Morning Serum Cortisol (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of cortisol, a hormone produced by your adrenal glands, in your blood serum after fasting and at a specific morning time (typically 8:00 AM).
["Cortisol levels help assess your body’s stress response and adrenal gland function."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 54236-5
- Short code
- Cortis 9 AM day 2 SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Cortis 9 AM day 2 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 This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test to diagnose or monitor conditions affecting cortisol production, such as Cushing’s syndrome, Addison’s disease, or adrenal insufficiency. It can also help evaluate stress-related hormonal imbalances or rule out other causes of fatigue, weight changes, or unusual symptoms.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for 8–12 hours before the test. Your blood will be drawn from a vein in your arm, usually in the morning. Avoid caffeine or alcohol before the test.
What the Results Mean
Cortisol levels vary naturally throughout the day, peaking in the morning. Abnormally high or low levels may indicate underlying health issues. Your doctor will compare your results to standard ranges and clinical context.
Common Conditions Affecting Results
Conditions like hypercortisolism (too much cortisol) or hypocortisolism (too little cortisol) can cause elevated or low cortisol levels. Other factors, such as stress, medications, or recent illness, may also influence results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Morning Serum Cortisol
Frequently asked questions
What causes cortisol levels to be tested?
How do I prepare for a morning cortisol test?
What are typical reference ranges for cortisol?
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