This study looked at combined sex hormone analysis via gas chromatography-mass spec. Levels were able to be detected as low as 0.002 mcro/L in saliva. This study validates the GC-MS for the use of multiple, simultaneous steroid hormone analysis
LC-MS for salivary testosterone and DHEA validated. Also, T and DHEA were shown to have specific diurnal rhythms. Changes in levels were also followed after DHEA therapy.
LC-MS/MS shown to be useful in evaluation in people with suspected elevated cortisol levels. In this study, they found the dexamethasone suppression test was required. The point however is that cortisol is a valid medium and this was with LC-MS/MS instead of the more commonly used ELIZA technique.
salivary testosterone and DHEA evaluation by LC-MS/MS validated and shown to be applicable in the diagnosis and therapy in those men with low testosterone and DHEA.
MS-LS show to be highly sensitive in the dual identification of testosterone and cortisol in saliva. These hormones were found to be stable up to 28 days at room temperature. This disproves the argument that saliva, as a test medium, has a very short shelf life.
Great review on the literature of LC-MS/MS and now the new ESI-MS/MS method in saliva hormone testing. This technique is highly sensitive and specific. This article goes through the literature support for each hormone. It also discusses how/why saliva testing is valid. Conclusion: "the author believes that the saliva-based hormone test will be integrated into clinical practice in the near future".