Cortisol, Post Dose

Test Code
CORTPD


CPT Codes
82533

Preferred Specimen

Green




Minimum Volume
0.5 mL


Other Acceptable Specimens
Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube


Instructions

Collect specimen for a "Cortisol Post-Dose" following dosage as required by medical protocol. Usually accompanied by a "Cortisol Pre-Dose" test, drawn per protocol before ACTH administration. Can also be used for the dexamethasone suppression test when collected 8 hours (or other time interval per protocol) following dexamethasone administration.



Transport Container

Serum (gold top) tube or Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube



Transport Temperature
Room Temperature or Refrigeration


Specimen Stability
Room Temperature - 1 day; Refrigerated - 5 days


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Hemolysis, turbidity, Quantity Not Sufficient, IV contamination


Methodology
Chemiluminescence

Setup Schedule

Daily upon receipt



Report Available
Upon completion of analysis


Reference Range

8 hours post 1 mg dexamethasone given at midnight:      0-5 ug/dL
30-60 minutes post 25 units post Cosyntropin I.V.:          > 20 ug/dL



Clinical Significance

The Cortisol Post-Dose test is used to measure the effects of cortisol production after stimulation with ACTH. It is usually accompanied by a "Cortisol Pre-Dose" test, drawn before administration of ACTH per protocol. The ACTH (cosyntropin) stimulation test measures how well the adrenal glands respond to the hormone ACTH. ACTH is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol. This test can also be used for the dexamethasone suppression test, in which specimen is drawn 8 hours (or other time interval per protocol) following administration with dexamethasone to measure the patient's response to dexamethasone.





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.