| Analyzer |
|
| Abbrev |
Cort |
| Analyte |
Cortisol |
| Department |
Immunoassay |
| Specimen Type |
Serum |
| Alternate Specimen Type |
N/A |
| Specimen Stability Requirements |
Transport refrigerated within 48 hours after collection |
| Preferred Specimen |
1mL Serum |
| Minimum Volume |
0.5mL |
| Collection Instructions |
Morning (8 am) and afternoon (4 pm) specimens are preferred. Include time of draw. Serum cortisol levels may appear depressed in patients that are pregnant or undergoing hormone therapy (e.g. oral/vaginal contraceptives). Elevated cortisol levels may occur in patients receiving prednisolone (prednisone). |
| Specimen Instructions |
Allow serum samples to clot completely before centrifugation. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged and aliquoted to a plastic transport tube within 2 hours of collection. Gel tubes should be spun at room temperature at a speed of 1000 to 1300 RCF for 10 minutes in a swinging bucket centrifuge and 15 minutes in a fixed-angle centrifuge. Non-gel serum tubes can be centrifuged at ≤ 1300 RCF for 10 minutes. After centrifugation refrigerates the samples at 2 to 8°C. |
| Reasons for Rejection |
Improper labeling; quantity not sufficient for analysis; improper specimen type; expired stability. |
| CPT Code |
82533 |
