Test Code CORT2 Cortisol, Serum
Ordering Guidance
For patients taking exogenous glucocorticoids, order CORTU / Cortisol, Free, 24 Hour, Urine.
This test is not recommended for evaluating response to metyrapone; DOC / 11-Deoxycortisol, Serum is more reliable.
A low plasma cortisol level does not give conclusive indication of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. DOC; OHPG / 17-Hydroxyprogesterone, Serum; or DHEA_ / Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), Serum provide a better, accurate, and specific determination of the enzyme deficiency.
Necessary Information
Include time of collection.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: For 12 hours before specimen collection do not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7), which is commonly found in hair, skin, and nail supplements and multivitamins.
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Specimen Volume: 0.6 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Morning (8 a.m.) and afternoon (4 p.m.) specimens are preferred.
2. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.
3. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged and aliquoted within 2 hours of collection.
Additional Information: If multiple specimens are drawn, send separate order for each specimen.
Useful For
Distinguishing between primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency
Differential diagnosis of Cushing syndrome
Method Name
Electrochemiluminescent Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Reporting Name
Cortisol, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
Frozen | 365 days | ||
Ambient | 24 hours |
Reject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Reference Values
<1 month: 0.5-14 mcg/dL
1 month- <12 months: 0.7-20 mcg/dL
1 year- <12 years: 2.4-15 mcg/dL
12 years- <18 years: 3.6-17 mcg/dL
≥ 18 years:
a.m.: 4.8-20 mcg/dL
p.m.: 2.5-12 mcg/dL
Performing Laboratory
MCHS- MankatoTest Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
82533
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
CORT2 | Cortisol, S | 87429-7 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
CORTZ | Cortisol, Random, S | 83088-5 |
CAM1 | Cortisol AM, S | 9813-7 |
CPM1 | Cortisol PM, S | 9812-9 |
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday