CORTISOL, PLASMA OR SERUM

Message

Cortisol levels are generally drawn at 0800 (8 am) (acceptable draw window between 6-10am) or 1600 (4 pm) (acceptable draw window between 3-6pm). Random cortisol levels are generally not useful. For ACTH stimulation tests, please order ACTH STIMULATION, 0, 30, or
60 MIN CORTISOL.

Test Code

LAB61

CPT Codes
82533

Preferred Specimen

One 4.5 mL light green top tube
Pediatric: One light green top microtainer

Other Acceptable Specimens

Dark green top, red top, or gold top tube

Instructions

Sample must be centrifuged within one hour of collection.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Specimen Stability

Centrifuge within 2 hours after collection.
Ambient: 8 hours Refrigerated: 14 days Frozen: 30 days

Methodology
Chemiluminescent Immunoassay

Setup Schedule

Sunday-Saturday

Reference Range

AM Sample: 7.0-25.0 ug/dL
PM Sample: 2.0-14.0 ug/dL

Clinical Significance

Prednisone and prednisolone will cause falsely elevated values.

Performing Laboratory
West Virginia University Hospital, Inc.
Berkeley Medical Center
Camden Clark Medical Center
Camden Clark Medical Center
Princeton Community Hospital
United Hospital Center
Wetzel County Hospital
Wheeling Hospital

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.