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HelpTest Code CORT STIM Cortisol Stimulation- Baseline, 30min, 60min
Additional Codes
LAB711
Performing Laboratory
Central Peninsula Hospital
Collection Method
Venipuncture
Container
Lt Green / Plasma Separator / Lithium Heparin
Specimen Type
Preferred
- Plasma- Light Green Top (Lithium heparin)
Acceptable
- Serum- Gold Top SST or Red Top
Minimum Volume
0.5ml
Specimen Stability
| Ambient | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated (4°C to 8°C) | 4 days |
| Frozen(-40°C to 0°C) | 12 months |
Reference or Target Ranges
| Cortisol, Baseline | Comment 1 |
| Cortisol, 30 min | Reference Range not established |
| Cortisol, 60 min |
≥18 ug/dL Comment 2 |
Comment 1:
6 - 10 AM 4.82 - 19.5 µg/dL
4 - 8 PM 2.47 - 11.9 µg/dL
Comment 2:
ACTH (cosyntropin) Stimulation Test Interpretation:
A healthy adrenal response means cortisol rises by at least 7–10 µg/dL from the baseline and reaches 18 µg/dL within 60 minutes. This rules out primary adrenal insufficiency.
A weak or no response may suggest reduced adrenal function due to brain signaling issues or adrenal damage.
High baseline ACTH with low cortisol points to a problem with the adrenal glands; low ACTH suggests an issue in the brain (hypothalamus or pituitary).
Certain medications like estrogen, spironolactone, cortisone, or hydrocortisone can affect results by raising cortisol levels before the test.
Reportable Units
µg/dL
Critical Value
Not defined for this assay
Reasons for Rejection
| Hemolysis Threshold | 500 mg/dL |
| Icterus Threshold | 25 mg/dL |
| Lipemia Threshold | 1500 mg/dL |
| Other | QNS, contaminated, improperly labeled, improper specimen type |
Performance Information
| Days and Time Performed | 24/7 |
| Expected Turn Around Time |
Stat: 1 hour Routine: 4 hours |
| Stat Availability | Yes |
| Performing Bench | CPH Chemistry |
| Methodology/Method Description | Roche Cobas |
CPT Codes
80400;82533
Last review/edit date
2025