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, immune response, and metabolism.
["Cortisol helps regulate how your body responds to stress and supports normal bodily functions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1440-7
- Short code
- Cortis 9h p 1 mg Dex SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Cortis 9h p 1 mg Dex 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 to diagnose or monitor conditions like Cushing’s syndrome (overproduction of cortisol), Addison’s disease (underproduction), or to assess adrenal gland function before certain treatments. It can also help evaluate chronic stress or hormonal imbalances.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if cortisol is measured at specific times (e.g., morning or evening). Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into your arm to collect blood. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause discomfort. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are compared to general reference ranges for cortisol levels in serum. Abnormal results may indicate hormonal imbalances or other health issues that require further evaluation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Cortisol levels can provide critical clues about adrenal gland function, stress responses, and potential hormonal disorders. High cortisol may suggest conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or chronic stress, while low levels could indicate Addison’s disease or other adrenal deficiencies. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
Short name
Cortisol Level
Frequently asked questions
How often should cortisol tests be repeated?
What causes false high or low cortisol levels?
Can cortisol levels change with diet or exercise?
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