Saliva Cortisol Suppression Test

Suspected Cushing’s syndrome, adrenergic/pituitary

Saliva 3 x 0.1 ml (sample containers (Salivettes®) will be provided)

• 1^st saliva sample collection = baseline cortisol
• Injection of 0.1 mg/kg bdw dexamethasone i.m. (i.v.) (high-dose dexamethasone suppression test)
• 2^nd sample collection after 4 hours
• 3^rd sample collection after 8 hours

Cortisol

Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

Guinea pig

3–5 working days

• Pituitary Cushing’s syndrome and/or bilateral adrenal hyperplasia: adequate suppression (as in dogs) after 4 hours, then rising again
• Adrenergic Cushing’s syndrome: no suppression