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 helps regulate metabolism, immune response, and stress reactions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 57466-5
- Short code
- Cortis sp9 SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Cortis sp9 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 doctor may order cortisol testing to diagnose or monitor conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, adrenal insufficiency, or to evaluate stress-related hormone imbalances. It can also help assess how well your body responds to certain treatments or medications.
What Does the Test Involve?
A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. The test measures cortisol levels in your serum, which is the liquid part of blood without blood cells.
What to Expect Before or After the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be advised to avoid certain foods, drinks, or activities for a short time before testing. After the blood draw, you can resume your normal activities. You might feel slight discomfort or bruising at the site, but this is normal.
What Are Common Uses of This Test?
Cortisol levels can help diagnose conditions such as adrenal gland disorders, hormonal imbalances, or reactions to stress. It can also be used to check if medications are working properly or to identify issues related to cortisol production or metabolism.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Cortisol plays a key role in managing your body’s response to stress, immune function, and metabolism. Abnormally high or low levels can indicate underlying health problems, such as hormonal disorders, infections, or certain medications affecting cortisol production.
Short name
Serum Cortisol
Frequently asked questions
What does a cortisol test tell me about my health?
How often should I get a cortisol test?
Can cortisol levels change based on when I take the test?
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