Cortisol Blood Test Kit – At-Home UK Lab Test
Biomarkers
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Cortisol
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I test my cortisol levels at home?
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Testing your cortisol levels at home is simple with our comprehensive kit. Everything you need is delivered to your door. You will use a quick, minimally invasive finger-prick lancet to collect a small blood sample into the provided collection tube. Once collected, simply secure the tube, place it in the prepaid return envelope, and drop it in a priority postbox.
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When is the best time to take a cortisol blood test?
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Cortisol levels naturally fluctuate and follow a diurnal rhythm, meaning they peak in the early morning and gradually decline throughout the day. To get the most accurate and clinically relevant baseline of your adrenal function, you must take this test before 10:00 AM, ideally shortly after waking up.
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Are at-home cortisol tests accurate?
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Yes. While you collect the sample at home, the analysis is performed in exactly the same way as a sample taken in a hospital. Your blood is processed in our CQC-regulated UK laboratory using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to ensure clinical-grade accuracy.
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Turnaround Time
Turnaround Time
Test Preparation
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Cortisol
Cortisol levels follow a natural daily cycle, peaking in the early morning (around 6–8 AM) and gradually declining throughout the day. Because of this pattern, the timing of your cortisol test is important. For the most accurate results, take your sample between 6 AM and 10 AM. If you have an irregular sleep schedule, your results may be less reliable. If you need to test, do so within two hours of waking and include this detail on the lab request slip. You should also stop taking biotin supplements at least 72 hours before your test unless advised otherwise.
Please note that following the instructions step by step is crucial, as not following them may lead to sample rejection.
Symptom Check
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Stress
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Fatigue and Low Energy
Persistent tiredness that does not improve with rest is one of the most common signs of nutrient deficiency. Low ferritin reduces the body's ability to transport oxygen efficiently, leaving you feeling drained and breathless even with minimal exertion. Low B12 and folate impair red blood cell production, compounding this effect and contributing to weakness and poor stamina. Vitamin D deficiency is also strongly associated with fatigue, muscle weakness, and a general sense of heaviness that can be difficult to attribute to any single cause. If you are experiencing unexplained and persistent tiredness, nutrient levels are one of the first things worth investigating. -
Mood Changing
Result Report
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Result Report (in-use)
Reports are reviewed by a UK-registered doctor before being sent out. The final report provides a comprehensive breakdown of your biomarkers, displaying your specific levels alongside standard UK reference ranges to show exactly where you fall on the spectrum. Beyond just the raw numbers, the report includes a brief commentary.
View your results in a clear, easy-to-understand format with charts and reference ranges. If you repeat the same biomarkers with us, your report includes historical comparisons to help track changes, trends, and progress over time.
Measure your cortisol level with an at-home cortisol blood test kit. Collect a finger-prick sample and return it using the included prepaid envelope for analysis at our UK laboratory.
Your report shows your measured cortisol level alongside laboratory reference ranges. Results are usually available in your secure online portal within 1–2 working days of your sample reaching the laboratory.
What does the cortisol blood test measure?
This test measures the cortisol level in your blood sample. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and is involved in the body's stress response and other essential functions.
The result is a snapshot at the time of sampling, not a complete assessment of stress or adrenal function. Collection time and your individual circumstances matter when interpreting the result.
Is this test right for you?
If you want to measure your cortisol level, this kit offers at-home sample collection with laboratory analysis. If you are investigating persistent fatigue, sleep difficulties, weight changes or other symptoms, speak with a healthcare professional about whether cortisol testing is appropriate. These symptoms can have many possible causes.
A single cortisol result cannot diagnose the cause of symptoms, measure how stressed you feel, or diagnose or rule out conditions such as Cushing's syndrome or Addison's disease on its own. Further assessment and different tests may be needed.
What is included?
- At-home finger-prick blood sample collection kit
- Prepaid sample return envelope
- UK laboratory analysis
- A results report with laboratory reference ranges and medical feedback
- Secure online access to your results
How it works
- Order your cortisol blood test kit.
- Read the enclosed instructions before collecting your sample.
- Collect your finger-prick blood sample early in the morning, between 6:00 am and 10:00 am, while fasting, following the test-specific instructions.
- Return your sample using the prepaid envelope.
- View your report in your secure online portal, usually within 1–2 working days of your sample reaching the laboratory.
Why does sampling time matter?
Cortisol levels naturally change throughout the day. Follow the collection instructions supplied with your kit and record your sampling time as instructed. If you work shifts or are unsure about preparation or timing, seek guidance before collecting your sample.
Can medicines affect the result?
Medicines can affect cortisol levels or how results are interpreted. Do not stop or change prescribed medicines to take this test unless advised by your prescriber. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure whether testing is suitable for you.
Understanding your results
Your report presents your measured level with laboratory reference ranges and medical feedback. Results should be interpreted alongside your symptoms, sampling time, medicines and medical history.
If your result is outside the reference range, or symptoms persist even when your result is within range, discuss the report with your GP or another qualified healthcare professional.
Does this replace medical care?
No. This is a private laboratory testing service, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Do not delay medical assessment while waiting for a kit or results. If you feel acutely unwell, seek medical care rather than relying on a home test.
How it works
Order test online
Collect a few drops at home
Return sample to the lab
