Method for measuring average cortisol and glucose concentrations in earwax

A method for measuring glucose and cortisol levels in earwax comprising the steps of:

• extracting earwax samples from the ear;
• preparing the extracted earwax samples for purposes of measuring cortisol and glucose levels in the samples;
• measuring cortisol and glucose levels in the extracted earwax samples;
• wherein:
• the extraction of at least one earwax sample is carried out by means of an extraction device comprising:
• a handle having a first end and a second end,
• a sponge head comprising a base and a longitudinally extending elongated member directly depending from an upper portion of the base, wherein a lower portion of the base is removably coupled to the second end of the handle and wherein the elongated member has a star shaped cross section, and
• an elongated sponge having a centrally located longitudinal receiving area in which the elongated member of the base is removably received, and
• wherein the extracted earwax sample is obtained by inserting the elongated sponge of the extraction device into the ear canal,
• wherein the preparation of the extracted earwax sample is carried out by:
• adding a Phosphate Buffered Saline buffer solution to a tube;
• separating the sponge from the sponge head and introducing it into the tube,
• after the sponge has absorbed the entire solution, repeatedly squeezing the sponge to expel the absorbed buffer solution and then allowing the sponge to reabsorb the expelled buffer solution,
• squeezing the sponge dry and removing it from the tube;
• drying the resulting solution;
• resuspending the resulting content in ultrapure water;
• and
• storing the resulting solution until use, and
• wherein the cortisol levels are measured by means of ELISA techniques and the glucose levels are measured by using a kit for determining glucose levels from the dissolved earwax solution.