Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No fasting required, but blood must be drawn before 9:00 a.m., and biotin should be stopped at least 72 hours prior to collection
- Turnaround: 1-2 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
The Cortisol Blood Test, AM measures the level of cortisol circulating in your blood from a sample collected in the morning. Cortisol is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands, and it plays a role in your immune system, nervous system, metabolism, and stress response. This test measures cortisol directly from your morning blood sample, capturing the point in your daily cycle when cortisol levels are typically at their highest.
This test reports a single biomarker, cortisol, and does not include additional hormones, hormone-binding proteins, or calculated values. Because cortisol levels naturally rise and fall throughout the day, your result reflects your cortisol level specifically at the time of your morning collection.
Benefits
- Measures your morning cortisol level from a blood sample
- Helps screen for conditions affecting the adrenal glands
- Captures cortisol at its typical daily peak
- Provides a result you can review with your healthcare provider
- Requires no fasting before your appointment
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing symptoms associated with excess cortisol
- People experiencing symptoms associated with insufficient cortisol
- Individuals wanting to screen for adrenal gland-related conditions
- People working with a healthcare provider to monitor cortisol levels
- Individuals who may order this alongside other related lab tests
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this hormone test?
This test measures cortisol, a hormone produced by your adrenal glands, using a morning blood sample. It may help your healthcare provider evaluate how your adrenal glands are functioning and screen for conditions that affect cortisol levels. This test measures cortisol directly and does not evaluate other hormones or provide a complete assessment of adrenal function on its own.
2. Who would benefit from this test?
This test may be appropriate for individuals experiencing symptoms associated with excess or insufficient cortisol, or for those wanting to screen for conditions affecting the adrenal glands. It may also be useful for individuals working with a healthcare provider to monitor cortisol levels over time.
3. When should I order this test?
You may consider ordering this test if you are experiencing symptoms that could be related to excess or insufficient cortisol levels. Because cortisol levels are highest in the morning, this particular test is collected early in the day to capture that peak. Some individuals may also order this test alongside other related lab tests as part of a broader evaluation with their healthcare provider.
4. How does this test differ from other hormone tests?
This test measures cortisol directly from a morning blood sample, rather than calculating a value or measuring a different hormone or binding protein. Because it is collected specifically in the morning, it reflects cortisol at its typical daily peak, which can differ from cortisol levels measured at other times of day. This test does not measure ACTH or other hormones related to adrenal function.
5. Do I need to fast before this test?
No fasting is required for this test. However, your blood must be drawn before 9:00 a.m., and patients arriving after this time will need to reschedule. You should also stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to your collection.
6. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 1-2 days. This timeframe may take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
7. How do I interpret the results?
The meaning of your cortisol result depends on your individual symptoms, medical history, and other factors, since cortisol levels can be influenced by the time of day, stress, medications, and other circumstances. Cortisol results are often interpreted alongside other related lab tests and your overall clinical picture. An abnormal result does not automatically confirm a hormonal condition, and a normal result does not automatically rule one out.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
8. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
If your results fall outside the expected range, review them with a qualified healthcare provider. They can help determine whether additional evaluation or testing is appropriate based on your individual health history and symptoms.
9. How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency should be determined as directed by your healthcare provider, based on your individual health needs and any symptoms you may be experiencing.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required for this test. All patients are required to have their blood drawn before 9:00 a.m., and patients arriving after this time will need to reschedule. Patients should stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection.
