Cortisol with Triple Bolus Stimulation Test (Serum)
This test measures your cortisol levels before and after a controlled dose of a hormone to check how well your body responds to stress. It helps diagnose conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or adrenal insufficiency.
["Assesses how your adrenal glands produce cortisol in response to stress triggers."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 40314-7
- Short code
- Cortis 1h p Triple Bolus SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Cortis 1h p Triple Bolus SerPl-sCnc
- Category
- hormone
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- 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 This Test Is Done
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like unexplained weight gain, fatigue, high blood pressure, or unusual hair growth. It’s also used to confirm or rule out conditions affecting cortisol production, such as Cushing’s disease or Addison’s disease.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll receive three small doses of a synthetic hormone (ACTH) over a few hours. Blood samples will be taken before and after each dose to measure your cortisol levels. Avoid caffeine or stress before testing to get accurate results.
How the Test Works
Cortisol is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands. The test checks if your body can properly produce it in response to the synthetic ACTH doses. Low cortisol after stimulation may indicate adrenal insufficiency, while high levels could suggest overproduction (e.g., Cushing’s).
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted by your doctor based on your symptoms and other tests. Abnormally low cortisol after stimulation suggests adrenal gland problems, while persistently high levels may indicate overactive pituitary gland activity or other causes.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Cortisol Stimulation Test
Frequently asked questions
What symptoms might lead to this test?
How long will I need to prepare for this test?
Will I feel any pain or discomfort during the blood draws?
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