Cortisol, Plasma (Plasma / Serum)

Diagnostic Use

Cortisol (hydrocortisone, Cpd F ) is the most abundant circulating steroid and the major glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex. Physiologically effective in anti-inflammatory activity and blood pressure maintenance, cortisol is also involved in gluconeogenisis, calcium adsorption and gastric acid secretion. As an indicator of adrenal function, measurement of blood cortisol levels is useful in the differentiation of Addison's and Cushing's disease, hypopituitarism and adrenal hyperplasia and carcinoma.

Department

Endo/Steroid Lab

Delphic Registration Code

CORT

Synonyms

Cpd F
Hydrocortisone

Turnaround Time

3 days

Test Code

9407

Specimen Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Serum (Red Cap)

Acceptable

• SST II (Gold Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Gel (Green Cap)
• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

2.0

No of Samples Required

1

Additional Specimen Information

Refer to Group - Dexamethasone suppression test, Plasum (Plasma / Serum) ;

There is a marked diurnal variation in cortisol levels and hence it is important to note the time at which specimen has been taken

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Minimum Volume (ml)

0.5

Transport to Lab

Frozen

Reference Intervals

170-500 nmol/L.(Based on cortisol sample taken 0600 to 1000hrs)

Test Method

Competitive ECLIA Roche Cobas e411

Non-Funded Test Cost

$35.78 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

9407

For results please contact Canterbury Health Laboratories ph. 03 364 0300.

Contact Information

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