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What Is a Cortisol Blood Test?

Cortisol is a hormone produced inside the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys. Cortisol blood tests are performed to detect disorders of the adrenal glands.

  1. The Facts

    • Usually, cortisol levels reach their highest concentration when a person awakes from sleep, according to Lab Tests Online. The U.S. National Library of Medicine reports a normal range for morning cortisol levels between six and 23 mcg/dL (micrograms per deciliter) of blood.

    Testing Methods

    • In addition to blood testing, doctors assess cortisol levels in urine and saliva, reports Lab Tests Online. Typically, these forms of testing are used to detect excessive cortisone production.

    Level Indications

    • Heightened levels of cortisol may indicate the presence of Cushing’s syndrome, notes the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Lowered levels may indicate Addison’s disease.

    Dexamethasone Suppression

    • In cases of excess cortisol production, doctors may use an additional test called dexamethasone suppression to confirm the diagnosis and clarify underlying causes, notes Lab Tests Online. In this procedure, they measure the body’s response to a synthetic adrenal gland product called dexamethasone.

    ACTH Stimulation

    • In cases of insufficient cortisol production, doctors may use an additional test called ACTH stimulation, states Lab Tests Online. In this procedure, doctors measure the body’s response to a synthetic version of ACTH, a pituitary gland hormone that stimulates cortisol production.

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