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PLEASE NOTE: Recent changes have been made to this Test


 Recent changes for Cortisol; Dynamic testing

Recent changes for Cortisol; Dynamic testing
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
6th February 2023
Preferred Container Type

See Detailed Information

SST

Optional Container Type

Lithium Heparin (with Gel)

6th February 2023
Collection & Request Instructions

Endocrine consultation is suggested for dynamic testing. e.g. Short/Long Stimulation or Suppression tests using Synacthen or Dexamethasone. For details of clinical indications, test performance and clinical significance of changes see document link below or consult Endocrinology.

Dynamic Testing

All samples must be clearly marked with patient identification, time and date of sample. Sampling times must also be clearly written on request form.

Endocrine consultation is suggested for dynamic testing. e.g. Short/Long Stimulation or Suppression tests using Synacthen or Dexamethasone.

All samples must be clearly marked with patient identification, time and date of sample. Sampling times must also be clearly written on request form.

Cortisol; Dynamic testing

Alternative Names:Synacthen Test
Dexamethasone Test
Laboratory:Clinical Biochemistry
Test Code:Various
Specimen Types:Blood
Container Types:
SST
Lithium Heparin (with Gel)
Collection & Request Instructions:

Endocrine consultation is suggested for dynamic testing. e.g. Short/Long Stimulation or Suppression tests using Synacthen or Dexamethasone.

All samples must be clearly marked with patient identification, time and date of sample. Sampling times must also be clearly written on request form.

Transport Instructions between Sites and/or Laboratories:Room Temperature
Additional Notes:

 

Short Synacthen Test (SST)

A normal response is a 30 minute post synacthen cortisol value of 430 nmol/L in males,      420 nmol/L in females (over 580 nmol/L in women on oral contraceptives). El-Farhan et al. Clin Endocrinol (2013) 78, 673–680.

Additional Notes: 60 minute values are about 15% higher.

NB A basal cortisol of 340 nmol/L had a 100% specificity for a normal short synacthen test, therefore SST is not needed. Sbardella et al. Clin Endocrinol (2017) 86, 177-184.