Cortisol, Free and Total, Serum

Use

The test is useful for assessing cortisol status, especially in cases where there may be abnormalities in cortisol-binding proteins or albumin. It is also helpful for evaluating adrenal function in critically ill or stressed patients, which can help prevent unnecessary glucocorticoid therapy. Additionally, this test can be used as a second-order confirmation when initial cortisol measurements by immunoassay are inconsistent with clinical symptoms or when patients are suspected of using synthetic steroids. It is an adjunct in differentiating primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency and in diagnosing Cushing syndrome.