European Journal of Endocrinology finds that salivary cortisol can be used as a diagnostic tool for Cushing's syndrome and adrenal insufficiency. Thus both hypercortisol and hypocortisol states can be followed using saliva. This statement was using immunoassay. Mass spectroscopy provides even better results
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.
LC-MS/MS shown to be reliable in salivary cortisol evaluation. Obese individuals create special challenges with regards to coritsol levels, due to peripheral cortisol to cortisone conversion.
This study points out that saliva should not be used solely in the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome due to unreferenced norms. That however, doesn't nullify salivary cortisol. It requires a look at the references. for those that are obese and being evaluated for cushing's. There is no perfect test. T
This study is a little misleading in its conclusion. Salivary testing is valid, but the reference ranges in the obese with suspected cushing's syndrome needs further evaluation: according to these authors.
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.
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.
LC-MS/MS overcomes the limitations of immunoassays in hormone testing. LC-MS/MS is the new gold standard with sensitivity, specificity, and ease second to none. LC-MS/MS is the bench science now coming to the practice of medicine.
LC-MS/MS shown to be "accurate and highly sensitive" when compared to GC-MS for saliva testing of hormones. Up to this point, GC-MS has been considered the "gold standard".
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".