Can we use saliva to test for adrenal insufficiency?

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Development of an LC-MS/MS method to measure salivary cortisone and cortisol, and investigation into their clinical utility in the investigation of adrenal insufficiency.

• IRAS ID

  341500

• Contact name

  David Kennedy

• Contact email

  david.kennedy1@nhs.net

• Sponsor organisation

  South Tyneside & Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

• Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

  N/A, N/A

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 7 months, 30 days

• Research summary

  There is evidence in the literature that salivary cortisol or cortisone measurement may be of use in the investigation of adrenal insufficiency. This study aims to contribute to the evidence-base through the following objectives:

  1. Develop, validate and characterise a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the accurate measurement of salivary cortisol and cortisone.
  2. Using this method, measure salivary cortisol and cortisone in patients undergoing investigation of adrenal insufficiency, to determine rule-in and rule-out cut-offs in the local population.
  3. Determine whether introducing early morning salivary cortisol or cortisone testing as a first-line test for adrenal insufficiency would be a cost-effective approach, and whether this or current practice (the short Synacthen test) is preferred by patients and clinicians.

• REC name

  London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  25/PR/0131

• Date of REC Opinion

  11 Mar 2025

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion