Cortisol, Serum (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of cortisol, a natural steroid hormone produced by your adrenal glands, in your blood serum. Cortisol plays a key role in managing stress responses, metabolism, and immune function.
["Cortisol levels help assess adrenal gland function and potential stress-related or hormonal imbalances."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1419-1
- Short code
- Cortis 30M p Ins IV SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Cortis 30M p Ins 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
- 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 Might This Test Be Ordered?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like unexplained fatigue, weight changes, high blood pressure, or signs of Cushing’s syndrome (e.g., rounded face, excess hair growth). It may also be used to diagnose conditions like Addison’s disease or evaluate adrenal function before surgery or during stress.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8 hours before the test if cortisol levels are measured at specific times of the day (e.g., morning or evening). If you’re taking medications that affect cortisol, let your provider know.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. The test typically takes a few days to return results, depending on lab processing times.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to standard reference ranges for cortisol concentration in serum. Abnormally high or low levels may indicate underlying health conditions that require further evaluation by your doctor.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Cortisol levels are critical for diagnosing hormonal imbalances, such as adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease) or hypercortisolism (Cushing’s syndrome). Chronic stress, certain medications, or thyroid disorders can also influence cortisol production, so your provider will consider your full medical history when interpreting results.
Short name
Serum Cortisol
Frequently asked questions
Will I Need to Avoid Certain Foods or Drinks Before the Test?
How Long Will It Take to Get My Results?
Can Cortisol Levels Change Based on When the Test Is Taken?
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