What is Adrenal Testing?

An adrenal test measures cortisol and ACTH hormone levels in the patient’s blood. Cortisol is made by the adrenal glands, while ACTH is produced by the pituitary gland. These hormones help an individual manage stress, blood sugar and metabolism. Adrenal disease can have symptoms like: Exhaustion Weight gain or sudden weight loss Obesity Edema (fluid retention) These hormone levels can be affected by: Physical and emotional stress Strenuous exercise Infections Injuries

What does Adrenal Testing test for?

Adrenal Testing helps diagnose and monitor adrenocortical insufficiency and an overactive or underactive adrenal cortex function, which could be: Adrenal Addison's Disease Cushing’s Disease Acute Adrenal Insufficiency Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency.

Who should get Adrenal Testing?

Testing your adrenal function is important if you suffer from any of the following conditions: Fatigue Weight gain Fibromyalgia Brain fog Memory impairment Depression, anxiety or mood swings Chronic pain, exhaustion or neuropathy Low libido (sex drive) Recurrent infections Also, patients known to have Cushing’s Disease or Addison Disease will likely receive Adrenal tests on a semi-regular basis.

How do I get my results?

You get your results via email as soon as they are available.

Does my lab prescription expire?

Your lab prescription never expires.*

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Adrenal Testing

Cortisol, Total

Biomarkers: 1

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Adrenal Fatigue Advanced Profile

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Cortisol, AM (Quest Diagnostics)

Same day lab order delivery

HSA/FSA reimbursable

Description

Cortisol is the major adrenal glucocorticoid steroid hormone, and is normally under feedback control by pituitary ACTH and the hypothalamus.
Causes of low cortisol include pituitary destruction or failure, with resultant loss of ACTH to stimulate the adrenal, and metabolic errors or destruction of the adrenal gland itself (adrenogenital syndromes, tuberculosis, histoplasmosis). The diagnosis of hypoadrenalism generally requires confirmation with ACTH stimulation, due to the circadian rhythms of cortisol and other factors. Causes of increased cortisol, which may present initially simply as loss of normal diurnal variation, include pituitary overproduction of ACTH, production of ACTH by a tumor (notably oat cell cancers), and adrenal adenomas.

A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.

Includes

Cortisol, AM

Patient Instructions

Specimen should be collected between 7 AM and 9 AM. Assay is not recommended when patient is receiving prednisone/prednisolone therapy due to cross reactivity with the antibody used in this assay.

Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.

Cortisol, Total (Quest Diagnostics)

Same day lab order delivery

HSA/FSA reimbursable

Description

The Cortisol test is primarily used to aid in the diagnosis of adrenal disorders, such as Addison's disease and Cushing's disease.
A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.

Includes

Cortisol, Total

Patient Instructions

Cortisol, Total assay not recommended when patient is on prednisone/prednisolone therapy due to cross reactivity with the antibody used in this assay

Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) (Quest Diagnostics)

Same day lab order delivery

HSA/FSA reimbursable

Description

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Determination of ACTH is useful in differentiating between primary and secondary adrenocortical hypo- and hyperfunctional disorders: Addison's disease, Cushing's syndrome, adrenal carcinoma, ectopic ACTH syndrome, and adrenal nodular hyperplasia.

Alternative Name(s): ACTH

A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.

Includes

ACTH, Plasma

Patient Instructions

ACTH should be drawn between 7 AM and 10 AM. If drawn at any other time, the reference ranges do not apply.

Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), Unconjugated, LC/MS/MS (Quest Diagnostics)

Same day lab order delivery

HSA/FSA reimbursable

Description

Evaluate adrenal carcinomas that frequently secrete large amounts of DHEA Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an important hormone produced in the adrenal glands. Appropriate levels of DHEA are associated with increased energy, healthy immune system, heart health, good memory and elevated mood. DHEA helps in the production of testosterone therefore a decrease in DHEA results in a decrease of testosrerone. It is also essential in the function and balance of other hormones. DHEA is a weakly androgenic steroid that is useful when congenital adrenal hyperplasia is suspected. It is also useful in determining the source of androgens in hyperandrogenic conditions, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and adrenal tumors.

A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.

Includes

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), Unconjugated, LC/MS/MS

Patient Instructions

Overnight fasting is preferred. Fasting is defined as no consumption of food or beverage other than water for at least 8 - 10 hours before testing.

Estimated turnaround for results is 4 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.

Adrenal Fatigue Basic Profile (Quest Diagnostics)

Same day lab order delivery

HSA/FSA reimbursable

Description

Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.

Includes

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
Cortisol, AM

Patient Instructions

Specimen should be collected between 7 AM and 9 AM. Assay is not recommended when patient is receiving prednisone/prednisolone therapy due to cross reactivity with the antibody used in this assay.

Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.

Adrenal Fatigue Advanced Profile (Quest Diagnostics)

Same day lab order delivery

HSA/FSA reimbursable

Description

Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.

Includes

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
Comprehensive Metabolic Profile ( includes eGFR ): Albumin, Albumin/Globulin Ratio (calculated), Alkaline Phosphatase, ALT, AST, BUN/Creatinine Ratio (calculated), Calcium, Carbon Dioxide, Chloride, Creatinine with GFR Estimated, Globulin (calculated), Glucose, Potassium, Sodium, Total Bilirubin, Total Protein, Urea Nitrogen
Cortisol, AM
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA-s) Sulfate
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), Unconjugated, LC/MS/MS

Patient Instructions

Patient should fast for 12 hours preceding collection of specimen. This test must be drawn between 7 AM and 10 AM. Assay is not recommended when patient is receiving prednisone/prednisolone therapy due to cross reactivity with the antibody used in this assay. Fasting is defined as no consumption of food or beverage other than water for at least 8 - 10 hours before testing. Some tests in this panel may exhibit interference when sample is collected from a person who is consuming a supplement with a high dose of biotin (also termed as vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H or coenzyme R). Patient should be cautioned to stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection of a sample.

Estimated turnaround for results is 5 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.

Cortisol, AM (LabCorp)

Same day lab order delivery

HSA/FSA reimbursable

Description

Cortisol is the major adrenal glucocorticoid steroid hormone, and is normally under feedback control by pituitary ACTH and the hypothalamus.
Causes of low cortisol include pituitary destruction or failure, with resultant loss of ACTH to stimulate the adrenal, and metabolic errors or destruction of the adrenal gland itself (adrenogenital syndromes, tuberculosis, histoplasmosis). The diagnosis of hypoadrenalism generally requires confirmation with ACTH stimulation, due to the circadian rhythms of cortisol and other factors. Causes of increased cortisol, which may present initially simply as loss of normal diurnal variation, include pituitary overproduction of ACTH, production of ACTH by a tumor (notably oat cell cancers), and adrenal adenomas.
A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.

Includes

Cortisol, AM

Patient Instructions

Specimen must be collected during the morning hours, before 10:00 AM. This test may exhibit interference when sample is collected from a person who is consuming a supplement with a high dose of biotin (also termed as vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H or coenzyme R). It is recommended to stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection of specimen.

Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.

Cortisol, Serum (LabCorp)

Same day lab order delivery

HSA/FSA reimbursable

Description

The Cortisol test is primarily used to aid in the diagnosis of adrenal disorders, such as Addison's disease and Cushing's disease. A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.

Includes

Cortisol, serum.

Patient Instructions

This test may exhibit interference when sample is collected from a person who is consuming a supplement with a high dose of biotin (also termed as vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H or coenzyme R). It is recommended to stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection of specimen.

Estimated turnaround for results is 1 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.

Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-s) (LabCorp)

Same day lab order delivery

HSA/FSA reimbursable

Description

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an important hormone produced in the adrenal glands. Appropriate levels of DHEA are associated with increased energy, healthy immune system, heart health, good memory and elevated mood.

Work up women with infertility, amenorrhea, or hirsutism to identify the source of excessive androgen; aid in the evaluation of androgen excess (hirsutism and/or virilization), including Stein-Leventhal syndrome and adrenocortical diseases, including congenital adrenal hyperplasia and adrenal tumor. DHEA-S is not increased with hypopituitarism. It is low in Addison disease. DHEA levels reach their peak in the early morning hours. DHEAS levels show no variation. Measurement of DHEAS is preferable to DHEA, as levels are more stable.

A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.

Includes

This test is also known as:
DHEA-S ; DHEA-SO4 ; DHEA Sulfate

Patient Instructions

No fasting required.

Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) (LabCorp)

Same day lab order delivery

HSA/FSA reimbursable

Description

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. This test provides a differential diagnosis of Cushing syndrome, ectopic ACTH syndrome, Addison disease, hypopituitarism, and ACTH-producing pituitary tumors.

A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.

Includes

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Patient Instructions

ACTH should be drawn between 7 AM and 10 AM.

Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.

Adrenal Fatigue Basic Profile (LabCorp)

Same day lab order delivery

HSA/FSA reimbursable

Description

Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.

Includes

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), Plasma
Cortisol, AM

Patient Instructions

Specimen should be collected during the morning hours, between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM. This test may exhibit interference when sample is collected from a person who is consuming a supplement with a high dose of biotin (also termed as vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H or coenzyme R). It is recommended to stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection of specimen.

Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.

Adrenal Fatigue Advanced Profile (LabCorp)

Same day lab order delivery

HSA/FSA reimbursable

Description

Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.

Includes

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), Plasma
Comprehensive Metabolic Profile ( includes eGFR ):A:G ratio; albumin, serum; alkaline phosphatase, serum; ALT (SGPT); AST (SGOT); bilirubin, total; BUN; BUN:creatinine ratio; calcium, serum; carbon dioxide, total; chloride, serum; creatinine, serum; globulin, total; glucose, serum; potassium, serum; protein, total, serum; sodium, serum; eGFR
Cortisol, AM
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Sulfate

Patient Instructions

Patient should fast for 12 hours preceding collection of specimen. Specimen should be collected during the morning hours, between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM. This test may exhibit interference when sample is collected from a person who is consuming a supplement with a high dose of biotin (also termed as vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H or coenzyme R). It is recommended to stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection of specimen.

Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.

What is an Adrenal Test?

Adrenal tests are given to measure the level of hormones created by the adrenal and pituitary glands. Cortisol levels in particular rise when a patient’s pituitary gland releases another hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone, otherwise known as ACTH. These hormones perform many functions, including keeping a person’s glucose (sugar) and fat regulated in order for it to be used for energy (metabolism), and also helping an individual’s physiology to manage stress. These hormone levels can be affected by numerous conditions, including physical and emotional stress, strenuous exercise or other activities, infections, or injuries.

Who May Need an Adrenal Test?

Adrenal tests are typically performed for patients who are exhibiting issues with their pituitary or adrenal glands, such as making too much or too little of the related hormones for instance. Patients who have had problems with bone growth, blood pressure, the function of their immune system, metabolizing of necessary nutrients, nervous system function, and stress response are likely to have this test prescribed by their physician. Also, patients known to have Cushing Syndrome or Addison Disease will likely receive Adrenal tests on a semi-regular basis.

What Should I Expect from My Adrenal Test?

Adrenal tests begin by drawing a sample of blood from a patient in order for it to be analyzed by a medical laboratory. Patients are commonly asked to avoid strenuous physical activity prior to taking the test, and may even be asked to lie down 30 minutes before their blood is taken. There are also a number of medications which could affect the results of the test, such as steroids, so it’s important to speak with your physician about what medications you are currently taking preceding your test. Though there is a reference range for results common among Adrenal tests, some labs may have different ranges for you and your physician. Speak to your doctor regarding your results to get more information on how your results concern to you and your health specifically.

FAQ

What is Adrenal Testing?
An adrenal test measures cortisol and ACTH hormone levels in the patient’s blood. Cortisol is made by the adrenal glands, while ACTH is produced by the pituitary gland. These hormones help an individual manage stress, blood sugar and metabolism. Adrenal disease can have symptoms like:
- Exhaustion
- Weight gain or sudden weight loss
- Obesity
- Edema (fluid retention)
These hormone levels can be affected by:
- Physical and emotional stress
- Strenuous exercise
- Infections
- Injuries
What does Adrenal Testing test for?
Adrenal Testing helps diagnose and monitor adrenocortical insufficiency and an overactive or underactive adrenal cortex function, which could be:
- Adrenal Addison's Disease
- Cushing’s Disease
- Acute Adrenal Insufficiency
- Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency.
Who should get Adrenal Testing?
Testing your adrenal function is important if you suffer from any of the following conditions:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Fibromyalgia
- Brain fog
- Memory impairment
- Depression, anxiety or mood swings
- Chronic pain, exhaustion or neuropathy
- Low libido (sex drive)
- Recurrent infections
Also, patients known to have Cushing’s Disease or Addison Disease will likely receive Adrenal tests on a semi-regular basis.
Do I need to visit a doctor?

No doctor visit needed.
How do I get my results?

You get your results via email as soon as they are available.
Does my lab prescription expire?

Your lab prescription never expires.*