Cortisol:Cortisone Ratio Profile, LC/MS-MS
Use
The mineralocorticoid receptor binds cortisol as an active ligand, yet in normal people cortisol levels are not related to sodium retention. While in vitro the mineralocorticoid receptor has a similar affinity as aldosterone and cortisol, and in vivo cortisol is found in concentrations 100 to 1000 times higher than those of aldosterone, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 protects the mineralocorticoid receptor by reducing cortisol to cortisone, which is not an active ligand. This enzyme occurs in cells that contain the receptor. A similar enzyme is present in other tissues but works more slowly and backwards, converting cortisone to cortisol. Defects in this system can cause hypertension and can be diagnosed from the cortisol to cortisone ratio.1-6
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
Results of this test are for investigational purposes only. The performance characteristics have been determined by LabCorp, but the result should not be used as a diagnostic procedure without confirmation by another validated medical diagnosis.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
Cortisol
AnalyteCortisol/Cortisone Ratio
AnalyteCortisone
Analyte
LOINC Codes
- 2143-6 - Cortis SerPl-mCnc
- 14159-8 - Cortisone SerPl-mCnc
- 72392-4 - Cortis/Cortisone SerPl
Result Turnaround Time
6-10 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Container
Gel-barrier tube, red-top tube
Collection Instructions
Serum must be separated from cells within 45 minutes of venipuncture. Send serum in a plastic transport tube.
Storage Instructions
Freeze (preferred) or refrigerate.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 2 days |
| Refrigerated | 2 days |
| Frozen | 7 days |
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