Collecting Hormone Saliva Panel with Four-Point Cortisol

This guide is for the 23-hormone LCMS saliva panel with four-point cortisol. The matching panel is listed as S-144 in the general Saliva Collection Instructions. The exact timetable and tube requirements are panel-specific, so check both the code on your requisition and the instructions before starting.

Plan the collection day

Four-point cortisol means collecting samples at four specified times. Use the timetable in the panel-specific PDF rather than estimating the timepoints. The general saliva guide says men, children and non-menstruating women can collect on any day of the month. For menstruating women testing estradiol (E2), progesterone (Pg) or testosterone (T), it gives cycle-day guidance based on cycle length: 23–26 days, collect on days 17–19; 27–30 days, days 21–23; 31–34 days, days 25–27. For longer or shorter cycles, it says 5–7 days before the expected next period. For infrequent or unpredictable cycles, collect on a non-bleeding day. Day 1 is the first day of period flow, not spotting.

Prepare for saliva sampling

The general guide advises avoiding anti-aging or anti-wrinkle facial creams and biotin (vitamin B7) hair and nail formulas for three days before collection. On collection day, it says not to eat or drink anything except water, or brush your teeth, before the first sample and for two hours before later samples. Rinse your mouth with water and wait five minutes before the first collection. Stay hydrated the night before but avoid excessive fluids.

If you use hormones, list them on your requisition and review the guide’s hormone-specific timing and contamination precautions. The instructions say not to stop prescribed hormone use; continue as prescribed. Ask your healthcare professional if you are unsure how a collection rule applies to your treatment.

Collect and label each tube

1. Check which tube is needed for each collection time. The general guide says to begin the first saliva sample within 30 minutes of waking, using the large tube when required.
2. Let saliva pool in your mouth, then transfer it to the tube. Fill it at least halfway, not counting bubbles. The guide notes that collection usually takes 15–30 minutes.
3. Secure the cap, write your name, collection date and time on the label, and return the tube to its bag.
4. Repeat at the other times shown on your panel timetable, using the supplied smaller tubes if required. Keep each sample separate.

Store and return the samples

The general guide says to freeze samples that will not be shipped within 24 hours. Complete the requisition and any additional paperwork, then pack and return the samples using the kit’s instructions and packaging.

Explore saliva hormone tests

Browse the Saliva Hormone Tests collection. Test panels can differ in markers, tube requirements and collection times, so use the instructions supplied for your exact kit.

This article is for general sample-collection information only, not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment guidance. Follow your kit instructions and discuss personal health questions or medication timing with a qualified healthcare professional.