Note
1Please collect all four samples on the same day: (only if you received 4 tubes, otherwise just collect the morning, and evening sample if AM/PM test)
2Sample # 1: After waking up (at 30-45 minutes) – most sensitive to time
3Sample # 2: At Noon (around Mid-Day)
Cortisol Levels During the Day
Time after waking up —>
Morning Cortisol Levels Change Quickly
4Sample # 3: Afternoon (around 4 pm)
5Sample # 4: At Bedtime (around 9 pm)
Instructions
1Open the kit and retrieve ONLY one collection tube. Unscrew the cap on the collection tube.
2Close your mouth and imagine eating your favorite food. Tilt head forward and push the saliva down into the collection tube with the tongue. Continue until the tube is filled at least three fourth with saliva (not the bubbles).
3Close the cap & tighten it. Improperly capped tube might risk losing the sample during shipping.
4Write your name, sample collection date and time on the space provided on the sample collection tube. Hormone levels vary throughout the day and incorrect time might affect your results.
5Repeat for other tubes (if any) at specified times and put in ziplock.
6Store in cool, dry place (e.g., refrigerator) until ready to ship.
7Fill out the Requisition form & sign.
Jet lag, night-shift, and use of certain medications might affect your results.
Wait until you return to normal routine, or specify them on the form.
Do:
1Only open the bag when you are ready to collect a sample.
2Only withdraw one tube you are about to collect saliva into.
3After collecting the sample, immediately fill the information in the label on the collection tube and store in referigeratore (NOT freezer).
Don't:
1Do NOT drink alcoholic beverages on the day you collect your samples.
2Do NOT smoke or use tobacco, drink anything, or brush your teeth 30 minutes before you collect a sample.
3Do NOT consume dairy products, acidic or sugary foods within 30 minutes before you collect a sample.
4Do NOT eat a meal within 60 minutes before collecting #3 and #4 sample.
Women Health
1Women with regular menstrual cycles: only if testing for women’s hormones, collect saliva between 19- 21 day of cycle counting the first day of your period as day 1 (For Cortisol, DHEA or Melatonin, collect on ANY day).
2Women with irregular menstrual cycles: Collect saliva when not bleeding (When testing for women’s hormones, otherwise ANY day).
3Post-Menopausal women OR women who have had hysterectomy: Collect saliva any day of the month.
Sleep Hormone Tips
Melatonin (sleep hormone) levels are sensitive to light. For most accurate results:
1If testing for sleep hormone, collect morning sample 20-25 minutes after you are awake; avoid exposure to strong light
2Blue light and computer/phone screens affect melatonin levels – it is best to avoid them around the time of sample collection
3Collect the night sample just before going to bed
4Follow your daily schedule to reflect a typical day
