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Cortisol Test - Serum
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Sample Type
Blood
Recommended for
Male, Female
Report
Within 24 Hours
Blood test at Home
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Serum Cortisol Test - Overview
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, and its levels fluctuate throughout the day, with the highest levels typically observed in the early morning. The Cortisol 8:00 am test, conducted on a serum sample, is used to assess cortisol levels in the blood at a specific time in the morning. This specific timing is crucial as it helps evaluate the body's ability to produce cortisol during the peak period of its natural circadian rhythm.
What Time Is Correct For A Cortisol Levels Test?
The timing of your cortisol blood test is crucial because cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day. Normally, cortisol levels are highest in the morning, peaking between 6 AM and 8 AM, and gradually decline throughout the day, reaching their lowest point around midnight.
To accurately assess your cortisol levels, your doctor may recommend:
- A morning blood sample, typically between 7 AM and 9 AM
- An afternoon blood sample, usually around 4 PM
- A late-night sample, often using a saliva test, to detect abnormally high cortisol levels when they should be at their lowest
Your healthcare provider may tailor recommendations based on your specific symptoms or medical history
What Sample Is Required?
The serum cortisol test requires a blood sample. A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein, usually in your arm, into a red-top tube. This tube allows the blood to clot, enabling the separation of serum—the liquid component of blood without cells. The serum is then used for measuring cortisol levels.
What Are The Risks Involved With The Test?
The cortisol blood test is a minimally invasive procedure with very low risks. Some potential side effects may include:
- Slight pain or bruising at the needle insertion site
- Minor bleeding from the puncture wound
- Rarely, infection at the blood draw site if proper hygiene is not maintained
Most people do not experience any significant discomfort or complications. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded during or after the blood draw, inform the doctor immediately.
Purpose of the Cortisol test
The primary purpose of the cortisol test is to measure the level of cortisol in your blood, urine, or saliva. Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by your adrenal glands in response to stress and other factors.
The test can help:
- Diagnose conditions related to abnormal cortisol production, such as Cushing's syndrome (high cortisol) or Addison's disease (low cortisol)
- Monitor adrenal gland function
- Evaluate symptoms like unexplained fatigue, muscle weakness, weight changes, or blood pressure abnormalities
- Assess your body's response to stress or diagnose pituitary gland disorders affecting cortisol regulation
Your doctor may recommend a cortisol test if you have symptoms or risk factors suggestive of a cortisol-related disorder.
Preparation for the Cortisol Test
To ensure accurate cortisol test reports, follow these preparation guidelines:
- If instructed, schedule your blood draw early in the morning, between 7 AM and 9 AM.
- Fast overnight or for at least 8 hours prior to the test, if advised by your doctor.
- Avoid strenuous exercise and stress on the day of the test, as they can affect cortisol levels.
- Inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking, as some may interfere with the test results.
Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions based on your individual circumstances. Following these guidelines diligently is essential for obtaining reliable results.
Procedure of the Cortisol Test
The cortisol blood test procedure is straightforward and usually takes only a few minutes:
- A healthcare professional will clean the skin around the vein on your arm with an antiseptic.
- They will then insert a needle into the vein and collect blood into a red-top tube.
- After sufficient blood is drawn, the needle is removed, and a bandage is applied to the site.
- The blood sample is centrifuged to separate the serum, which is then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
You may feel a slight pinch or sting when the needle is inserted, but the discomfort is generally brief and tolerable.
What Do The Cortisol Test Reports Indicate?
The cortisol test report will show your cortisol levels at the time of sample collection.
Normal cortisol levels vary throughout the day:
- Highest in the early morning (6-23 mcg/dL in blood)
- Declining during the day
- Lowest around midnight
High cortisol levels may indicate:
- Cushing's syndrome
- Chronic stress
- Adrenal tumors
- Side effects of corticosteroid medications
Low cortisol levels may suggest:
- Addison's disease
- Pituitary gland insufficiency
- Adrenal gland failure
Your doctor will interpret the cortisol test report in the context of the sample collection time, your symptoms, and any potential interfering factors. Abnormal results may require further diagnostic testing.
Reasons for Undergoing the Cortisol Test
The Cortisol Test, or the Serum Cortisol Test, is a crucial diagnostic tool that helps evaluate various conditions related to cortisol production. There are several key reasons for undergoing the Cortisol Test:
- To diagnose Cushing's syndrome and Cushing's disease, which are characterised by high levels of cortisol due to excessive production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
- To identify Addison's disease, a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient cortisol
- To assess adrenal gland function and check for abnormalities in cortisol production, which can be affected by conditions such as hypopituitarism or adrenal gland tumours
- To monitor cortisol levels in patients taking glucocorticoid medications or to check for suppression of normal pituitary or adrenal function by these medications
- To investigate symptoms such as unexplained weight gain, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, and other indicators of abnormal cortisol levels
List of Parameters Considered During the Cortisol Test
The cortisol level test measures the amount of cortisol hormone in the body through blood, urine, or saliva samples. The main parameter assessed is:
- Cortisol Levels in Blood: Normal morning values typically range from 5 to 25 mcg/dL (140 to 690 nmol/L). High cortisol levels can indicate conditions like Cushing's syndrome, ectopic Cushing syndrome, adrenal gland tumours, stress, or acute illness. Low cortisol levels may suggest Addison's disease, hypopituitarism, or suppression of normal pituitary or adrenal function by glucocorticoid medications.
Home Collection for Cortisol Test Near You
Metropolis Healthcare provides a convenient home sample collection service for the cortisol blood test. A trained phlebotomist will visit your home to collect your blood sample, ensuring your comfort and safety. We at Metropolis Healthcare follow a high standard of sample handling, so there is no compromise on testing accuracy. You can expect timely, dependable Cortisol Test results, delivered with precision.
Metropolis Healthcare is committed to enhance the accessibility and providing quality diagnostic solutions conveniently at home. This home collection service allows you to undergo the Serum Cortisol Test without the need to visit a clinic, saving you both time and effort.
Cortisol Test - Serum Price
Cortisol Test - Serum Price Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostics centre and pathology lab in India equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies that provides the Cortisol Test - Serum with a clear pricing structure. The Cortisol Test - Serum Price in Mumbai is ₹ 850. We are committed to deliver accurate and quality results from the best labs in India with complete transparency regarding test cost and turnaround time. No matter where you are, we strive to offer patients high-quality service that is affordable and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Cortisol 8.00 am test measures the concentration of cortisol in the blood at 8:00 am.
- Diagnosis of Adrenal Disorders:
- Cushing's Syndrome: Elevated cortisol levels at 8:00 am may indicate Cushing's syndrome, a condition characterized by excessive cortisol production.
- Addison's Disease: Low cortisol levels at 8:00 am may suggest Addison's disease, an adrenal insufficiency condition.
- Monitoring Cortisol Replacement Therapy: For individuals receiving cortisol replacement therapy, the test is used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
- Identification of Hormonal Imbalances: The test is part of a comprehensive hormonal evaluation, especially when hormonal imbalances are suspected. It aids in identifying disruptions in the endocrine system.
- Evaluation of Stress Response: Cortisol is often referred to as the "stress hormone." Measuring cortisol levels in the morning provides insight into the body's ability to mount a proper stress response.
- Risk Assessment for Associated Conditions: Elevated cortisol levels may be associated with an increased risk of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Monitoring cortisol levels can contribute to assessing overall health risks.
- If a person exhibits symptoms such as abdominal obesity, thin skin, easy bruising, and high blood pressure, a cortisol 8:00 am test may be recommended to investigate possible Cushing's syndrome.
- In cases where symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, and low blood pressure suggest Addison's disease, the test may be used to assess cortisol levels.
- Individuals receiving cortisol replacement therapy due to adrenal insufficiency may undergo this test to ensure appropriate dosing and management.
- The test may be part of a broader hormonal evaluation, especially when hormonal imbalances are suspected.
Abnormal results may indicate various conditions, including Cushing's syndrome or Addison's disease. Elevated cortisol levels may suggest an overproduction (Cushing's), while low levels may indicate an underproduction (Addison's) of cortisol.
The test involves taking a blood sample at 8:00 am. A healthcare professional will insert a needle into a vein to collect the blood. The procedure is relatively quick and typically causes minimal discomfort.
No specific preparations are required. However, specific instructions from the healthcare provider should be followed. Inform the healthcare team about any medications or supplements you are taking, as certain drugs can affect cortisol levels.
Additional tests that may be ordered include:
- 24-Hour Urinary Free Cortisol Test: Measures the total amount of cortisol excreted in the urine over 24 hours.
- ACTH Stimulation Test: Evaluates the adrenal glands' response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
- Morning Cortisol Test
- AM Cortisol Test
Cortisol plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress and is involved in various physiological functions. When the body perceives a stressor, whether it's a physical threat or a psychological stressor, the hypothalamus (a region in the brain) releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). CRH signals the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH, in turn, stimulates the adrenal glands to produce and release cortisol into the bloodstream. The release of cortisol is part of the body's "fight or flight" response to stress. Cortisol increases the availability of glucose in the bloodstream, providing the body with a quick source of energy to respond to the stressor. Cortisol acts on various tissues and organs to prepare the body to cope with the stress. It increases heart rate, mobilizes energy stores, and suppresses non-essential functions like digestion and immune response.
- Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels have been linked to abdominal obesity. Cortisol promotes the storage of fat in the abdominal area, contributing to weight gain.
- Elevated cortisol levels can contribute to insulin resistance, a key factor in the development of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
- Chronic stress and dysregulated cortisol levels are associated with hypertension (high blood pressure), a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
- Prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels can suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
- Chronic stress or disruptions in daily routines can lead to altered cortisol patterns, contributing to sleep disturbances.
- Dysregulation of cortisol has been implicated in mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
- Chronic stress and altered cortisol levels can influence reproductive hormones, potentially contributing to menstrual irregularities and fertility issues.
- Some research suggests that chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels may contribute to accelerated aging processes at the cellular level.
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