones
the patient is taking. Only information is needed about hormones, not vitamins or any other supplements.
Q. The instructions say not to eat at least one hour before collection. Does eating interfere with test results?
A.
The ingestion of food is not the issue; it is the creation of as
"clean" a specimen as possible. Food can create a more viscous or
"junky" specimen and any particles can interfere with the testing
process. While there are laboratory procedures to eliminate as much of
this type of interference as possible, it is best to submit a sample
taken when food residue is not in the mouth.
Understanding the importance of collecting a good sample is
the first step to achieving the accurate and reliable results that have
helped us set the standard for salivary testing!
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Product Details
Cortisol Panel: Total: 5 Tests - DHEA, AM Cortisol, Noon Cortisol, PM Cortisol, Evening Cortisol
The Cortisol Panel is used when individuals are complaining of the
same symptoms listed above in the Adrenal Stress Panel, however may not
require DHEA testing.
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Nervousness
- Sugar Cravings
- Dizzy Spells
- Decreased Stamina
- In addition, all individuals with chronic disease will have changes/compromises in their adrenal function
How The Process Works
After placing your order, you should receive your saliva test kit in
the mail in 5-7 business days via UPS.
When you receive the test kit, you will need to review the instructions
in the test kit, fill out the test
requisition form, and collect your specimen. Then put everything into
the postage paid box and drop it off at any United States Postal
Service office or drop location.
After your specimen is received, it is tested. All aspects of the
testing are performed by
qualified and licensed laboratory personnel. Once the testing is
complete, they
are reviewed by the testing personnel under strict quality control
rules, and are then passed on to the Laboratory Director for final
approval. It is at this point that the test results are available for
interpretation by an expert physicians. Each test report is
reviewed individually and based on the combination of laboratory
results, your symptoms and other information provided by the you, an
interpretation is rendered. Interpreters may hold the report and order
tests to be repeated in order to confirm clinically inconsistent high
or low values. When this occurs, the testing process begins all over
again.
The test results are electronically available to your health provider
once the interpretation
is
complete.
Once the provider receives their
results, they can begin to help their you balance their
hormones.Your test results may also be reviewed by our advisory board.
Note: Test Kits are non-refundable
(Prescription required for residents of New York.)
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