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HelpTest Code PM-CORT Cortisol, Serum, PM
Specimen Requirements
| Fasting Required | Specimen Type | Preferred Container/Tube | Acceptable Container/Tube | Specimen Volume | Specimen Minimum Volume (allows for 1 repeat) |
Pediatric Minimum Volume (no repeat) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Plasma/Serum | Lithium-heparin Plasma Separator Tube (PST) | Lithium Heparin Green Top Tube (GTT), EDTA Lavender Top Tube (LTT), Serum Separator Tube (SST), Red Top Tube (RTT) | 0.5 mL | 0.4 mL | 0.3 mL |
- GTT/RTT- physically separate plasma or serum from contact with cells as soon aspossible of before transport. Separate from cells within 30 minutes to minimize uptake of corticosteroids by RBCs
Collection/Processing Instructions
Indicate actual collection time on tube. Separate cells within 30 minutes to minimize uptake of corticosteroids by RBC’s. PM-CORT specimen is optimally collected within 30 minutes of 4pm or 9pm (the reference time for the published normal range).
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma/Serum | Ambient | 8 hours |
| Refrigerated | 2 days | |
| Frozen | 90 days |
Thaw samples only once
Test Information
Specifically request either "AM-CORT" or "PM-CORT" depending upon physician's request. Specify time to be drawn. Write actual collection time of specimen tube.
Ideally specimen should be obtained with 30 minutes of 1600 hours (or 2100 hours), the reference times for the published normal ranges for PM cortisols.
Frozen plasma should be avoided due to precipitates that may entrap steroids causing falsely low results.
Interferences
Fluorescein will interfere; blood should not be drawn for 48 hours following fluorescein angiography for diabetic retinopathy.
Human Anti-Murine Antibodies (HAMA) may develop leading to test interference in patients receiving murine based chemotherapy agents or tumor-imaging studies.
For Tosoh AIA immunoassay method performed at Weston lab, the drug asfotase alfa (Strensiq), used for the treatment of patients with perinatal/infantile- and juvenile-onset hypophosphatasia (HPP), causes falsely decreased test results. Test results from patients treated with asfotase alfa should be interpreted with respect to the clinical picture of the patient. Recommend sending test to Marshfield Center lab for analysis by an alternate method.
Reference Range Information
| Performing Location | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| Marshfield | Afternoon Cortisol (1500-1700): <10 ug/dL |
Marshfield Labs Performing Department
Marshfield Labs Chemistry
Performing Information
| Performing Location | Day(s) Test Performed | Analytical Time | Methodology/Instrumentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marshfield | Monday through Sunday | Less than 2 hours | Beckman Coulter DXI |
CPT Codes
| CPT | Modifier (if needed) |
Quantity | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82533 |
Outreach CPT Codes
| CPT | Modifier (if needed) |
Quantity | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82533 |
Ordering Applications
| Ordering Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Cerner | Cortisol, Serum, PM |