Department
Chemical Pathology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
MCOR
Test Code (Numeric Code)
0377
Laboratory Handling
Phlebotomy
Specimen to be collected at around 0900 hours.
Sample Stability
7 days 2-8°C
Synonyms
Morning Cortisol
Turnaround Time
4 hours
Available 24 hours
Specimen Type
- Plasma
- Serum
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)
Acceptable
- Plain (Red Top)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
4
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Heparin (Microtainer)
Acceptable
- Plain(Microtainer)
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
0.4
Pre-testing Requirements
Specimen to 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: 13/05/2026