Cortisol, Serum 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 helps regulate how your body responds to stress and supports normal bodily functions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 15044-1
- Short code
- Cortis F SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Cortis F SerPl-sCnc
- 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 order a cortisol test to diagnose or monitor conditions such as adrenal gland disorders (like Cushing’s syndrome or Addison’s disease), evaluate stress responses, or check for hormonal imbalances. It may also be used in cases of suspected pituitary issues or to assess long-term cortisol levels in chronic stress scenarios.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but if your test involves timing (e.g., early morning cortisol), your provider may instruct you to take it first thing in the morning. Avoid smoking, caffeine, or strenuous activity for a few hours before testing to ensure accurate results.
What Happens During the Test?
A blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm by a healthcare professional. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis. The test typically takes a few minutes, and you may feel slight discomfort or bruising at the injection site.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider based on your medical history, symptoms, and other tests. Abnormally high or low cortisol levels may indicate underlying health conditions that require further evaluation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Cortisol levels can provide critical insights into adrenal function, stress tolerance, and metabolic health. Elevated cortisol may suggest conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, while persistently low levels could indicate Addison’s disease or pituitary dysfunction. Monitoring cortisol trends over time helps tailor treatment plans for chronic stress or hormonal disorders.
Short name
Serum Cortisol
Frequently asked questions
How Often Should I Get This Test?
What If My Results Are Outside the Expected Range?
Can Cortisol Levels Change Based on My Diet or Activity?
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