how long does a cortisol saliva test takes
Because cortisol levels change throughout the day, the timing of a cortisol test is important. A cortisol blood test is usually done twice a dayâonce in the morning when cortisol levels are at their highest, and again around 4 p.m., when levels are much lower. Cortisol may also be measured in a urine or saliva test. For a cortisol urine test, your health care provider may ask you to collect all urine during a 24-hour period. This is called a 24-hour urine sample test. It is used because cortisol levels vary throughout the day.