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Medical information Clinical review pending

Endocrine Testing

Cortisol Saliva Test

The Cortisol Saliva Test measures cortisol levels in saliva to assess adrenal gland function and help diagnose conditions like Cushing's syndrome or Addison's disease.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
Saliva sample.
Results
Confirm turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Rinse your mouth thoroughly before collecting the sample. Do not brush your teeth before collection. Avoid stress, exercise, eating, and drinking for at least 30 minutes prior to sample collection. Follow specific collection time instructions provided by your doctor or the laboratory.
Test priceKSh 4,680

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Cortisol Saliva Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome (e.g., weight gain, moon face, high blood pressure).
  • ✓Symptoms of Addison's disease (e.g., fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure).
  • ✓Chronic fatigue or unexplained stress.
  • ✓Mood swings or sleep disturbances.
  • ✓Monitoring response to adrenal gland treatment.
  • ✓Assessment of stress levels.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test measures cortisol levels in saliva, providing insights into adrenal gland function. It is used to help diagnose conditions associated with abnormal cortisol production, such as Cushing's syndrome (excess cortisol) and Addison's disease (insufficient cortisol). Monitoring cortisol levels can also be useful in managing stress-related conditions.
The Cortisol Saliva Test is a diagnostic tool used to measure cortisol levels in saliva. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a key role in metabolism, immune response, and stress management. This test helps evaluate adrenal gland function and can aid in diagnosing disorders related to cortisol levels. Salivary cortisol levels reflect those in the bloodstream and are useful for assessing the body's response to stress. This test is non-invasive and provides valuable information for managing potential adrenal conditions.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationRinse your mouth thoroughly before collecting the sample. Do not brush your teeth before collection. Avoid stress, exercise, eating, and drinking for at least 30 minutes prior to sample collection. Follow specific collection time instructions provided by your doctor or the laboratory.
SampleSaliva sample.
MethodologyThe test measures the concentration of cortisol in a saliva sample using laboratory-based assays. Confirm the specific methodology used with the laboratory before booking.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Saliva cortisol levels can be influenced by various factors, including stress, time of day, medications, and certain medical conditions. Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical symptoms and other diagnostic tests. Confirm specific limitations with the laboratory before booking.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

This test measures the level of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, in your saliva.
Saliva provides a non-invasive way to measure cortisol levels, reflecting the hormone's concentration in the bloodstream.
You will need to collect a saliva sample at a specific time, usually after waking up or before bed, as instructed by your doctor. Avoid eating, drinking, smoking, or exercising for at least 30 minutes before collection. Rinse your mouth but do not brush your teeth before collecting the sample.
Your results will indicate if your cortisol levels are within the normal range. Abnormal levels may suggest an adrenal gland disorder. Discuss your results with your healthcare provider for interpretation.
No, the Cortisol Saliva Test is non-invasive and painless. It involves collecting a saliva sample.
Confirm the turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

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09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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