Quantitative determination of cortisol and cortisone from saliva by LC-MS/MS. Non-invasive assessment of adrenal function and HPA axis activity.
This method provides non-invasive measurement of salivary cortisol and cortisone for evaluation of adrenal function, circadian rhythm assessment, and diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome and adrenal insufficiency.
Clinical indications include:
| Analyte / Group | Components | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Cortisol | Hydrocortisone | Primary glucocorticoid; regulates metabolism, immune response, and stress adaptation |
| Cortisone | 11-Dehydrocortisol | Inactive metabolite of cortisol; reflects local tissue cortisol inactivation by 11β-HSD2 |
The cortisol:cortisone ratio provides additional information about 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD) enzyme activity.
Cortisol is the primary glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. It follows a pronounced circadian rhythm, peaking in the early morning and reaching its nadir around midnight.
Low late-night salivary cortisol helps exclude Cushing's syndrome
Cortisol follows a predictable diurnal pattern
Saliva collection avoids venepuncture stress artefacts
Salivary cortisol measurement offers a significant advantage over serum cortisol: saliva collection is non-invasive and stress-free, avoiding the cortisol elevation that venepuncture itself can cause. Salivary cortisol reflects the free (unbound) fraction of circulating cortisol, which is the biologically active form.
Late-night salivary cortisol has become a first-line screening test for Cushing's syndrome, as the loss of normal circadian nadir is one of the earliest biochemical abnormalities in this condition.
Both analytes are measured simultaneously by isotope-dilution LC-MS/MS, providing superior specificity compared to immunoassay methods. LC-MS/MS eliminates cross-reactivity with synthetic corticosteroids and other steroid metabolites that can cause false results in immunoassays.
Saliva samples are collected using a Salivette device at specified times (typically morning and late-night). The non-invasive collection method enables home sampling and is particularly valuable for paediatric patients and circadian rhythm studies.
Cortisol is an important biomarker for diagnosis of cushing's syndrome (late-night salivary cortisol). Masdiag measures cortisol using validated analytical methods to provide clinically actionable results.
Cortisol testing is valuable for Diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome (late-night salivary cortisol), Assessment of adrenal insufficiency. Understanding cortisol levels helps inform personalized health optimization and clinical decision-making.
Cortisol is measured from blood. Professional collection ensures proper sample handling and accurate results.
This test is recommended for individuals interested in diagnosis of cushing's syndrome (late-night salivary cortisol). Masdiag cortisol testing helps guide personalized supplementation and health optimization strategies based on objective biomarker data.
Cortisol results provide insight into your metabolic status and diagnosis of cushing's syndrome (late-night salivary cortisol). Combined with clinical context, Masdiag results inform evidence-based interventions for personalized health optimization.
Whether you need testing services, method transfer, or white-label kit development — we'd love to hear from you.