Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Chemical Pathology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
COR
Test Code (Numeric Code)
3006
Laboratory Handling
Phlebotomy
See pre test information please
Registration
Must see additional information for right registration code for external and internal samples
Sample Stability
-
Synonyms
Plasma/Serum Dexamethasone suppression test
Turnaround Time
1 day
Specimen Type
- Plasma
- Serum
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)
Acceptable
- Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
- Plain (Red Top)
- SST II (Gold Cap)
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
Acceptable
- Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)
- Plain (Red Top)
- SST II (Gold Cap)
Pre-testing Requirements
Specimen Collection
LOW DOSE OVERNIGHT DEXAMETHASONE SUPPRESSION TEST
SPECIMEN:
Day 1: 0900h: 5 mL blood. PST tube preferred. Request " cortisol ".
2300h: Give 1 mg dexamethasone, orally.
Day 2: 0900h: 5 mL blood. PST tube preferred. Request "post-dexamethasone cortisol ".
Additional Specimen Information
Day 1: 0900h: 5 mL blood. PST tube preferred. Request " cortisol ".
2300h: Give 1 mg dexamethasone, orally.
Day 2: 0900h: 5 mL blood. PST tube preferred. Request "post-dexamethasone cortisol ".
Last updated: 26/03/2026