Test Catalog

Test Id : CORTF

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Cortisol, Free, Serum

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Overview

Test Catalog

Useful For
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

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

Method Name
A short description of the method used to perform the test

Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

NY State Available
Indicates the status of NY State approval and if the test is orderable for NY State clients.

Yes

Reporting Name
Lists a shorter or abbreviated version of the Published Name for a test

Cortisol, Free, S

Aliases
Lists additional common names for a test, as an aid in searching

Compound F

Corticosteroids

Cortisol

Cortrosyn Stimulation Test

Free Cortisol

FCORT

CORTF

Specimen Type
Describes the specimen type validated for testing

Serum Red

Necessary Information

Include time of collection.

Specimen Required
Defines the optimal specimen required to perform the test and the preferred volume to complete testing

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.

Specimen Minimum Volume
Defines the amount of sample necessary to provide a clinically relevant result as determined by the testing laboratory. The minimum volume is sufficient for one attempt at testing.

1 mL

Reject Due To
Identifies specimen types and conditions that may cause the specimen to be rejected

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia OK
Gross icterus Reject

Specimen Stability Information
Provides a description of the temperatures required to transport a specimen to the performing laboratory, alternate acceptable temperatures are also included

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum Red Refrigerated (preferred) 28 days
Ambient 28 days
Frozen 28 days

Useful For
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

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

Clinical Information
Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

Cortisol, the main glucocorticoid (representing 75%-95% of the plasma corticoids), plays a critical role in glucose metabolism and in the body's response to stress. Both hypercortisolism (Cushing disease) and hypocortisolism (Addison disease) can cause disease. Cortisol is also used to treat skin disease, allergic disorders, respiratory system disease, inflammatory disorders, and nephrotic syndrome.

 

Cortisol levels are regulated by corticotropin (previously adrenocorticotropic hormone: ACTH), which is synthesized by the pituitary in response to corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH). CRH is released in a cyclic fashion by the hypothalamus, resulting in diurnal peaks (6 a.m.-8 a.m.) and troughs (11 p.m.) in plasma ACTH and cortisol levels.

 

The majority of cortisol circulates bound to corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) and albumin. Normally, less than 5% of circulating cortisol is free (unbound). Only free cortisol can access the enzyme transporters in liver, kidney, and other tissues that mediate metabolic and excretory clearance.

 

Historically, measurements of free cortisol have been achieved from indirect means using a ratio known as the free cortisol index. This measurement takes into account the amount of total cortisol and CBG to give a percentage and ultimately absolute value of free cortisol. These methods do not take into account the possible variations in albumin levels. These calculations also rely on CBG, which can be lowered in critically ill patients despite normal adrenal function. Equilibrium dialysis best serves to separate free from bound cortisol without disrupting the bound fraction.

Reference Values
Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

6-10:30 a.m. Collection: 0.121-1.065 mcg/dL

Interpretation
Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

Cortisol is converted to cortisone in human kidneys and cortisone is less active toward the mineralocorticoid receptor. The conversion of cortisol to cortisone in the kidney is mediated by 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase isoform-2. Also, cortisol renal clearance will be reduced when there is a deficiency in the cytochrome P450 3A5 (CYP3A5) enzyme as well as a deficiency in P-glycoprotein.

 

Cortisol binding globulin (CBG) has a low capacity and high affinity for cortisol, whereas albumin has a high capacity and low affinity for binding cortisol. Variations in CBG and serum albumin due to renal or liver disease may have a major impact on free cortisol.

 

Based on the study by Bancos,(1) normal ranges of free cortisol found in patients without adrenal insufficiency were:

-Free cortisol at baseline: median 0.400 mcg/dL (interquartile range: IQR 2.5-97.5%-0.110-1.425 mcg/dL)

-Free cortisol at 30 minutes: median 1.355 mcg/dL (IQR 2.5-97.5%-0.885-2.440 mcg/dL)

-Free cortisol at 60 minutes: median 1.720 mcg/dL (IQR 2.5-97.5%-1.230-2.930 mcg/dL)

 

Based on the study by Bancos,(1) the following cutoffs were calculated for exclusion of adrenal insufficiency:

-Free cortisol at baseline*: greater than 0.271 mcg/dL (>271 ng/dL, area under the curve: AUC 0.81)

-Free cortisol at 30 minutes: greater than 0.873 mcg/dL (>873 ng/dL, AUC 0.99)

-Free cortisol at 60 minutes: greater than 1.190 mcg/dL (>1190 ng/dL, AUC 0.99)

*baseline free cortisol should not be used to exclude adrenal insufficiency given low performance

 

The use of free cortisol in the management of glucocorticoid levels in the stressed patient due to major surgery or trauma requires further studies to establish clinical dosing levels and efficacy.

Cautions
Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

Cortisol levels may be increased in pregnancy and with exogenous estrogens. Use of the antineoplastic drug Mitotane also increases cortisol binding globulin and total cortisol.

Clinical Reference
Recommendations for in-depth reading of a clinical nature

1. Bancos I, Erickson D, Bryant S, et al. Performance of free versus total cortisol following cosyntropin stimulation testing in an outpatient setting. Endocr Pract. 2015;21(12):1353-1363. doi:10.4158/EP15820.OR

2. Hamrahian AH, et al. Measurements of Serum Free Cortisol in Critically Ill Patients. New England Journal of Medicine 2004;350;16:1629-1638

3. le Roux CW, Chapman GA, Kong WM, Dhillo WS, Jones J, Alaghband-Zadeh J. Free cortisol index is better than serum total cortisol in determining hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal status in patients undergoing surgery. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003;88(5):2045-2048

4. Huang W, Kalhorn TF, Baillie M, Shen DD, Thummel KE. Determination of free and total cortisol in plasma and urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Ther Drug Monit. 2007;29(2):215-224

Method Description
Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference

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 degrees 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)

PDF Report
Indicates whether the report includes an additional document with charts, images or other enriched information

No

Day(s) Performed
Outlines the days the test is performed. This field reflects the day that the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means that assays are performed multiple times during the day.

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

Report Available
The interval of time (receipt of sample at Mayo Clinic Laboratories to results available) taking into account standard setup days and weekends. The first day is the time that it typically takes for a result to be available. The last day is the time it might take, accounting for any necessary repeated testing.

2 to 8 days

Specimen Retention Time
Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded

2 weeks

Performing Laboratory Location
Indicates the location of the laboratory that performs the test

Rochester

Fees
Several factors determine the fee charged to perform a test. Contact your U.S. or International Regional Manager for information about establishing a fee schedule or to learn more about resources to optimize test selection.

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Test Classification
Provides information regarding the medical device classification for laboratory test kits and reagents. Tests may be classified as cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and used per manufacturer instructions, or as products that do not undergo full FDA review and approval, and are then labeled as an Analyte Specific Reagent (ASR) product.

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.

CPT Code Information
Provides guidance in determining the appropriate Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code(s) information for each test or profile. The listed CPT codes reflect Mayo Clinic Laboratories interpretation of CPT coding requirements. It is the responsibility of each laboratory to determine correct CPT codes to use for billing.

CPT codes are provided by the performing laboratory.

82530

LOINC® Information
Provides guidance in determining the Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) values for the order and results codes of this test. LOINC values are provided by the performing laboratory.

Test Id Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
CORTF Cortisol, Free, S 2145-1
Result Id Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
Applies only to results expressed in units of measure originally reported by the performing laboratory. These values do not apply to results that are converted to other units of measure.
65423 Cortisol, Free, S 2145-1

Test Setup Resources

Setup Files
Test setup information contains test file definition details to support order and result interfacing between Mayo Clinic Laboratories and your Laboratory Information System.

Excel | Pdf

Sample Reports
Normal and Abnormal sample reports are provided as references for report appearance.

Normal Reports | Abnormal Reports

SI Sample Reports
International System (SI) of Unit reports are provided for a limited number of tests. These reports are intended for international account use and are only available through MayoLINK accounts that have been defined to receive them.

SI Normal Reports | SI Abnormal Reports