Cortisol level test: Purpose, procedure, and results

If the results of the test show that cortisol levels are outside the standard range, this can suggest a range of conditions, including Addison’s disease and Cushing’s syndrome.

The procedure is relatively simple and should not lead to any significant side effects.

What is cortisol?

Cortisol is a hormone that contributes to several bodily functions, including the fight or flight response to stress.

When a person believes that they are in danger, the brain releases an extremely powerful chemical called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

This hormone triggers the adrenal gland, which is located just above the kidneys, to release cortisol.

The body uses cortisol to halt any non-essential physical processes. These include growth processes and reproductive and immune functions.

As non-essential functions shut down, the person will gain a burst of strength and energy to deal with the potential threat.

The release of cortisol may also cause emotional arousal, giving people strong emotions, such as anger and fear.

Cortisol also increases blood sugar levels and insulin resistance.

Finally, cortisol supports several different systems in the body including:

• nervous system
• immune system
• digestive system
• skeletal system
• circulatory system

A cortisol level test usually includes the following steps:

• The individual will sit in a chair, and a technician will tie a rubber band around their upper arm just above the elbow. This stops blood flow and makes the veins more visible.
• The technician will identify a vein and clean the area around it with a wipe that contains alcohol.
• The technician will insert a needle into the exposed vein.
• Blood from the vein will travel through the needle into one or more small collection tubes.
• The technician will take off the rubber band before removing the needle and applying pressure to the site.
• After releasing the pressure, the technician will often apply a small adhesive bandage to the site.
• The technician will then send the blood to the lab for processing and examination.

Healthcare professionals consider the test to be safe.

There are some side effects of blood removal from the arm, including temporary scabbing and bruising or discoloration at the site of needle insertion.

In rare cases, a person may have more severe side effects, including:

• feeling lightheaded or faint
• excessive bleeding
• infection
• hematoma, where blood pools under the skin by the injection site

Takeaway

If a doctor orders a cortisol test, there is a strong likelihood that they are trying to diagnose a specific disorder.

The doctor will discuss the results of the test with the individual. If a cortisol level test reveals low or high levels of cortisol, a person is likely to need additional testing to confirm a diagnosis.

Most people do not experience any significant side effects from the test and can continue with their everyday activities.

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