Cortisol, Left Adrenal Vein, Serum
Use
Testing cortisol levels in the left adrenal vein is useful for second-order testing when cortisol measurement by immunoassay gives results inconsistent with clinical symptoms or when patients are suspected of taking exogenous synthetic steroids. It aids in the differential diagnosis of primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency and Cushing syndrome.
Special Instructions
For confirming the presence of synthetic steroids, order SGSS / Synthetic Glucocorticoid Screen, Serum. Include the time of collection, and collect specimens in the morning and afternoon. Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Limitations
When cortisol assays are used for serial monitoring, the same methodology should be used throughout. An isolated p.m. serum cortisol measurement has little value. The most common cause of increased plasma cortisol levels in women is a high estrogen concentration, affecting corticosteroid-binding globulin levels rather than free cortisol. Acute stress, hospitalization, alcoholism, depression, and various drugs can also affect test results.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2143-6
- 2143-6
Result Turnaround Time
2-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Red top
Collection Instructions
Collect morning (8 a.m.) and afternoon (4 p.m.) specimens. Include time of collection. Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial. Send separate orders for multiple specimens.
Causes for Rejection
Gross lipemia
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 28 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |