Diurnal Cortisol & CAR Test
Measure your HPA axis function with our 6-tube saliva cortisol kit. NY approved saliva cortisol test for CAR, diurnal rhythm, and DHEA-S levels. Shop now.
Product details: USD 209 — InStock — SKU gettested_diurnal_cortisol_and_car_test — GetTested
About this test
How It Works
You collect saliva samples at home at six time points during the same day: upon waking, 30 minutes after waking, 60 minutes after waking, around midday, in the evening, and at night.
The samples are then sent to a CLIA-certified laboratory for analysis, and your results are delivered digitally once testing is complete.
Saliva Collection
The test uses saliva samples collected at home.
This non-invasive method allows for repeated measurements throughout the day, making it possible to assess how cortisol levels change over time. Samples are collected according to the schedule provided in your kit and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR)
A key component of this test is the cortisol awakening response (CAR), the natural increase in cortisol that occurs shortly after waking.
By measuring cortisol immediately upon waking and again at 30 and 60 minutes, the test captures how cortisol rises in the early part of the day.
Cortisol and DHEA-S Patterns
In addition to cortisol, the test measures DHEA-S, an adrenal hormone that provides additional context to cortisol patterns.
Evaluating both hormones together helps illustrate how hormone levels vary throughout the day.
Preparation Instructions
Collect your samples according to the schedule provided in your kit.
Avoid eating, drinking (except water), brushing teeth, or smoking at least 30 minutes before each collection.
Who Should Consider This Test
This test is relevant for individuals who want a detailed understanding of how cortisol levels change throughout the day.
It may be particularly useful when exploring factors such as fatigue, stress, sleep patterns, or daily energy variation.
Understanding CLIA Certification
Your samples are analyzed in a CLIA-certified laboratory, ensuring that testing is performed according to established U.S. quality standards using validated methods.
Biomarkers included
- DHEA-S: DHEA-S is a hormone produced mainly by the adrenal glands and serves as a precursor to sex hormones, including androgens and estrogens. Compared with DHEA, DHEA-S is more stable in the bloodstream and is therefore commonly measured to evaluate adrenal androgen production. Levels typically peak in early adulthood and gradually decline with age. Elevated DHEA-S may be seen in conditions associated w
- Cortisol: Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, known as the body's primary stress hormone. It plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, immune response, and blood pressure, making its levels important for assessing stress response and adrenal function.
How to prepare
Do not eat, drink, or brush teeth for 30 minutes before the first three collections. Follow the CAR saliva test protocol: Sample 1 at waking, Sample 2 at 30 minutes, Sample 3 at 60 minutes. Remaining samples at noon, evening, and night. Store samples in the refrigerator until mailing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) and why does it matter?
The CAR is a sharp 35-60% increase in cortisol levels immediately upon waking. It acts as a 'stress test' for the brain and indicates how well your HPA-axis is prepared for the day ahead. Standard tests often miss this because they only take one sample in the morning.
Why is this test approved for New York while others aren't?
New York has strict CLEP regulations that many at-home test providers do not meet. This test uses a laboratory fully certified by the New York State Department of Health, making it legal and available for NY residents.
How do I collect saliva without contaminating the sample?
To ensure sample integrity, do not eat, drink (including water), brush your teeth, or exercise for at least 30 minutes prior to and during the first three morning collections. Blood from gums or chemicals from toothpaste can contaminate the results.
Customer reviews
4.6/5 (5)
- 5/5 — Finally found a clinical-grade CAR test that ships to New York!
- 5/5 — Good kit for tracking my burnout recovery.
- 4/5 — Easy collection process but make sure you don't drink water before those first few tubes. High quality kit.
- 4/5 — Results took about 8 days to come back. Great insights into my morning fatigue issues.
- 5/5 — Fast shipping and the instructions were very easy to follow for the morning samples.