Cortisol

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Hydrocortisone
Laboratory	Core Laboratory & Transfusion Medicine
Sub-section	Biochemistry
Specimen Type	Blood
Test Code	CORT3, CORP3

Clinical Significance

Assisting with the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease or secondary adrenal insufficiency.

Specimen Requirements (Sample Type)

Serum, Plasma

Specimen Requirements (Volume (mL))

0.5 mL

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

Serum (Gold SST)
Plasma (Light Green PST)
Collection Containers – Tube Types

Collection Requirements

Blood Collection Instructions

Sample Stability

Room Temperature: 24 hours

Fridge: 4 days @ 2-8°C

Freezer: 1 year @ -20°C

Cause for Rejection

Specimen Acceptability and Transport Guidance

Instrument, Methodology

Roche cobas e 602, immunoassay

Test Availability

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

STAT Turnaround Time

1 hour

Routine Turnaround Time

3 hours

Reference Ranges

A.M. (0600 – 1000 h): 130 – 540 nmol/L
P.M. (1600 – 2000 h): 68 – 330 nmol/L

In case of discrepancies, always interpret results using reference ranges as stated on laboratory reports and/or electronic patient chart.

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4688