Cortisol (Blood)

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Testing Laboratory

Waitematā | Northshore Hospital

Department

Chemical Pathology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

MCOR

Test Code (Numeric Code)

376

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

Micro samples; a dedicated tube is required.

Registration

Collection time is essential and must be recorded at registration.

Laboratory

If multiple tests are requested on a micro sample, refer to Biochemistry to determine priority.

Sample Stability

24 hours

Synonyms

Cortisol

Turnaround Time

2 hours

Specimen Type

  • Plasma
  • Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
Preferred if Waitākere
  • SST II (Gold Cap)
Acceptable
  • Plain (Red Top)
  • SST II (Gold Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

4

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

1

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Heparin (Microtainer)
Acceptable
  • Plain(Microtainer)
  • SST(Microtainer)
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.4

Pre-testing Requirements

Specimen should be collected at around 0900 hours. There is a diurnal variation - peak shortly before waking and lowest at bed time, being about 2/3 the level at 0800.

Last updated: 15/09/2026