Description
Test Description:
| CODE: | CORT |
| UNITS: | µg/dl |
| TECHNOLOGY: | C.L.I.A |
| FASTING TYPE: | NON FASTING |
| SAMPLE TYPE: | SERUM |
| VOLUME: | 1ml |
| NORMAL RANGE: | 07.00 – 10.00 A.M. : 6.02 – 18.4 µg/dl 04.00 – 08.00 P.M. : 2.68 – 10.5 µg/dl |
Clinical Significance:
Cortisol is the most abundant circulating steroid and the major glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal complex, physiologically effective in anti-inflammatory activity and blood pressure maintenance, it is also involved in gluconeogenesis, calcium absorption and the secretion of gastric acid and pepsin. Cortisol levels are often measured to evaluate the pituitary function and/or adrenal function. Also called hydrocortisone or compound F.
The secretion of Cortisol is controlled by the pituitary gland. This produces a different hormone called ACTH or corticotrophin, which goes round the blood stream to the adrenals and activates the cortisol-secreting cells. Abnormalities of Cortisol secretion can result from disease in either the pituitary gland or the adrenals. If the pituitary gland does not make enough ACTH the adrenals will fail to make enough Cortisol, and if there is a disease of the adrenals (Addison’s disease) there will also be insufficient Cortisol released into the blood-Similarly overactivity of either organ can cause too much Cortisol to be made and cause Cushing’s syndrome.
Cortisol is a very important hormone. Indeed, besides insulin, it is the only hormone which is vital to keep you alive. It is needed to maintain the general functioning of the body (metabolism) and to keep a normal blood pressure. Absence of hydrocortisone results in lethargy, malaise and low blood pressure, and when combined with another disorder such as an infection or a stomach disorder can rapidly result in collapse and even death.
In people with normally functioning pituitary and adrenal glands, the average amount of Cortisol produced by the adrenals is approximately 10-15mg per day. In times of stress the pituitary activates the adrenal to produce more Cortisol which protects the body from the effects of the stress. This stress may be anything from a bout of flu to a car accident. Excess steroids given for long periods result in unpleasant side effects including obesity, loss of calcium from bones, loss of skin tissue, increased levels of blood sugar and increased blood pressure.
