Cortisol (Serum) with High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Measurement
This test measures the amount of cortisol, a hormone produced by your adrenal glands, in your blood. It helps assess adrenal function, including conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or adrenal insufficiency.
["Cortisol levels can indicate whether your adrenal glands are working properly or if you have hormonal imbalances."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50424-1
- Short code
- Cortis 1h p 100 ug CRH IV SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Cortis 1h p 100 ug CRH IV SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- hormone
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 86701
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test to diagnose or monitor conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome (too much cortisol), adrenal insufficiency (too little cortisol), or to check for issues related to stress responses or hormone-related disorders.
What Does the Test Involve?
A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is then processed and analyzed using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method to measure cortisol concentration.
What Do Results Mean?
Results help determine whether your cortisol levels are within normal ranges or if they are elevated or low, guiding treatment decisions. Interpretation depends on timing (e.g., morning vs. evening) and clinical context.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used to evaluate adrenal gland disorders, stress responses, or hormone imbalances. It may also be part of broader evaluations for symptoms like weight changes, fatigue, or unexplained high blood pressure.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Cortisol is crucial for regulating metabolism, immune response, and stress reactions. Abnormal levels can cause significant health issues, including fatigue, weight changes, muscle weakness, or hormonal imbalances. Your doctor will discuss results in relation to your symptoms and medical history.
Short name
Serum Cortisol
Frequently asked questions
What does a high cortisol level mean?
What does a low cortisol level mean?
How often should I get this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy