Cortisol, PM, Serum

Test Code
Cortisol PM - NCMC


CPT Codes
82533

Preferred Specimen
In-Patient: 1.0 mL plasma from Lithium Heparin
Out-Patient: 1.0 mL serum from Serum SST or Red Top


Minimum Volume
0.5 mL


Instructions
To test for adrenal cortical hyperfunction (Cushing’s syndrome)
  • Inpatients: Obtain a cortisol a.m. at 8 a.m. on day 1 (Cortisol AM), and a cortisol p.m. at 8 p.m. on day 1(Cortisol PM). At 11 p.m. on day 1, give patient a 1 mg tablet of dexamethasone (Decadron®). Obtain cortisol a.m. at 8 a.m. on day 2 (Cortisol AM)
  • Outpatients: Contact Outpatient Oncology at 970-378-3807 to schedule test.
Note:  For adrenal function studies, see CORTBASE, CORT30, CORT60, CORT90, Cortisol Random-.


Specimen Stability
Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum SST or Red Top – Separated* Room Temp 8 hours
  Refrigerated 48 hours
  Frozen >48 hours
*Centrifuge and aliquot into a plastic vial.


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Gross hemolysis, plasma


Methodology
Chemiluminescence

Setup Schedule
Monday through Sunday; Continuously


Report Available
Same day


Reference Range
3.09-16.66 µg/dL


Performing Laboratory
North Colorado Medical Center Laboratory



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.