Indications:
Cortisol is the main hormone secreted by the adrenal glucorticoïde. The serum cortisol can detect an abnormality of the adrenal Cushing syndrome or adrenal insufficiency.
Principle:
It is to meter the final compound of the biosynthesis of glucocorticoids: cortisol.
Blood Sample on heparin tube, fasting and rest, at 8 am (maximum rate of time in case of adrenal insufficiency).
The blood is centrifuged in the hour.
If Cushing’s syndrome is suspected, a sample is taken at 8 am and 20 pm, hours when rates are normally lower.
Results:
Normal values:
– 8 pm: 100 to 200 mg / L or 250-550 mmol / L;
– 20 h: less than 100 mg / L or 250 mmol / L;
– In children under 10 years: 50 to 100 g / L;
– Free plasma concentration: 10 to 20 g / L.
Pathological changes:
– A high rate at 8 am and comparable or higher at 20 h is in favor of Cushing’s syndrome, confirmed by a normal ACTH, very high in case of adrenal tumor;
– A low rate to 8 pm that does not increase after a stimulation test Synacthene Delay sign adrenal insufficiency.
Cost:
B70.
Practical advice:
In women, the results can be skewed if pregnant or taking estrogen.
They are also in the event of physical activity prior to the blood test, stress or alcoholism.