Why is this procedure done?
This test measures the amount of cortisol in your blood. Your adrenal glands secrete the hormone cortisol. This hormone helps you keep up your blood pressure. It also helps your body spot and protect itself from infections. Your cortisol level can change based on the time of day, exercise, illnesses, or your sleep patterns. Your doctor may order a cortisol test to: ‚
- Learn about problems with your adrenal glands or pituitary gland
- Look for Cushing syndrome, Addisons disease, or other health problems
- Go along with other tests
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What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test and what is normal. The doctor will know about the cortisol levels in your body.
- If the results are normal, it means your body is likely working in a normal way.
- If the results are not normal, you may have an illness. Your doctor may order more tests to learn more about what is wrong.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- Talk to your doctor about all the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Your doctor may give you special instructions to follow before the test. It depends on the test.
- Your doctor may ask you to rest before having your cortisol test.
What happens during the procedure?
This testing is done in one of 3 ways. Your doctor may order: ‚
- Testing on your saliva or spit. You will need to not eat, drink, or brush your teeth for 30 minutes before this kind of test.
- Testing on your urine. The doctor may ask for a random urine sample. Other times, the doctor will want to collect all of your urine for 24 hours to check your cortisol levels in the urine. To do a 24-hour urine collection test:
- First thing in the morning, empty your bladder of urine into the toilet. Do not save this urine.
- The next time you need to go, place the small cup into your urine stream. Collect your urine in the cup.
- Empty the cup into the large collection container. Keep the large container in the refrigerator.
- Save all of your urine in the container for 24 hours. Be sure to empty your bladder one last time just before the end of the 24-hour period and add it to the container.
- Take your urine to the lab as soon as possible.
- Testing on your blood. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. Sometimes the doctor will draw your levels at different times in a day. Other times the doctor will give you a drug and then draw your levels at different times again. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin.
- The lab will test your blood sample for cortisol levels.
What happens after the procedure?
- After the blood test, you may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your cortisol level. Together you can make a plan for more care.
- Your doctor may ask you to see a hormone doctor called an endocrinologist if your test result is not normal.
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cortisol/tab/test ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚