Description
Also known as:
Urinary Cortisol
Salivary Cortisol
Free Cortisol
Dexamethasone Suppression Test
DST
ACTH Stimulation Test
Cortisol – 8 am test is for people suffering from:
Excess or deficient cortisol production
Main purpose of the Cortisol – 8 am test:
To help diagnose Cushing syndrome or primary/secondary adrenal insufficiency (Addison disease)
To detect conditions affecting the pituitary or adrenal glands
Sample Required:
Blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm
Random or 24-hour urine sample (sometimes)
Saliva sample (sometimes)
Test Preparation Required:
Rest may be required before sample collection
For a salivary cortisol test, avoiding eating, drinking, or brushing teeth for a period of time (around 15-30 minutes) before the test may be required
