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Epic Test Code LAB61 Cortisol

Performing Location(s)

BMC

Synonyms

Compound F; Hydrocortisone, Serum

Specimen Type

Serum or Plasma

Preferred Container

Gold or Red top tube

Alternate Container

Green Top Tube

Blood Tube Draw Volume

Min 50% draw volume  

Minimum Volume to Submit for Testing

1.0 mL Serum

  • Multiple test can be performed from this volume. For question please contact the lab at 547-3975.  

Storage Requirements

Sample tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection 

Gold tops DO NOT ALIQUOT

Aliquot Red tops after centrifuging 

See Causes of Rejection for temperature requirements.

.

Transportation Needs

Deliver specimen to laboratory within 1 hour of collection if unspun. If not possible see "storage Requirements". 

Causes for Rejection

Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen

Less than 50% draw for Vacutainer tubes

>48 hours refrigerated
> 8 hours Room Temperature
>48 hours Frozen
Hemolysis > 500 mg/dL HgB
Lipemia > 1800 mg/dL Trig
Bilirubin > 10 mg/dL Bili

 

Limitations

Random serum cortisol may be misleading because of circadium variation in secretion.

Method may have a high cross reactivity with prednisone (34%), prednisolone (109%), corticosterone and with 11-deoxycortisol (compund S) (23%), 6-methyl-prednisolone (25%)

Cortisol is physiologically increased in patients with hypoglycemia, stress, and in pregnancy

Heterophile antibodies in human serum can react with reagent immunoglobulins interfering with in vitro immunoassays

This assay has not been validated with neonatal specimens

Reference Values

Specimen Timing

Units

Reference Range
Baseline/Random ug/dL 6.7-22.6

Morning

ug/dL

6.0 - 27.0

Afternoon

ug/dL

3.0 - 16.0

 

Days of Analysis

All

Available STAT

No

Additional Information

Additional Information:

This test is not available on a STAT basis. If an emergency request is necessary, call 3731 for availability. Pathologist approval may be required

 

 Other Requirements:

Time and date of specimen collection must be stated on the laboratory requisition form 

 

NOTE: Specimens are good for 3 days if stored at refrigerated temperatire (2-° Celsius). Specimens that will not be tested within 3 days should be stored frozen at -20° Celsius or below.

Methodology

Beckman AU/Dx Series
 

CPT Code

82533

Last Updated

29-NOV-24 MS