Patient Education - Endocrine Encyclopedia
Endocrine Surgery Encyclopedia
 Definition:
A cortisol level is a blood test that measures the amount of cortisol, a steroid hormone
produced by the adrenal cortex.
Alternative Names: Hydrocortisone test
How the test is performed:
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The
puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band is placed around the upper
arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the
band to fill with blood.
A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or
a syringe. The band is then removed to restore circulation. After blood has been collected
the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
For an infant or young child, the area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with
a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on
a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. A bandage may be applied to the puncture
site if there is any bleeding.
How to prepare for the test:
The health care provider may advise you to stop taking drugs that can affect the test. Drugs
that can increase cortisol measurements include estrogen and synthetic glucocorticoids, like
prednisone and prednisolone. Drugs that can decrease cortisol measurements include androgens
and phenytoin.
How the test will feel:
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel
only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performed:
Cortisol levels are often measured to evaluate the pituitary and adrenal function.
Normal Values:
Normal values at 8 a.m.are 6 to 23 mcg/dl. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different
laboratories.
Note: mcg/dl = micrograms per deciliter
What abnormal results mean:
Higher-than-normal levels may indicate:
- Adrenal tumor
- Cushing's syndrome
- Ectopic ACTH-producing tumors
Lower-than-normal levels may indicate:
- Addison's disease
- Hypopituitarism
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
- Acute adrenal crisis
- Ectopic Cushing's syndrome
- Pituitary Cushing's (Cushing's disease)
What the risks are:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
- Multiple punctures to locate veins
Special considerations:
Cortisol is a steroid hormone released from the adrenal cortex in response to a hormone called
ACTH (produced by the pituitary gland). Normally, cortisol levels rise and fall during the
day, repeating a 24-hour cycle (diurnal variation). Highest levels are at about 6-8 a.m.
and lowest levels are at about midnight.
Physical and emotional stress can increase serum cortisol, because a normal response to
stress involves increased secretion of ACTH by the pituitary gland.
Review Date: 3/8/2006
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, M.D., Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier
University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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