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Overview

Cortisol Test

Cortisol Test

also known as: Compound F, Hydrocortisone

The test measures the amount of cortisol in a person’s body in sample of urine, blood or saliva. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland and helps in management of stress (fight or flight response) and aides other systems in the body like the digestive, reproductive and the immune system. The test is used to detect problems in the adrenal and the pituitary glands, in case of excess or insufficient production of the hormone. The level of cortisol varies throughout the day, hence a 24 hour sample in taken in case of urine and saliva, and twice a day in case of a blood sample.

In case of illness, stress and physical activity that can raise the cortisol levels, testing should be avoided. Rest is prescribed the day before, to stabilize cortisol levels. The blood test is usually carried out once in the morning when the cortisol level is normally the highest. In case of saliva test, eating and brushing of teeth should be avoided about half hour before collecting the swab. Certain medications and drugs can affect the level of cortisol in the body and should be checked by the doctor.

Used in the diagnoses of diseases like Cushing’s syndrome, Addison’s disease, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and hypopituitarism. Used in detecting tumors. The results may be affected by medication, pregnancy, steroids and further tests are usually prescribed to get a clearer picture.

The urine test for cortisol is a 24 hour test.
- After initial urination in the morning, the time is noted and the collection is carried out over 24 hours in the specified container, and refrigerated.
- The sample should not be contaminated by feces, menstrual blood.
- The refrigerated sample is used for testing.
The saliva test is taken at night usually when the level of cortisol is the lowest.
- The swab is inserted and moved around in the mouth to collect the saliva.
- The swab should be placed in the container, sealed and tested.
The blood test for cortisol requires samples to be collected twice a day; in the morning and late afternoon.
- A needle is inserted into a vein in the arm and the nozzle is withdrawn to collect a
blood sample.
- Cotton is pressed on the area to stem the blood flow.
- The area is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe.
- A bandage or gauze is pressed over the area.

LimitationsPregnancy, contraceptives, and estrogen therapy give rise to elevated cortisol concentrations.1 In samples from patients who have been treated with prednisolone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, falsely elevated concentrations of cortisol may be determined.1 During metyrapone tests, 11-deoxycortisol levels are elevated.1 Falsely-elevated cortisol values may be determined due to cross reactions. Patients suffering from 21-hydroxylase-deficiency exhibit elevated 21-deoxycortisol levels and this can also give rise to elevated cortisol levels.1The time of sample collection must be taken into account when interpreting results due to the cortisol secretion circadian rhythm. Severe stress can also give rise to elevated cortisol levels.1As with all tests containing monoclonal mouse antibodies, erroneous findings may be obtained from samples taken from patients who have been treated with monoclonal mouse antibodies or who have received them for diagnostic purposes.1 In rare cases, interference due to extremely high titers of antibodies to streptavidin and ruthenium can occur.1 The test contains additives, which minimize these effects.The determination of cortisol in 24-hour urine is the method of choice for the detection of Cushing syndrome since cortisol excretion in urine is not subject to the diurnal rhythm of cortisol secretion.2
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.8 mL
Container
Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube.
Type Gender Age-Group Value
Cortisol
Unisex
All age groups
6 - 23 mcg/dl at 8 a.m
Average price range of the test is between Rs.400 to Rs.1700 depending on the factors of city, quality and availablity.

Table of Content

What is Cortisol Test?
Preparation for Cortisol Test
Uses of Cortisol Test
Procedure for Cortisol Test
Limitations of Cortisol Test
Specimen Requirements
Normal values for Cortisol Test
Price for Cortisol Test
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Popular Questions & Answers

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MBBS
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What are the possible causes of serious and continuous hiccup? Give me some possible remedies dear doctors.
If irritation start in stomach causes of infection in digestion hyperacidity hepatitis A gall bladder stone and more. Treatment depending on cause .you can take cap tzoy one cap one time a day, syp acivay 2 tsf 2 tims a day after meal.
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I had unprotected sex on 24th july and my period is due on 1st of august but I am still not feeling any period pain a...
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I have acne prone skin. Can I wash my face with lukewarm water? Is this beneficial to treat these stubborn acne? How ...
Maintaining good hygiene is essential. Lukewarm water can be used. Do use cold water later. Do not frequently touch the pimples as that can lead to infection. Do not use soap frequently as it can make the skin dry. Eat only healthy food. Include fruits and vegetables everyday. You can try Homeopathy which can help overcome this problem naturally.
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How to avoid the shrinking of penis after masturbating. It's been a big problem and I am really pissed off of it.

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How to avoid the shrinking of penis after masturbating. It's been a big problem and I am really pissed off of it.
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Is it good to take Patanjali Mukta Vati for high BP. Is it recommended for long term.

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Ayurveda,
Is it good to take Patanjali Mukta Vati for high BP. Is it recommended for long term.
Ayurveda provides a holistic way of treatment. One should address other symptoms along with hypertension. Doctor should suggest diet lifestyle modifications if needed to a patient. This will eliminate cause for the disease. Further, Ayurveda advocates a personalized treatment. Though Mukta Vati is a formulation designed for the most common condition, it will not equally effective for all the patients. It may be more useful in certain disease conditions and in certain patients. Patient should leave choice of drug and overall treatment on Ayurveda expert. Otherwise if did not get result from Mukta vati you will start blaming Ayurveda. Accept Ayurveda to its fullest, not partially; if you expect sustainable results.

Popular Health Tips

Epidurals - Know The Benefits & Disadvantages!

MBBS, MD - Anaesthesiology, FIPM, Fellowship in palliative medicine, certificate in interventional pain management, Multidisciplinary pain management course
Pain Management Specialist, Pune
Epidurals - Know The Benefits & Disadvantages!

Modern women want to have it all, in personal and professional life. They want to experience the joy of motherhood but not the pain associated with normal delivery. For such women, epidural analgesia during labour is a blessing. Epidural analgesia/anaesthesia is given to pregnant women during childbirth. Epidural painkillers stop the pain signals transmitted nerves from uterus. This stops the pain sensation of labour. For epidural analgesia, a catheter (small tube) is inserted into the epidural space in the spinal cord. It is through this tube that the drugs (painkillers) reach the desired nerves. 

Types of Epidurals: 

Epidurals can be 

  1. Injection with top-ups: Once given, epidurals help to relieve the pain that arises due to contractions. When the epidural starts to wear off, top-ups or refills are used. The refills can last for 1-2 hours. 
  2. Combined Spinal Epidural: Compared to the regular epidurals, the combined spinal epidurals are powerful, quick, and more effective. Here too, epidural painkillers are made to pass through the catheter, once the first injection wears off. It is also known as Walking Epidural. 
  3. Continuous infusion (patient-controlled epidural analgesia): Here, the other end of the epidural catheter is attached to a pump. This pump continuously infuses the painkillers into your back. For an effective response, top-ups may be used. Many hospitals allow patients to control the pump. 

Merits and demerits of having an epidural--

Merits: 

  1. Epidurals make the delivery smooth and hassle free. 
  2. Epidurals are relatively safe as only a small fraction of the medicine reaches the baby. 
  3. Women stay fully awake and experience no pain during the cervix dilation. This enables them to push the baby out with more energy.
  4. Depending on the requirement, the dosage of epidurals can be adjusted. 
  5. Epidurals help to lower the cases of C-section delivery. 

Demerits: 
Though epidurals make childbirth easy, one cannot overlook its demerits. 

  1. Infections can sometimes occur. 
  2. Sometimes epidural analgesia can have a patchy effect, causing some pain to persist. 
  3. Though rare, epidural can result in nerve damage. 
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Thus, they may take longer than usual to push the baby. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Pain Management Specialist.

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Sexologist, Delhi
These Sexual Mistakes Compromise Penis Health!

When it comes to maintaining proper penis health, most men have a very good idea of what to do. They know all the basics of penis care, from taking care to wash properly to regularly inspecting the manhood to applying a high-quality penis health crème. But in the heat of the moment, when sexual fun is getting hot and heavy, a man might make a silly mistake. Those sexual mistakes can compromise penis health in a serious way.

Not sure what sexual mistakes might be a problem? Here's a list of the biggest issues a man might find himself doing when things are hot - and might regret when things cool off.

1. That lube isn't really lube. A man who is getting it on but suddenly realizes the need for lube might reach for whatever is handy, assuming a bottle of lube is not available - and sometimes that means he will try to use anything from shampoo or conditioner to lotion or cooking oils. Obviously these things are not meant for use as a sexual lubricant, and can lead to dry and cracked skin, irritation and more. Using lube designed specifically for the sexual purpose is always recommended.

2. The condom is too small. Though it is very important to always wrap it up before sexual activity, the wrapping itself might sometimes be the issue. Using a condom that is too small might lead to a little irritation in the heat of the moment, but a man can often ignore that for pursuit of pleasure. The aftermath is when things get rough, as the penis can develop small cuts, tears or even blisters from the use of a condom that is too tight. It pays to test out a variety of condoms to find the best fit.

3. There's been too much drinking. Sometimes a bit of inebriation can be a good thing, as it lowers inhibitions and can help both partners relax before the main event. But too much drinking can lead to serious problems, including trouble with getting it up or issues with stamina. But too much alcohol consumption can lead to even worse things, such as forgetting to use a condom or even suffering memory loss that leaves a man wondering just what happened the night before. Avoiding this is simple: don't drink too much before a bedtime romp.

4. Cleaning up is not a priority. There are plenty of bodily fluids sliding around during sexual activity, and much of that understandably winds up on a man's penis. From the natural lubrication that occurs during sex to the traces of spermicide in the condom, there can be several substances that linger. A man who doesn't clean off his penis after sex is asking for trouble, as those fluids can dry on the penis skin, leading to itching, irritation and redness, as well as a potential penis rash.

A man who pays attention to good penis care should always remember that caring for the penis extends to those moments when things are hot and heavy. Not only should a man be fully prepared for any sexual encounter, he should also be sure to take care to clean up well afterward. Maintaining good health should also include regular use of a high-quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Look for a crème that includes a multitude of vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamin A for odor-fighting properties, vitamin E to keep skin supple, and vitamin C to enhance sexual health. Amino acids such as L-arginine for blood vessel dilation and acetyl-L-carnitine for protection against peripheral nerve damage are also helpful. Combine it all in a Shea butter base and a man has the recipe for great penis health.

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Health Tip!

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Health Tip!

Take two bananas every day with milk and honey.

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Calcium Source!

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Calcium Source!

Milk is best source of calcium

Articulation Problem!

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Articulation Problem!

A child may have an articulation disorder if they are deleting sounds (e. G, saying “doic” for “dog”), substituting sounds (e. G, “dat” for “cat”), addingsounds (e. G, “balue” for “blue”) or distorting sounds (e. G, “thpoon” for “spoon”). In general, there is a range of typical speech-sound development. Most children are 90% intelligible to a wider range of communication partners by the age of four. If you are concerned about your child’s speech intelligibility or articulation, it is best to seek the advice of alicensed speech-language pathologist who will conduct a formal assessment. This formal assessment will involve looking at both speech and sound production and sound error patterns or distortions.