Cortisol, P.M.
Quest Diagnostics
Sample type: Serum
Requires fasting: No
Phlebotomy required
Details
This test measures the level of cortisol in the body during the afternoon. High levels of cortisol can indicate Cushing's Disease, while low levels may suggest Addison's Disease (adrenal insufficiency), which affects the adrenal glands.
- Cortisol, P.M.
Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected
Details
Cortisol, P.M. - This test measures the level of cortisol in the body during the afternoon. High levels of cortisol can indicate Cushing's Disease, while low levels may suggest Addison's Disease (adrenal insufficiency), which affects the adrenal glands.
What patients is this test right for?
This test may be recommended for individuals showing symptoms related to abnormal cortisol levels.
High Cortisol Symptoms:
- Weight gain, especially around the abdomen and face
- High blood pressure
- Mood swings
- High blood sugar
- Slow healing of cuts, bruises, and infections
Low Cortisol Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Weight loss
- Low blood pressure
- Abdominal pain
What type of sample is required for this test?
1 mL serum. Phlebotomy is required.
Test Resources
For more information, please consult your healthcare provider or visit relevant medical resources.
2–4 business days
0-3 Days (infants)
Premature (31-35 Weeks) ≤15.0 mcg/dL
Term ≤14.0 mcg/dL
4 Days-11 Months Not established
≥1 Year 4 p.m. (3-5 p.m.) specimen 3.0-17.0 mcg/dL
Premature (31-35 Weeks) ≤15.0 mcg/dL
Term ≤14.0 mcg/dL
4 Days-11 Months Not established
≥1 Year 4 p.m. (3-5 p.m.) specimen 3.0-17.0 mcg/dL
Collect specimen between 3-5 p.m.
Blood Draw Options with Fullscript
Fullscript offers several convenient phlebotomy options to complete your lab testing:
Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)
- Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
- Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
- Collection Instructions:
- Bring a valid ID.
- Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.
- Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
- More Info: Quest Diagnostics blood draw guide
Getlabs Mobile Phlebotomy
- Location: Sample collection at your home or office.
- Cost: $85 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Availability: Available in most locations – enter your ZIP code during checkout to confirm.
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here through your Fullscript account.
- Collection Instructions:
- Have your digital or printed requisition form and valid ID ready.
- Your phlebotomist will contact you by phone to coordinate arrival.
- More Info: Getlabs blood draw guide
Specimen
- Preferred Specimen(s): 1 mL serum
- Alternative: NA
- Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
- Collection Instructions: NA
Storage and shipping instructions
- Transport Container: Serum separator tube (SST)
- Transport Temperature: Room Temperature
- Specimen Stability:
- Room temperature: 7 days
- Refrigerated: 7 days
- Frozen: 28 days
- Reject Criteria: NA
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island
