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HelpTest Code SALCT Cortisol, Saliva
Additional Codes
| Epic Ordering Code | LAB3040845 |
| NBS code | LBC00251 |
| Service code | 36908 |
Reporting Name
Cortisol, SalivaSpecimen Type
SalivaNecessary Information
Collection time is required.
Specimen Required
If multiple specimens are collected, submit each Salivette under a separate order number.
Patient Preparation:
1. Patient should not brush teeth, eat, drink, or take any oral medication for at least 60 minutes before specimen collection.
2. Have patient rinse mouth thoroughly with water for 1-5 seconds. Wait 10 minutes before collecting the specimen to avoid contamination of the saliva by interfering substance.
Supplies: Cortisol, Saliva Collection Kit (T514)
Container/Tube: Sarstedt Salivette
Specimen Volume: 1.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Provide patient with a Saliva Collection Kit (Salivette) containing the Cortisol and Cortisone - Saliva Collection Instructions and ask them to follow the instructions as written.
2. Instruct patient to collect specimen between 11 p.m. and midnight and record collection time on the Cortisol and Cortisone - Saliva Collection Instructions sheet.
3. Instruct patient to return Cortisol and Cortisone - Saliva Collection Instructions with the appropriately labeled Salivette to the laboratory.
Additional Information: Reference values are also available for an 8 a.m. (7 a.m.-9 a.m.) or a 4 p.m. (3 p.m.-5 p.m.) collection, however, the 11 p.m. to midnight collection is preferred.
NUH Outreach Laboratories:
Specimen Requirements
Submit only one of the following immediately:
Preferred: Sarstedt Salivette (Saliva Collection Tube)
Processing Requirements
Specimen type: Saliva
Volume: 1.5 mL/Whole collection
Storage/transport requirements: Refrigerated
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
-General Request (T239)
-Renal Diagnostics Test Request (T830)
Special Instructions
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.6 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Saliva | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days |
| Frozen | 60 days | |
| Ambient | 28 days |
Reject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.Method Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
3 to 6 daysPlease note that this is a referral test requiring transport to the external testing facility and an additional 3-5 days is required.
Reference Values
7 a.m.-9 a.m.: 100-750 ng/dL
3 p.m.-5 p.m.: <401 ng/dL
11 p.m.-midnight: <100 ng/dL
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Useful For
Screening for Cushing syndrome
Diagnosis of Cushing syndrome in patients presenting with symptoms or signs suggestive of the disease
CPT Code Information
82533
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| SALCT | Cortisol, Saliva | 2142-8 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 84225 | Cortisol, Saliva | 2142-8 |
| 23612 | AM Cortisol | 58674-3 |
| 23613 | PM Cortisol | 58668-5 |
| 23614 | Midnight Cortisol | 58642-0 |
Secondary ID
84225Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.Updated on 08/04/2026