Build Better Studies: Hair and Nail Cortisol Measurement With Glucocorticoid Use
Nail cortisol measurement is gaining traction as a complementary option to hair sampling for long-term hormone assessment. A recent study in Psychoneuroendocrinology examined hair and nail cortisol side by side and evaluated how glucocorticoid medications, such as common topical treatments, can act as confounding factors. Using the Arbor Assays Cortisol ELISA Kit, the researchers validated fingernail clippings as a reliable alternative when hair samples are not feasible, broadening the scope for noninvasive biomarker studies across multiple research fields.
Study Setup: Hair and Nail Cortisol Analysis
The study involved 209 adolescents and young adults who provided both hair and nail samples. Participants also reported their use of topical, nasal, oral, or injectable glucocorticoids, such as those commonly used to treat allergies and skin conditions. Samples underwent standardized extraction procedures and were analyzed using the DetectX® Cortisol ELISA Kit, ensuring accuracy and comparability across matrices.
Key Findings
- External factors impacted cortisol measurements. Topical glucocorticoid use significantly increased cortisol concentrations in both hair and nail samples, showing the need to document and account for these medications during study design.
- Hair measurements aligned with nail cortisol concentration. Hair and nail cortisol concentrations were positively correlated across participants. The association was stronger among individuals who reported using glucocorticoids.
- Researchers further validate nails as a complementary or alternative sample. Fingernail clippings provide consistent cortisol measurements. They offer a practical option when hair collection is not feasible due to cultural, medical, or personal reasons.
Experimental Design has Major Implications
The study’s authors found that external influences, such as topical glucocorticoid use, affected both hair and nail cortisol values. Addressing these influences requires careful attention to study design, including sample handling and data treatment. Several practical steps emerged from their work:
- Collect detailed participant information on topical, oral, nasal, and injectable glucocorticoid use.
- Apply clear criteria for excluding subjects reporting glucocorticoid use.
- Remove statistical outliers to account for unreported exposures and other unknown confounders.
- Validate extraction and assay performance across multiple samples to ensure comparability.
Take Advantage of the Arbor Assays Cortisol ELISA Kit
The DetectX® Cortisol ELISA Kit (K003-H) is designed for use with a wide range of sample types, including hair, nails, saliva, urine, and blood. Its flexibility enabled direct comparison between hair and nail cortisol in this study, supporting the use of multiple sampling strategies in biomarker research.
By validating nail cortisol measurement alongside hair sampling and emphasizing the importance of accounting for confounding factors, the study further demonstrates how robust assay design can expand the reliability of hormone analysis. The ability to work with diverse sample types using a single kit supports research across endocrinology, metabolism, and stress biology.
Explore more studies using hair and nail samples in the Arbor Assays publication database.
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