Noninvasive Surrogate Markers for Plasma Cortisol in Newborn Infants: Utility of Urine and Saliva Samples and Caution for Venipuncture Blood Samples

Abstract

Cortisol levels from saliva or urine samples were shown to be useful surrogate markers for plasma cortisol levels in neonates. Caution is required in interpreting the findings of plasma cortisol levels in young patients when blood samples are obtained by venipuncture because procedural pain may induce alteration of cortisol levels.