Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
Collecting Saliva and Measuring Salivary Cortisol and Alpha-amylase in Frail Community Residing Older Adults via Family Caregivers
Published on: December 18, 2013
Strategies for salivary cortisol collection and analysis in research with children
Kirsten Hanrahan1, Ann Marie McCarthy, Charmaine Kleiber
1College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. kirsten-hanrahan@uiowa.edu
Insights
Salivary cortisol is a valuable pediatric stress biomarker. Standardized collection and lab analysis methods ensure reliable and valid results in child research.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric endocrinology
- Psychoneuroendocrinology
- Biomarker research
Background:
- Salivary cortisol is an accessible biomarker for pediatric stress.
- Cortisol levels are highly variable and influenced by numerous factors.
- Careful consideration is needed for reliable cortisol measurement in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline strategies for reliable salivary cortisol measurement in pediatric research.
- To address the variability of cortisol and its influencing factors.
- To ensure valid and reproducible research outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Standardizing sample collection times and protocols.
- Utilizing consistent collection materials and methods.
- Controlling for dietary, medicinal, and diagnostic influences.
- Selecting appropriate laboratory assays and establishing quality controls.
Main Results:
- Implementation of standardized protocols enhances the reliability of salivary cortisol measurements.
- Controlling for extraneous variables minimizes cortisol level fluctuations.
- Consistent laboratory analysis ensures valid and reproducible results.
Conclusions:
- Standardized collection and laboratory analysis are crucial for valid salivary cortisol research in children.
- These strategies mitigate extraneous variables, leading to dependable biomarker data.
- Reliable salivary cortisol data supports accurate stress assessment in pediatric studies.
Abstract:
Salivary cortisol has emerged in pediatric research as an easy-to-collect, relatively inexpensive, biologic marker of stress. Cortisol is highly variable and is responsive to a wide range of factors that should be considered when incorporating this measure into research with children. Strategies for sample collection include: (1) standardizing the time for sample collection, including baseline samples; (2) using consistent collection materials and methods; (3) controlling for certain drinks, foods, medications, and diagnoses; and (4) establishing procedures and protocols. Other strategies for laboratory analyses include: (1) selecting the appropriate assay and laboratory; (2) identifying units of measure and norms; and (3) establishing quality controls. These strategies control extraneous variables and produce reliable and valid salivary cortisol results.
More Related Videos
07:32Use of Galvanic Skin Responses, Salivary Biomarkers, and Self-reports to Assess Undergraduate Student Performance During a Laboratory Exam Activity
Published on: February 10, 2016
07:02Providing Meaningful Environmental Enrichment and Measuring Saliva Cortisol in Pigs Housed on Slatted Flooring
Published on: September 30, 2019