Cortisol, Mass Concentration in Serum
This test measures the amount of cortisol, a natural steroid hormone produced by your adrenal glands, in your blood. Cortisol helps regulate metabolism, immune response, and stress reactions.
["Cortisol helps manage stress and supports bodily functions, and this test helps assess adrenal gland function and hormone balance."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2144-4
- Short code
- Cortis Ur-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Cortis Ur-mCnc
- Category
- hormone
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order cortisol testing to diagnose or monitor conditions like adrenal insufficiency (where your body doesn’t produce enough cortisol), Cushing’s syndrome (overproduction of cortisol), or to evaluate stress responses, especially before procedures that require sedation or anesthesia.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but if your test involves a 24-hour urine collection, you’ll need to collect urine samples over a full day. For blood tests, you may be asked to fast for a few hours before the draw to ensure accurate results.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. If a 24-hour urine test is performed, you’ll collect all urine for a full day in a special container.
What Do the Results Mean?
Results help determine whether your cortisol levels are too high or too low. Abnormal levels can indicate underlying health issues that need medical attention, such as hormonal imbalances or conditions affecting your adrenal glands.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Cortisol plays a vital role in managing stress responses, immune function, and metabolism. Low cortisol levels may signal adrenal insufficiency, while high levels can suggest conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or excessive stress. Regular monitoring is important for patients with known adrenal or endocrine disorders.
Short name
Cortisol Level
Frequently asked questions
How often should cortisol testing be repeated?
What are common symptoms that might lead to cortisol testing?
Can lifestyle changes affect cortisol test results?
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