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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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CORTISOL, POST 1MG DEXAMETHASONE SUPRESSION

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2082    Geisinger Epic ID:  56528

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Plasma or serum


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

1 mL of serum or plasma; minimum 0.5 mL


Patient preparation: 

Patient is given 1 mg dexamethasone at 11 p.m. under the direction of his/her provider. Then at ~8 a.m., blood sample is collected for cortisol testing.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Allow serum to clot. Centrifuge to separate serum or plasma within 2 hours of collection.


Transport temperature: 

Refrigerated (preferred). Frozen specimen also acceptable.


Specimen stability: 

Room temperature: 24 hours. Refrigerated: 4 days. Frozen: 12 months.


Rejection criteria: 

Hemolysis, lipemia.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

<=1.8 ug/dL


CPT code(s):  82533
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Cortisol test for dexamethasone suppression.


Methodology: 
Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay
Synonyms: 

Hydrocortisone, CORTDS


Clinical significance: 

This is a screening test for Cushing's syndrome. Values >1.8 ug/dL represent inadequate suppression of Cortisol but are not diagnostic of Cushing's syndrome. Further testing for Cortisol excess may be indicated and should be determined clinically.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Hoi-Ying Elsie Yu, PhD, DABCC, FADLM
Sheng-Ying (Margaret) Lo, PhD, DABCC
Review Date:  12/27/2024

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