Biomarkers · Chemical

Cortisol

A cortisol test measures the level of cortisol in your blood, urine (pee), or saliva (spit). Cortisol is a hormone made by your adrenal glands, two small glands that sit above your kidneys.

Cortisol Test, MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

Also listed as: serum cortisol, hydrocortisone, Cortisol (Base)
Primary unit: ug/dL
LOINC codes: 9812-9, 9813-7, 43215-3, 2143-6
Tests that measure Cortisol: Labcorp 18, Quest Diagnostics 13

Ranges

Each lab publishes a reference range for the population groups it tests, usually the middle 95% of results. These intervals describe that population, not an optimal or healthy target. How ranges differ

Quest Diagnostics, Cortisol, Total 367

Population	Interval
p.m. 3.0-17.0 mcg/dL, Adult 4 p.m. (3-5 p.m.) specimen	3.0-17.0 mcg/dL
p.m. 3.0-17.0 mcg/dL, Adult 8 a.m. (7-9 a.m.) specimen	4.0-22.0 mcg/dL
1-17 Years	a.m. 3.0-25.0 mcg/dL p.m. 3.0-17.0 mcg/dL
2-11 Months	a.m. 3.0-23.0 mcg/dL p.m. Not established
4 Days-1 Month	a.m. or p.m. Not established
Term	a.m. or p.m. ≤14.0 mcg/dL
Premature (31-35 Weeks)	a.m. or p.m. ≤15.0 mcg/dL
0-3 Days (infants)	Not stated

Quest Diagnostics test catalog, 367

Quest Diagnostics, Cortisol, A.M. 4212

Population	Interval
1-17 Years 8 a.m. (7-9 a.m.) specimen	3.0-25.0 mcg/dL
>17 Years 8 a.m. (7-9 a.m.) specimen	4.0-22.0 mcg/dL
2-11 Months 8 a.m. (7-9 a.m.) specimen	3.0-23.0 mcg/dL
4 Days-1 Month	Not established
Term	≤14.0 mcg/dL
Premature (31-35 Weeks)	≤15.0 mcg/dL
0-3 Days (infants)	Not stated

Quest Diagnostics test catalog, 4212

Quest Diagnostics, Cortisol, P.M. 4213

Population	Interval
0-3 Days (infants)	Not stated
≥1 Year 4 p.m. (3-5 p.m.) specimen	3.0-17.0 mcg/dL
4 Days-11 Months	Not established
Term	≤14.0 mcg/dL
Premature (31-35 Weeks)	≤15.0 mcg/dL

Quest Diagnostics test catalog, 4213

Tests

Check the catalog code, specimen, method and preparation for every test that measures Cortisol. Select up to five tests to compare them side by side.

Labcorp 18 tests

Single-analyte tests

Cortisol 004051
Serum · Fasting not stated · Turnaround Within 1 day
Method and collection
Method
Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) This assay is performed on the Roche cobas instrument in multiple laboratories throughout Labcorp.
Collection
If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube. Blood should be drawn at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to evaluate baseline diurnal variation (see Cortisol, AM & PM [104000] ). Morning specimen is often ordered with ACTH level.
Reference notes
AM: 6.2−19.4 μg/dL; PM: 2.3−11.9 μg/dL
Labcorp catalog page
Cortisol (Dexamethasone Suppression Test) With Reflex to Dexamethasone 503990
Serum · Fasting not stated · Turnaround 6 - 15 days
Method and collection
Method
High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)/tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS)
Collection
Specimen must be separated from cells within one hour of venipuncture. Transfer serum or plasma to a plastic transport tube and freeze. To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests on frozen samples, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested.
Reference notes
Positive: Serum cortisol >1.8 μg/dL after single-dose dexamethasone
Labcorp catalog page
Cortisol, AM 104018
Serum · Fasting not stated · Turnaround 1 - 2 days
Method and collection
Method
Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA)
Collection
If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube.
Reference notes
AM: 6.2−19.4 μg/dL
Labcorp catalog page
Cortisol, AM & PM 104000
Serum · Fasting not stated · Turnaround 1 - 2 days
Method and collection
Method
Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA)
Collection
If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube.
Reference notes
AM: 6.2−19.4 μg/dL; PM: 2.3−11.9 μg/dL
Labcorp catalog page
Cortisol, Eight Specimens 210823
Serum · Fasting not stated · Turnaround 1 - 2 days
Method and collection
Collection
If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube.
Labcorp catalog page
Cortisol, Five Specimens 039222
Serum · Fasting not stated · Turnaround 1 - 2 days
Method and collection
Collection
If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube.
Labcorp catalog page
Cortisol, Four Specimens 026948
Serum · Fasting not stated · Turnaround 1 - 2 days
Method and collection
Collection
If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube.
Labcorp catalog page
Cortisol, LC/MS (Endocrine Sciences) 500154
Serum · Fasting not stated · Turnaround 4 - 10 days
Method and collection
Method
High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) tandem mass spectrometry
Collection
Serum/plasma must be separated from cells within 45 minutes of venipuncture. Send serum/plasma in a plastic transport tube. To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests on frozen samples, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested .
Labcorp catalog page
Cortisol, PM 104026
Serum · Fasting not stated · Turnaround 1 - 2 days
Method and collection
Method
Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA)
Collection
If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube.
Reference notes
PM: 2.3−11.9 μg/dL
Labcorp catalog page
Cortisol, Seven Specimens 039214
Serum · Fasting not stated · Turnaround 1 - 2 days
Method and collection
Collection
If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube.
Labcorp catalog page
Cortisol, Six Specimens 024091
Serum · Fasting not stated · Turnaround Within 1 day
Method and collection
Collection
If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube.
Labcorp catalog page
Cortisol, Three Specimens 028498
Serum · Fasting not stated · Turnaround 1 - 2 days
Method and collection
Collection
If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube.
Labcorp catalog page
Cortisol, Two Specimens 024265
Serum · Fasting not stated · Turnaround 1 - 2 days
Method and collection
Collection
If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube.
Labcorp catalog page

Panels that include this biomarker

Cortisol, ACTH Stimulation 140761
2 analytes · Serum · Fasting not stated · Turnaround 1 - 2 days
Method and collection
Method
Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA)
Collection
If tube other than a gel-barrier tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube. Note: Label each tube with the patient's name, collection time, and date. Submit specimens simultaneously on the same test request form.
Labcorp catalog page
Cortisol, Free, Total With CBG (Endocrine Sciences) 500440
3 analytes · Serum · Fasting not stated · Turnaround 6 - 12 days
Method and collection
Method
HPLC/tandem mass spectrometry; radioimmunoassay (RIA); calculation of free cortisol
Collection
Separate serum within one hour of venipuncture. Transfer specimen to a plastic transport tube before freezing. To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests on frozen samples, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested .
Labcorp catalog page
Cortisol:Cortisone Ratio Profile, LC/MS-MS 503715
3 analytes · Serum · Fasting not stated · Turnaround 6 - 10 days
Method and collection
Method
High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)/tandem mass spectrometry
Collection
Serum/plasma must be separated from cells within 45 minutes of venipuncture. Send serum/plasma in a plastic transport tube
Labcorp catalog page
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) Pediatric Profile One−21-Hydroxylase Deficiency Screen (Endocrine Sciences) 501568
5 analytes · Serum · Fasting not stated · Turnaround 5 - 9 days
Method and collection
Method
See individual assays.
Collection
Serum must be separated from cells within 45 minutes of venipuncture. Send serum in a plastic transport tube. To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests on frozen samples, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested .
Labcorp catalog page
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) Pediatric Profile Six−Comprehensive Screen (Endocrine Sciences) 500175
9 analytes · Serum · Fasting not stated · Turnaround 8 - 15 days
Method and collection
Method
See individual assays.
Collection
Serum must be separated from cells within 45 minutes of venipuncture. Send serum in a plastic transport tube. To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests on frozen samples, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested .
Labcorp catalog page

Quest Diagnostics 13 tests

Single-analyte tests

Cortisol, A.M. 4212
Serum · Fasting not stated
Method and collection
Method
Immunoassay (IA)
Collection
Collect specimen between 7-9 a.m. Indicate the collection time on the specimen container and test requisition. Note: Assay is not recommended when patient is receiving prednisone/prednisolone therapy due to cross reactivity with the antibody used in this assay
Quest Diagnostics catalog page
Cortisol, P.M. 4213
Serum · Fasting not stated
Method and collection
Method
Immunoassay (IA)
Collection
Collect specimen between 3-5 p.m. Indicate collection time on specimen container and test requisition. Note: Assay not recommended when patient is receiving prednisone/prednisolone therapy due to cross reactivity with the antibody used in this assay.
Quest Diagnostics catalog page
Cortisol, Total 367
Serum · Fasting not stated · Turnaround Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: 3 days
Method and collection
Method
Immunoassay (IA)
Collection
Note: Assay not recommended when patient is receiving prednisone/prednisolone therapy due to cross reactivity with the antibody used in this assay.
Quest Diagnostics catalog page
Cortisol, Total, LC/MS 11281
Serum · Fasting not stated · Turnaround Set up: Mon-Fri; Report available: 8 days
Method and collection
Method
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Collection
Specify time of day specimen was collected
Reference notes
Adult 8:00 - 10:00 AM | 4.6-20.6 mcg/dL 4:00 - 6:00 PM | 1.8-13.6 mcg/dL Cortisol Response to ACTH Peak | >20.0 mcg/dL Peak | >16.0 mcg/dL after IM injection Pediatric Age | mcg/dL Infants Premature (31-35 weeks)** | ≤15.0 Term, 3 days old** | ≤14.0 <30 days | Not established 1-11 months | 1.4-24.0 1 year | 1.7-25.4 2 years | 1.8-26.4 3 years | 2.0-27.0 4 years | 2.0-27.2 5 years | 2.0-27.3 6 years | 2.0-27.2 7 years | 2.0-27.1 8 years | 2.0-27.0 9 years | 1.9-26.8 10 years | 1.9-26.4 11 years | 1.8-26.1 12 years | 1.8-26.0 13 years | 1.8-26.1 14 years | 1.9-26.6 15 years | 2.1-27.5 16 years | 2.3-28.6 17 years | 2.6-29.8 Pediatric lower reference values are reflective of both AM and early PM sampling ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ACTH Stimulation** | Baseline (mcg/dL) | 60 Minutes (mcg/dL) 1-12 Months | 3.0-23.0 | 32.0-60.0 1-5 Years | 6.0-25.0 | 22.0-40.0 6-12 Years | 3.0-15.0 | 17.0-28.0 **Pediatric data from J Clin Endocrinol Metab (1991) 73:674-686 and J Clin Endocrinol Metab (1989) 69:1133-1136.
Quest Diagnostics catalog page

Panels that include this biomarker

Cortisol, Free and Total, LC/MS 37077
2 analytes · Serum · Fasting not stated
Method and collection
Method
Equilibrium Dialysis • Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Collection
Collect 2 mL (1.4 mL minimum) serum or plasma and aliquot into two separate transport tubes, with 1 mL (0.7 mL minimum) in each transport tube. Specify time of day specimen was collected.
Reference notes
See Laboratory Report
Quest Diagnostics catalog page
Aldosterone/Cortisol Ratio, Adrenal Vein Sampling, 1 Site 19573
3 analytes · Serum · Fasting not stated · Turnaround Set up: Tues, Thurs-Sat
Method and collection
Method
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Reference notes
See Laboratory Report
Quest Diagnostics catalog page
Steroid Panel, 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency/Stress 90397
3 analytes · Serum · Fasting not stated
Method and collection
Method
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Collection
Collect specimen in a no additive red-top tube. Spin down immediately and pour off into a plastic transport tube.
Reference notes
See individual tests
Quest Diagnostics catalog page
CAH Panel 6 (StAR Deficiency) 15276
5 analytes · Serum · Fasting not stated
Method and collection
Method
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Preparation
Overnight fasting is preferred
Collection
Collect blood in a Vacutainer® with no additives. Allow blood to clot (30 minutes) at room temperature, 18-25°C. Centrifuge and separate the serum from the cells. Freeze as soon as possible. Specify age and sex on test request form. Immediately put sample on ice after collection.
Reference notes
See Laboratory Report
Quest Diagnostics catalog page
CAH Panel 1 (21-Hydroxylase vs 11Beta-Hydroxylase Deficiency) 15269
6 analytes · Serum · Fasting not stated
Method and collection
Method
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Collection
An early morning specimen is preferred. Specify time of day specimen was collected, patient age and sex on test requisition.
Reference notes
See individual tests
Quest Diagnostics catalog page

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Sources

Labcorp test catalog
18 tests: codes, specimens, methods, preparation and reference intervals.
Quest Diagnostics test catalog
13 tests: codes, specimens, methods, preparation and reference intervals.
MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine
The description at the top of this page.
LOINC 9812-9, 9813-7, 43215-3, 2143-6
Regenstrief Institute codes that identify the same result across labs.
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for Cortisol
Registered studies that measure Cortisol, on the U.S. National Library of Medicine registry.

Verify these ranges and sources

We compile this page from named laboratory catalogs, guidelines and studies. Labs calculate reference intervals from the people they test, for one assay method and one population group, so an interval describes that population rather than an optimal target.

Interpret your own results with a licensed clinician, or track your lab history and health goals in Aumnivida.

Spotted an error? Email hello@biomarkerlens.com with the page URL and the primary source that corrects the entry.

Cortisol

Ranges

Quest Diagnostics, Cortisol, Total 367

Quest Diagnostics, Cortisol, A.M. 4212

Quest Diagnostics, Cortisol, P.M. 4213

Tests

Labcorp 18 tests

Cortisol 004051

Cortisol (Dexamethasone Suppression Test) With Reflex to Dexamethasone 503990

Cortisol, AM 104018

Cortisol, AM & PM 104000

Cortisol, Eight Specimens 210823

Cortisol, Five Specimens 039222

Cortisol, Four Specimens 026948

Cortisol, LC/MS (Endocrine Sciences) 500154

Cortisol, PM 104026

Cortisol, Seven Specimens 039214

Cortisol, Six Specimens 024091

Cortisol, Three Specimens 028498

Cortisol, Two Specimens 024265

Cortisol, ACTH Stimulation 140761

Cortisol, Free, Total With CBG (Endocrine Sciences) 500440

Cortisol:Cortisone Ratio Profile, LC/MS-MS 503715

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) Pediatric Profile One−21-Hydroxylase Deficiency Screen (Endocrine Sciences) 501568

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) Pediatric Profile Six−Comprehensive Screen (Endocrine Sciences) 500175

Quest Diagnostics 13 tests

Cortisol, A.M. 4212

Cortisol, P.M. 4213

Cortisol, Total 367

Cortisol, Total, LC/MS 11281

Cortisol, Free and Total, LC/MS 37077

Aldosterone/Cortisol Ratio, Adrenal Vein Sampling, 1 Site 19573

Steroid Panel, 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency/Stress 90397

CAH Panel 6 (StAR Deficiency) 15276

CAH Panel 1 (21-Hydroxylase vs 11Beta-Hydroxylase Deficiency) 15269

Measured together

Sources

Verify these ranges and sources