The purpose of this page is to put to bed any concerns Shift Workers may have about their non-standard sleeping pattern, and how it may affect their test result. 
The short answer to this question is, NO. Having a non-standard sleep pattern will not affect the test Result, however the lab does need to make a minor adjustment at their end to synchronise the test Report.
As of February 2025 we are placing an Insert (questionnaire) into all saliva hormone test kits to provide people with the opportunity to declare their shift work status. By supplying this information it means that the lab can make the necessary adjustment.
Hormone Test Report Interpretation for Shift Workers
When looking at your test report, you will see that the specimen, let’s say it was collected at 2:30PM (30 minutes after your wake time), is noted as a 07:30AM result. Realigning the test result to a standard sleep-wake cycle is done to apply the appropriate reference range and removes ambiguity. 
Single Hormone Test Collection for Shift Workers
With single hormone saliva tests such as the Saliva Testosterone Test Kit it’s easy. All you have to do is make it known that you’re a shift worker so we understand that your non-standard collection time(s) is intentional. Once updated about your shift work status, the lab will proceed as normal, shifting the result (re pin) to the morning (AM) position on the graph.
What About the Larger Tests?
Tests with multiple specimen collections like the Adrenal Function Extended Profile (DHEAs X 1 + Cortisol X 4) which includes four specimen collection over the day are no different. The collection intervals do not change irrespective of the time of the day.
For a shift worker doing a 4 point saliva test, instructions for specimen collection look like this;
- The first sample (cor1+dhea) is collected 30 minutes after waking, no matter what time that is.
- The second sample (cor2) is collected 4 hours later.
- The third (cor3) 4 hours later
- And the fourth (cor4), the same, 4 hours later, before bed. (test window length total 12-14 hrs)
Approximately 1.5 million Australians currently identify as Shift Workers*, and they also make up a significant portion of our client base. TestoChecker™ appreciates the sacrifices made by Shift Workers here in Australia such as our dedicate emergency services, interstate trucking fleets & independent truckers, our nightshift nurses and road workers and we won’t forget, taxi operators too. These people deserve and usually get, the upmost respect for the often unseen work they do.
*Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Publish Date: 11.02.25
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