Laboratory Medicine Program

Cortisol

Clinical Decription:
Cortisol is the primary glucocorticoid hormone synthesized and secreted by the adrenal cortex. Cortisol is essential for life, regulating carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism, maintaining normal blood pressure, and inhibiting allergic and inflammatory reactions. Cortisol is synthesized and secreted by the cortex of the adrenal gland under the direction of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH is secreted in a circadian pattern by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland in response to corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) secretion by hypothalamus. Increased ACTH levels stimulate cortisol secretion. The increased cortisol levels inhibit CRH secretion, which subsequently inhibits ACTH secretion. This negative feedback mechanism results in decreased cortisol levels. Addison?s disease is caused by primary adrenal insufficiency due to the metabolic errors or destruction of the adrenal cortex. Cushing?s syndrome is caused by increased levels of cortisol due to either primary or secondary adrenal hyperfunction. Causes of primary adrenal hyperfunction are adrenal tumours and modular adrenal hyperplasia. Increased cortisol levels are induced by pregnancy and by stress due to depression, trauma, surgery, hypoglycemia, alcoholism, uncontrolled diabetes, and starvation.
<br/><em>Abbott Architect manufacturer's insert</em>

Method: CMIA; Architect i2000

Component Tests Used: n/a

Reference Ranges Used:
101-536 nmol/L at 0800 hr

Specimen Type: serum
Volume: 3 mL (minimum: 1 mL)

Shipping: room temperature or 4C

Special Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot sample.

Testing Schedule(s): Daily.

Turnaround Time: 1 day

For more information, call 416.340.5227 or 1.866.865.5227