Cortisol
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| Cortisol | |
| Cort, Cushings, Addison's COR DSYN | |
| Serum (brown), Plasma (orange) | |
| 8hrs | |
| Cortisol is used to investigate the hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal function. It is commonly used to estimate the physiological response to dynamic function tests (e.g. Synacthen stimulation test or dexamethasone suppression test) when a diagnosis of Cushings disease / syndome or Addisons disease is suspected | |
| No known common methodological interferences. Pregnancy, contraceptives and oestrogen therapy give rise to elevated cortisol concentrations. In samples from patients who have been treated with prednisolone, methylprednisolone or prednisone, falsely elevated concentrations of cortisol may be determined. During metyrapon tests, 11-deoxycortisol levels are elevated. Falsely elevated cortisol values may be determined due to cross reactions. Patients suffering from 21-hydroxylase deficiency exhibit elevated 21-deoxycortisol levels and this can also give rise to elevated cortisol levels. The time of sample collection must be taken into account when interpreting results due to the circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion. Severe stress can also give rise to elevated cortisol levels. | |
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Guide to interpretation of early morning (8am-9am) cortisol: <100 nmol/L - adrenal insufficiency highly likely 100-150 nmol/L - may have adrenal insufficiency 150-300 nmol/L - diagnosis uncertain; consider repeating and referral for short Synacthen test >300 nmol/L - adrenal insufficiency very unlikely For further information see: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/addisons-disease/diagnosis/investigations... For further interpretative advice on diagnostic cut-offs please contact Consultant Chemical Pathologist |
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| 5.7% | |
| 45.0% |
