Saliva
Adrenal stress index
Adrenal Stress Index
€ 285,00
Saliva Home Test
How it works
- 01
Receive your test kit
Collect saliva at the specified times
- 02
Take the sample
Use the tubes as indicated in the instructions
- 03
Mail back to the lab
Return within 48 hours via medical mail
In their bound form, hormones are inactive. Therefore, to determine specific hormonal activities, it is important to measure the concentration of free hormones. Approximately 95 to 99% of adrenal cortical hormones in blood are bound to proteins, such as CBG (corticosteroid-binding globulin), SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin), and albumin. In saliva, however, this is only 1-5%.
Parameters
In this test, the hormones cortisol and DHEA are measured in saliva. Both hormones are produced by the adrenal cortex.
Changes in common cortisol levels indicate the response to stress. Changes in DHEA levels indicate the degree of adaptation to stress. Cortisol and DHEA should be assessed in relation to each other.
Example Result
Preparation and sampling
- Fill the first tube straight after waking up and the next ones after 30 and 60 minutes. For the day profile, further tubes follow 2, 5, 8 and 12 hours after waking up, each at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking. Choose a normal day and get up at your usual time.Applies to: Cortisol
- Fill the first tube straight after waking up and the next ones after 30 and 60 minutes.Applies to: DHEA
- Do not eat, drink, smoke or brush your teeth until after the third tube. Do not use mouthwash or dental floss that day.Applies to: Cortisol and DHEA
- Do you use hormone preparations such as hydrocortisone or progesterone? Then stop 48 hours beforehand, in consultation with your doctor.Applies to: Cortisol and DHEA
- Stop supplements that affect hormones, such as maca, 5 days beforehand.Applies to: DHEA
Risks and downsides of this test
- Collecting saliva. Eating, drinking, smoking, brushing your teeth or taking medication shortly before collection affects the result. Follow the timing instructions in the kit.
- No test is one hundred percent reliable. A result can point to something that is not there, or miss something that is. A result is a snapshot and does not make a diagnosis.
- An abnormal result has consequences. It can lead to follow-up tests with your GP, and to worry that turns out to be unnecessary. Follow-up tests or treatment can have downsides of their own.
- Incidental findings are not expected with this test. An incidental finding is something other than what you were looking for. During checkout you choose whether you want to be informed about one.
Hormones2
Always discuss an abnormal result with your GP. If a result is strongly abnormal, we try to reach you as soon as possible. Read your result yourself as well and contact your GP if in doubt. A test does not make a diagnosis. Read more about risks and results
Independent information sources
We recommend consulting these independent sources before ordering a preventive health check.
Practical information
Frequently asked questions
How does the saliva test work from A to Z?
After ordering we ship the kit to your home. You spit into the tubes at the indicated times up to the fill line (~1ml), keep them cool and return them in the envelope. You receive your result digitally by email.
What should I avoid before collection?
No eating, drinking, smoking or brushing teeth in the 30 minutes before collection. That gives the most reliable hormone values.
Do I need to collect at specific times?
Yes for hormone tests like a cortisol day-profile — usually 4 moments spread across the day. Exact timings are in the instructions with your kit. Label tubes clearly with the time so the lab can identify them.
What's the fill line and how do I avoid foam?
Spit gently into the tube up to the indicated fill line (~1ml). Don't blow or breathe forcefully — foam interferes with analysis. If you produce a lot of foam, tap the tube gently to settle it before continuing.
What if I have trouble producing saliva?
Rinse your mouth with water and wait 5 minutes. Don't use chewing gum or lemon — those interfere with hormone values.
When and how do I receive my result?
Saliva analyses usually take about a week after the lab receives your sample. You receive your laboratory report securely by email. It lists the measured values, units, reference ranges and any flags added by the laboratory.
How do I return the collection materials to the lab?
Use the supplied return envelope and place it in the letter-mail bag inside a PostNL service point yourself as soon as possible. Do not hand it to counter staff or request track & trace. The instructions supplied with your test state when it must be sent.
What if I have questions or something doesn't work?
Feel free to contact us via WhatsApp, email or phone. We're happy to help you before, during or after your test. If the collection doesn't work, we'll arrange a solution or send new materials — no hassle.
Not sure which test is right for you? We’re happy to help.
WhatsApp+31 (0)412 23 69 61E-mailinfo@bloedcheckup.nlShippingDiscreet mailbox delivery
Didn't find what you're looking for?Request a custom testWeekdays 09:00 – 17:00
“Very positive experience”
From ordering to having my blood drawn, everything went smoothly and was well organised. I really appreciated being able to visit a blood collection location in my own town so quickly. I received clear instructions beforehand, and the results arrived promptly by email too. Very satisfied!
ElineVerified
“Good communication”
This company responds to questions thoroughly and promptly. The entire process, from requesting the test to having blood drawn and receiving the results, runs very smoothly. Overall, I am very satisfied!
Jacques QuipèreVerified
“Wide choice of tests, fast and affordable”
You can choose the tests yourself. Fast delivery and processing, clear instructions and affordable.
SMVerified
“I am satisfied with the service”
I received a referral by email, just like from a GP. I did not have to send anything by post and could quickly visit a local blood collection centre. The results were fast and clear. The price was good, not too expensive, and all messages were secure.
kraljicaVerified
“A very good experience”
A very good experience! I received quick answers to my questions, a custom blood test was put together, everything was arranged smoothly, and I could have my blood drawn by a healthcare professional nearby. The results were available within a few days. In short, very satisfied!
PhilVerified
“Very good customer service”
The customer service is very good. I had a complex request, which caused an issue at the blood collection centre. Customer service resolved it very well. They also offer a wide range of tests at a reasonable price.
Marc EekhoutVerified
“Everything was well organised”
Everything was well organised. The products were delivered within a few days and, after sending in the samples, the results arrived within a few days too. Communication and information throughout the process were clear and friendly.
martijnVerified
“Fantastic service”
Fantastic service! Very good customer service that responds quickly and thinks along with you. Good prices. I will definitely use BloedCheckup's services again.
kambalesVerified
“Very happy to have found this business”
Very happy to have found this business. We need to check our blood more often :) The process was easy. They sent me the kit at home, then I had to go to a clinic with the papers and they knew what they had to do. I got the results in less than a week.
DenisaVerified
“Smooth process and good support”
Amazing website experience. I ordered various tests for 2 people. We went to one of the supported centers and took samples. Also after the results were ready, I needed a letter from the laboratory and they prepared the letter for me in no time. Definitely recommended.
Majid HajiheidariVerified
“Amazing service!”
Received a packet with everything needed, went to a walk in clinic (Amsterdam DC Clinic) where my blood was drawn and I was out the door within 5 minutes, and then after posting the samples, received results 2 days later. Results were easy to understand as well. Amazing service, would highly recommend!
Trudi CoetzeeVerified
“Great customer service”
I ordered a test through bloedcheckup.nl but later realized I no longer needed it. I contacted their support team, and they were very quick, responsive, and helpful in handling my cancellation. The whole process was smooth and efficient. Great customer service!
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