Cortisol test

[Sunnydevon]

I’m having a 9 am cortisol test tomorrow and think it’s a blood test. Should I have asked for saliva test? Endo asked for it. It’s being done at GP’s. Should I fast? Thank you in advance

[Why1me]

When I had mine done I was told if you are taking prednisolone then not to take that dose and then take your medication when home . Hope that helps

[Sunnydevon in reply to Why1me]

Thank you. Do you know if I should fast?

[humanbean]

The NHS won't do a saliva test, sadly. The blood test is the only option.

[Sunnydevon in reply to humanbean]

Thank you for your reply. Do you know if I should fast?

[lc1973 in reply to Sunnydevon]

I had the same test done a while ago. I did not fast.

[humanbean in reply to Sunnydevon]

There are different views on fasting before testing cortisol.

livestrong.com/article/4106...

I arrange tests for first thing in the morning for every blood test possible, and assuming the blood draw is being done first thing in the morning I will fast for it, always, apart from water which I drink freely. My fast lasts for 10 - 12 hours before the blood draw.

On the basis that I don't know what effect eating has on any levels in my body (apart from blood glucose which I know goes up), I have decided that I can get more consistency and more comparability between tests if I always fast before testing.

If a test is done later than I would like then I will eat normally, but I won't believe the results. I know doctors will though.

[Hidden]

The 9am blood cortisol test is the normal test to be done for initial investigations for either Adrenal insufficiency or Cushing's. Why are theyDepending on that result you will go on to have further tests. Salival tests can be done on the NHS but not all Endo's use them.

[Sunnydevon in reply to Hidden]

Thank you.😊