Cortisol

ChemistryAlso known as: Cortisol, totalAlso known as: Hydrocortisonenmol/L

Detects the presence of cortisol in serum or plasma as a marker of adrenal function.

Normal Range
Consult your provider
nmol/L
Abnormal Levels
Consult your provider
Specimen Type
Blood

Why This Biomarker Matters

Abnormal urine cortisol can indicate adrenal disorders. Elevated levels suggest Cushing's syndrome (causing weight gain, weakness, high blood pressure), while low levels may indicate adrenal insufficiency requiring hormone replacement.

Overview

Urine cortisol measurement detects the presence of cortisol, a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. This qualitative screening test is used to identify abnormal cortisol production, particularly in suspected Cushing's syndrome (excess cortisol) or adrenal insufficiency (low cortisol). Cortisol regulates blood pressure, glucose, and immune function, so abnormal levels can cause significant health effects. 24-hour urine cortisol is often ordered to confirm results from other cortisol tests.

Related Health Conditions

Conditions where Cortisol is commonly tested

Technical Information (LOINC Codes)

Standardized laboratory codes for this biomarker

83090-1Primary
Cortisol [Moles/volume] in Serum or Plasma by Immunoassay
nmol/L
2142-8
Cortisol [Mass/volume] in Saliva (oral fluid)
ug/dL
2143-6
Cortisol [Mass/volume] in Serum or Plasma
ug/dL
28550-2
Cortisol [Presence] in Urine
15043-3
Cortisol [Moles/volume] in Urine
nmol/L
51844-9
Cortisol [Moles/volume] in Saliva (oral fluid)
nmol/L
14675-3
Cortisol [Moles/volume] in Serum or Plasma
nmol/L
14158-0
Cortisol [Mass/time] in 24 hour Urine
ug/(24.h)
20622-7
Cortisol [Mass/volume] in 24 hour Urine
mg/dL
2144-4
Cortisol [Mass/volume] in Urine
ng/mL
101586-6
Cortisol [Moles/volume] in Serum or Plasma by LC/MS/MS
umol/L
95579-9
Cortisol [Z-score] in 24 hour Urine
{Zscore}
32310-5
Cortisol [Moles/time] in 24 hour Urine
nmol/(24.h)
33257-7
Cortisol [Mass/volume] in Cerebral spinal fluid
ug/dL
50848-1
Cortisol [Moles/volume] in 24 hour Urine
nmol/L
53345-5
Cortisol [Mass/volume] in DBS
ug/dL
53346-3
Cortisol [Moles/volume] in DBS
nmol/L
78988-3
Cortisol [Moles/mass] in Hair
nmol/g
83088-5
Cortisol [Mass/volume] in Serum or Plasma by Immunoassay
ng/mL
83089-3
Cortisol [Mass/volume] in 24 hour Urine by Immunoassay
ng/mL
83091-9
Cortisol [Moles/volume] in 24 hour Urine by Immunoassay
nmol/L