Christopher JD McKinlay Author

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Effect of Collection Methods on Salivary Cortisol

Author(s):

Christopher JD McKinlay, Eric B Thorstensen, Wayne S Cutfield, Malcolm R Battin, Stuart R Dalziel and Jane E Harding

Salivary cortisol is a useful measure of hypothalmic-pituitary axis function, but the effects of collection method, sample volume, and environmental conditions on hormone recovery are poorly described. These potential sources of pre-analytical variation were assessed using spiked pooled saliva and assay by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). When saliva was collected onto cotton swabs, hormone recovery was determined primarily by volume recovery, which was in turn determined by sample volume. To ensure adequate cortisol recovery, ≥2 ml of saliva must be absorbed onto swabs. This may be difficult for many children and some adults to achieve. Salivary cortisol is remarkably stable to a range of environmental conditions, including repeated freeze-thaw cycles, ... view more»

DOI: 10.4172/2469-5653.1000121

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