| Test Name: | Cortisol, AM |
| Epic Order Code: | LAB5067 |
| CPT Code: | 82533 | | |
| Specimen(s) Type: | Plasma or Serum, 1.0 mL |
| Acceptable Container(s): |    Tops are light green, gold and red. |
| Testing Schedule: | Monday-Friday |
| Turn Around Time: | STAT: NA |
| | Routine: 48-72 hours |
| Collection Information: | No special patient preparation is required. Obtain by standard collection procedures. |
| Transport Information: | Deliver to lab immediately. All specimens must be signed into the laboratory. |
| Reference Client: | If unable to deliver to the lab within 1 hour, centrifuge the specimen and remove serum from the red cells. Store and transport at 2-8° C within 5 days. If longer storage is required, store and transport the sample at -20° C up to 3 months. |
| Causes for Rejection: | Improperly labeled, incorrect container, contaminated, insufficient volume, incorrect/delay in transport. |
| Reference Range: | 7.0 - 25.0 µg/dL |
| Additional Information: | Due to the circadian rhythm of cortisol levels in serum and plasma, the sample collection time must be noted. In samples from patients who have been treated with prednisolone, methylprednisolone or prednisone, falsely elevated concentrations of cortisol may be recovered. Severe stress can also cause elevated cortisol levels. |