Your 4-point saliva collection
This test maps your cortisol rhythm and DHEA-S across a single day. Because cortisol naturally rises and falls, four saliva samples at set times are needed — so timing is everything.
A simple test you do at home
Your kit and instructions are posted directly to you — no collection centre visit needed. Collect your four samples across one day, then mail them back to the lab in the prepaid packaging provided.
Your collection day
Choose a normal, non-stressful day and collect all four samples on that same day. Collect at these times unless your practitioner advises otherwise.
What this test measures
Measures: Cortisol — Daily Total · Cortisol — Morning · Cortisol — Midday · Cortisol — Afternoon · Cortisol — Evening · DHEA-S · DHEA-S / Cortisol ratio
Before you collect
A little preparation keeps your results accurate. Follow these on your collection day — and in the two hours before each sample.
Avoid all day
Strictly avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine (smoking) on your collection day, unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.
2 hours before each sample
Do not eat, brush or floss your teeth, or use mouthwash. You may drink a little water during this time.
Just before
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and rinse your mouth with water 15 minutes before collecting.
Hormone & supplement users
Continue your medications as prescribed — you do not need to stop them unless advised by your practitioner. If you use any hormone or steroid product (for example a cortisol/hydrocortisone cream, or a DHEA supplement), note it on your request form and follow the timing below.
| Product type | When to collect your sample |
|---|---|
| Creams / gels / capsules | 12–24 hours after last dose |
| Troche / sublingual | 36 hours after last dose |
| Patches | 24–48 hours after applying patch |
| Injections / pellets | Midpoint between treatments |
Feeling unwell on your chosen day?
Cortisol can be affected by acute illness, so if you're unwell, poorly slept, or having an unusually stressful day, it's best to pick another day that reflects your typical routine. If you're ever unsure about any step, contact the lab on info@i-screen.com.au before you begin.
Collecting each sample
Repeat these steps for all four tubes, at the four times shown on page 1.
- Wash your hands, then rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and wait at least 15 minutes before collecting.
- Unscrew the lid of the collection tube and hold it to your lips.
- Tilt your head forward and let saliva pool naturally inside your mouth.
- Allow saliva to passively pool into the tube — don't force or spit. Continue until you reach the fill line with liquid saliva.
- Fill the tube to the line with liquid saliva. Avoid foam or bubbles — tap the tube with a fingernail or on a hard surface to settle them. Insufficient samples cannot be processed.
- During collection, don't cough, clear your throat, or draw mucous from the back of your throat into the tube.
- Screw the cap on tightly to avoid any leakage in transit.
- Label the tube straight away with the details in the checklist below — the collection time is essential for reading your cortisol rhythm.
Label every tube with:
- Your first name and surname
- Your date of birth
- The exact time collected (including am or pm)
- The date of collection
Packing & sending
- Check your request form is complete — full name, date of birth, address and contact number. Details must match your tube labels.
- Place all four labelled tubes into the sealable section of the specimen transport bag, and the request form into the non-sealable pocket.
- Seal everything inside the prepaid return envelope provided and post it via your nearest Australia Post outlet or express post box the same day.