Test Code CORTF Cortisol, Free, Serum
Necessary Information
Include time of collection.
Specimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1.25 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Morning (8 a.m.) specimens are preferred. The 8 a.m. cortisol can be referred to as the a.m. cortisol and can be collected any time between 6 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. in the morning.
2. Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Additional Information: If multiple specimens are collected, send a separate order for each specimen.
Useful For
Assessment of cortisol status in cases where there is known or a suspected abnormality in cortisol-binding proteins or albumin
Assessment of adrenal function in the critically ill or stressed patient, thus preventing unnecessary use of glucocorticoid therapy
Reporting Name
Cortisol, Free, SSpecimen Type
Serum RedSpecimen Minimum Volume
1 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum Red | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days |
| Ambient | 28 days | |
| Frozen | 28 days |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
| Gross icterus | Reject |
Reference Values
6-10:30 a.m. Collection: 0.121-1.065 mcg/dL
Method Description
To measure free cortisol in serum, it is vital to separate the unbound from its conjugated form without disrupting the equilibrium of the sample. The Rapid Equilibrium Dialysis (RED) Plate is used to perform a simple means of equilibrium dialysis in a 96-well format. Sample is placed into one of two chambers separated by vertical cylinder of equilibrium membrane (MWCO 8,000). The second chamber is filled with dialysis buffer. Both chambers reside in a polypropylene plate with standard 96-well format. After gently shaking overnight at 37° C, the free cortisol is at equilibrium within the dialysis chamber. The dialysate is removed and d3-cortisol is added as an internal standard. The dialysate mixture is then analyzed using turbo flow liquid chromatography combined with a heated nebulizer ion source and tandem mass spectrometry. The dialysate mixture is then analyzed using turbo flow liquid chromatography combined with a heated nebulizer ion source (APCI) and tandem mass spectrometry. (Unpublished Mayo method)
Day(s) Performed
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
Report Available
2 to 11 daysSpecimen Retention Time
2 weeksPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
82530
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| CORTF | Cortisol, Free, S | 2145-1 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 65423 | Cortisol, Free, S | 2145-1 |