Dr. Goodyear

A single mid-luteal salivary progesterone estimation or the mid-luteal Lenton progesterone index (n = 4) satisfactorily reflected the normal luteal phase, but a frequency of one sample every 3 days over the luteal phase (n = 5-6) was necessary to allow recognition of a short luteal phase or poor progesterone surge.

Sampling for salivary cortisol determination is a sensitive, specific and pain-free procedure and it is therefore very useful for following healthy and sick children before, during and after pharmacological interventions

the review highlights the use of salivary cortisol measurements to provide information about HPA axis dysfunction associated with psycho- and patho-physiological conditions in children. Novel applications for salivary cortisol measurements in future research into HPA axis activity in children are also discussed.

This indicates that cortisol concentrations are stable during extended periods without freezing when exposed to widely varying temperatures and movement.

These data demonstrate the value of morning Sal-T testing as a non-invasive approach to screen androgen status in ESRD patients.

hese studies support the use of salivary testosterone as an acceptable assay for screening for hypogonadism.

Testosterone is secreted into saliva. In saliva, testosterone is not bound to proteins. Thus concentration of testosterone in saliva is quite close to the serum free testosterone level. Currently serum free testosterone is measured by a convenient method in Japan, that reflects only 10% of the correct values. However, the correct measurement of serum free testosterone is quite costly. Collection of saliva is not invasive to subjects, and it can be done without paramedicals. Besides it is relatively cheaper. Acquisition of samples in multiple occasions is possible. These advantages of utilizing saliva will introduce the measurements of salivary testosterone in cohort studies or screening of low testosterone levels in the community.

Salivary assays offer a practical way of measuring testosterone in free-ranging subjects outside the laboratory.

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The use of non-invasive salivary sampling and a cost-effective, direct enzymeimmunoassay showed a considerable advantage in the present study, compared with previous ones.

In conclusion we recommend the overnight dexamethasone suppression test with measurement of salivary cortisol as a screening test for Cushing's syndrome.