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HelpTest Code CINP Cortisol, Mass Spectrometry, Serum
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
Serum RedOrdering Guidance
The preferred screening test for Cushing syndrome is the 24-hour urinary free cortisol excretion, order CORTU / Cortisol, Free, 24 Hour, Urine.
When patients are not taking, or are not suspected to be taking, exogenous glucocorticoids, order CORT / Cortisol, Serum.
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube: Red top (serum gel/SST are not acceptable)
Specimen Volume: 0.6 mL
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Collection Instructions:
1. Morning (8 a.m.) and afternoon (4 p.m.) specimens are preferred.
2. Include time of collection.
3. Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Additional Information: If multiple specimens are collected, send a separate order for each specimen.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum Red | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days | |
| Ambient | 28 days | ||
| Frozen | 28 days |
Reference Values
5-25 mcg/dL (a.m.)
2-14 mcg/dL (p.m.)
Pediatric reference ranges are the same as adults, as confirmed by peer-reviewed literature.
Petersen KE. ACTH in normal children and children with pituitary and adrenal diseases. I. Measurement in plasma by radioimmunoassay-basal values. Acta Paediatr Scand. 1981;70:341-345
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
CPT Code Information
82533
Report Available
2 to 5 daysSpecimen Retention Time
14 daysReject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | OK |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
| Gross icterus | OK |