As a lab test provider we can only test and report out data from your sample. Additionally, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) requires inter-laboratory tests to ensure the ranges established by each lab do not drift or are not out of acceptable ranges. Majority of the tests from these labs are FDA approved to ensure they meet the proper regulatory requirements. You can download a sample report by clicking on Get Sample Report on top of this page. After the lab receives the sample, it takes 5-7 business days for results. Accuracy of results can be comparable, and sometimes even better than blood test. Goncharov et al. also reported higher salivary concentrations than calculated serum-free testosterone in men with very low testosterone levels . In the studied groups of patients, the concentration of free testosterone was determined in saliva (SalFT), while in blood serum, the concentration of total testosterone (TT), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), creatinine, and albumin was determined. Collaborating with a knowledgeable functional medicine provider is important to interpret salivary hormone results within the context of clinical symptoms and an individual's medical history. The exception is conjugated hormones, such as DHEA-S, which cannot cross the phospholipid membrane of cells lining blood vessels into salivary glands. Studies indicate a strong agreement between salivary and serum measurements, supporting the use of saliva as a non-invasive and convenient medium for assessing sex hormones. Additionally, saliva samples can be easily obtained multiple times throughout the day, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of hormone fluctuations and circadian rhythms. Importantly, the clear demarcation between the female and male Sal-T reference intervals, mirrors the separation between the male and female serum-T reference intervals. The problem with LC-MS/MS sensitivity for the measurement of Sal-T in females was solved by using a more advanced mass spectrometer while still continuing the previous sample preparation techniques. We therefore used the tried and tested passive drool technique throughout this study (14). Stability of Sal-T was also demonstrated after storage for up to 3 years at -80 °C. Only one sample was collected from each participant and so we were unable to take into account intra-individual variation in T levels, which may be particularly relevant for premenopausal women given that T varies throughout the menstrual cycle (44). In contrast to the collection of serum, which is invasive and expensive, collection of saliva is relatively straightforward and requires minimal training. Salivary testosterone (Sal-T) is believed to represent tissue hormone levels, which are unaffected by variations in circulating binding proteins (15), thereby providing an alternative to serum free testosterone (free-T) in the assessment of androgen status. Community-based studies in men have shown associations between lower average serum testosterone (serum-T) and poorer health outcomes, including frailty, obesity, insulin resistance, cardiovascular diseases, and mortality, although findings have not always been consistent (2–5). Morning saliva samples were obtained from participants in a cross-sectional probability-sample survey of the general British population (Natsal-3). This study sought to examine associations between Sal-T and health-related factors in men and women age 18–74 years. This is done by regularly testing reference samples between different labs. View your lab data through easy-to-read graphs and tables. Add your results anytime with our easy entry form. In addition, testosterone affects lean body mass, bone density, hematopoiesis, libido and mood. In the adult male, testosterone maintains the structure and function of the prostate, testes, seminal vesicles, and external male genitalia. For this reason, medical professionals will often advise to have you test first thing in the morning. However, you may be able to pay using a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). A self-administered non-invasive method to collect biological samples in which measurements of testosterone (T) levels can be accurately determined is clearly of enormous value to population research, population screening, patient diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Essential hormones, such as testosterone, DHEA, thyroid hormones, cortisol, and insulin, play significant roles in men's well-being. Social history (such as diet, physical activity, stressors, and environmental exposures), as well as medical history (such as diagnosed health conditions, past surgeries, or medications), can all impact hormone levels and function. Dried blood spot (DBS) tests offer a minimally invasive and home-friendly option for collecting blood samples. Additionally, stress and hydration levels can influence saliva production, so it is essential to maintain consistent testing conditions for reliable comparisons over time. One of the common concerns about saliva testosterone tests is their accuracy compared to blood tests. By allowing for multiple collections, saliva testing provides a more accurate representation of daily hormone variations. Saliva-based testosterone testing offers several advantages over traditional blood tests.
