Salivary Cortisol Collection Instructions

• Collect the sample between 11 p.m. and midnight, unless your doctor says otherwise.
• Do not brush your teeth, eat, drink, or take any oral medicine for at least 1 hour before collecting the sample.
• 10 minutes before collecting, rinse your mouth with warm water for 5 seconds.

Supplies Needed

• Salivary Cortisol Collection Kit
• This kit can be obtained from your provider’s office or an outpatient lab location.

How to Collect the Sample:

1. Take off the tube cap to expose the swab.
2. Tip the tube so the swab falls into your mouth. Do not touch the swab with your fingers.
3. Keep the swab in your mouth for about 2 minutes. Roll it around, but do not chew it.
4. Spit the swab back into the tube. Do not touch it with your fingers.
5. Put the cap back on tightly.
6. Use the label provided by your provider or write your name and date of birth on the container. Also write the date and time of collection (include AM or PM).
7. Wash your hands well.
8. Take the sample to an Akron Children’s outpatient lab within 24 hours. The specimen can be kept at room temperature.
9. At the lab, staff will check you in, give you a test label, and confirm your name and birth date. If any questions please contact the lab. (Akron Outpatient Lab 330-543-8573 or Mahoning Valley Lab 330-746-9623).