Cortisol, LC/MS details
What Cortisol, LC/MS shows
Cortisol is the main stress hormone made by the adrenal glands, and saliva reflects the free, active portion rather than the protein-bound cortisol in blood. This test measures it with LC/MS, a precise method that separates cortisol from similar steroids. Saliva is easy to collect at home at a set time, and a late-night sample is commonly used, because cortisol should be at its lowest then. A high late-night level can point to cortisol excess and usually leads to further testing. Collection timing, eating, brushing teeth, smoking, licorice and steroid creams or inhalers can affect results, so instructions matter.
Tests that include Cortisol, LC/MS
This test measures the level of cortisol in saliva, which can be particularly telling when taken late at night. It's a key tool in screening for Cushing syndrome, a condition where your body makes too much cortisol. If two or more positive results are received, it could confirm Cushing syndrome. This test is also used to check if Cushing disease comes back after treatment.
- Cortisol, LC/MS Measures free cortisol in a saliva sample by LC/MS, often collected late at night to help look at cortisol rhythm and possible cortisol excess.
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