Test Results For:
Cortisol (AM)
Test Overview
- Test Name
-
Cortisol (AM)
- Test Code
- CORT-AM
Short Description
Cortisol (AM)
Test Name
Cortisol (AM)
Test Code
CORT-AM
Category
Immunoassay
TAT
Main Lab:
6, 8
Hour(s)
Family Site:
<8hrs, <6hrs
Specimen(s)
1 x Venous blood - 5 mL Tube - Gold - SST-Serum Separator Tube
Specimen Type
SST-Serum Separator Tube
Specimen Format
Tube
Specimen Colour
Gold
Specimen Volume
5 mL
Sampling Order
2
Origin
Venous blood
Collection Time after baseline
-
Transport Temperature
15-25°C
Accepted Other Specimens
Serum
TAT
Main Lab:
6, 8
Hour(s)
Family Site:
<8hrs, <6hrs
Test Stability
Room Temp:
8 Hour(s)
2–8°C:
7 Day(s)
Methodology
-
Specimen Type
SST-Serum Separator Tube
Other Type of Specimen Accepted
Serum
Delay before pre-treatment
8
Transport temperature
15-25°C
Test stability at room temperature
8 Hour(s)
Test stability at 2–8°C
7 Day(s)
Haemolysis interference
No
Clinical Interest
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands.
Cortisol levels are regulated by a negative feedback loop in which the adrenal gland responds to increased levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by increasing cortisol secretion. The pituitary gland reacts to high levels of cortisol by down-regulating ACTH production.
It plays a part in various functions in the body by regulating the body's response to stress, for example by modulating blood sugar and blood pressure, modifying energy and carbohydrate consumption or regulating the immune system to prevent excessive inflammation.
Cortisol levels fluctuate naturally throughout the day, with the highest levels in the morning and the lowest in the evening.
Cortisol levels are used as a direct measure of the state of the adrenal glands and as an indirect measure of pituitary hyper- or hypofunction.
- Elevated cortisol levels can be a sign of Cushing's syndrome, a condition in which the body produces excess cortisol. Regular cortisol testing helps monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
- High cortisol levels may be associated with adrenal tumours, pituitary tumours or ectopic tumours producing ACTH.
- Low cortisol levels may be a symptom of Addison's disease, a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol.
Clinical Information Required
-
Patient Collection Note
Collection between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m.
LOINC Code
679-5, 14679-5, 14678-7
Outwork
No