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 helps regulate your body’s response to stress and supports energy levels."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 57463-2
- Short code
- Cortis sp12 SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Cortis sp12 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 You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to diagnose or monitor conditions like adrenal insufficiency, Cushing’s syndrome, or adrenal gland disorders. It can also help assess how your body responds to stress or certain medications.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if cortisol levels are 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 clean the area, insert a small needle into your vein, and collect blood samples. The process takes a few minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are interpreted based on your clinical situation, timing of collection (e.g., morning vs. evening), and any medications you’re taking. Abnormal results may indicate hormonal imbalances or other health concerns.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Cortisol levels that are too high (hypercortisolism) or too low (hypocortisolism) can cause symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, mood swings, or difficulty coping with stress. Chronic high cortisol may also affect blood pressure, blood sugar, or bone health. Your provider will discuss findings in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
Short name
Serum Cortisol Level
Frequently asked questions
How Long Does It Take to Get Results?
What If My Results Are Abnormal?
Can Cortisol Levels Change Over Time?
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