Ordering Guidance

The preferred screening test for Cushing syndrome measures 24-hour urinary free cortisol. Order CORTU / Cortisol, Free, 24 Hour, Urine.

For confirming the presence of synthetic steroids, order SGSS / Synthetic Glucocorticoid Screen, Serum.

For patients taking exogenous glucocorticoids, order CORTU / Cortisol, Free, 24 Hour, Urine.

For evaluating response to metyrapone, order DCORT / 11-Deoxycortisol, Serum.

For evaluation of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, the following tests provide better, accurate, and specific determination of the enzyme deficiency:

-DCORT / 11-Deoxycortisol, Serum

-OHPG / 17-Hydroxyprogesterone, Serum

-DHEA_ / Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), Serum

Specimen Required

Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 0.6 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Morning (8 a.m.) and afternoon (4 p.m.) specimens are preferred.

2. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.

3. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.

Additional Information:

1. Include time of collection.

2. If multiple specimens are collected, send separate order for each specimen.