Cortisol, A.M.
Also known as: Cortisol AM, AM Cortisol, Hydrocortisone, A.M.
Use
Cortisol levels are used clinically to assess adrenal function; elevated levels are associated with Cushing’s disease, while decreased levels may indicate Addison’s disease or adrenal insufficiency.
Special Instructions
Collect specimen in the morning between 7–9 a.m.; indicate collection time on container and requisition. Not recommended during prednisone or prednisolone therapy due to assay cross‑reactivity. Set up run Tuesday through Saturday.
Limitations
Cross‑reactivity with prednisone/prednisolone may interfere with assay results.
Methodology
Immunoassay (Other)
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL preferred, 0.5 mL minimum
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Serum separator tube (SST)
Collection Instructions
Collect specimen between 7‑9 a.m.; indicate collection time on container and requisition.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |