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HelpTest ID CINP Cortisol, Mass Spectrometry, Serum
Useful For
Second-order testing when cortisol measurement by immunoassay (eg, CORT / Cortisol, Serum) gives results that are not consistent with clinical symptoms, or if patients are known to, or suspected of, taking exogenous synthetic steroids (order SGSS / Synthetic Glucocorticoid Screen, Serum to confirm the presence of synthetic steroids)
An adjunct in the differential diagnosis of primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency
An adjunct in the differential diagnosis of Cushing syndrome
This test is not recommended for evaluating response to metyrapone; DOCS / 11- Deoxycorticosterone, Serum is more reliable.
Special Instructions
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Reporting Name
Cortisol, S, LC-MS/MSSpecimen Type
Serum RedOrdering Guidance
The preferred screening test for Cushing syndrome is the 24-hour urinary free cortisol excretion, order CORTU / Cortisol, Free, 24 Hour, Urine.
When patients are not taking, or are not suspected to be taking, exogenous glucocorticoids, order CORT / Cortisol, Serum.
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube: Red top (serum gel/SST are not acceptable)
Specimen Volume: 0.6 mL
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Collection Instructions:
1. Morning (8 a.m.) and afternoon (4 p.m.) specimens are preferred.
2. Include time of collection.
3. Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Additional Information: If multiple specimens are collected, send a separate order for each specimen.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum Red | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days | |
| Ambient | 28 days | ||
| Frozen | 28 days |
Reference Values
5-25 mcg/dL (a.m.)
2-14 mcg/dL (p.m.)
Pediatric reference ranges are the same as adults, as confirmed by peer-reviewed literature.
Petersen KE. ACTH in normal children and children with pituitary and adrenal diseases. I. Measurement in plasma by radioimmunoassay-basal values. Acta Paediatr Scand. 1981;70:341-345
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
82533
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| CINP | Cortisol, S, LC-MS/MS | 87429-7 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 84279 | Cortisol, S, LC-MS/MS | 2143-6 |
| 23606 | AM Cortisol | 9813-7 |
| 23607 | PM Cortisol | 9812-9 |
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.Testing Algorithm
For more information see Steroid Pathways.