Test Overview
liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Measurement of midnight/late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC) is used for screening of adrenal hyperfunction (Cushing syndrome). Although other cortisol tests may be ordered for the initial workup, LNSC has a superior sensitivity to plasma and 24-hour urinary free cortisol measurements. A positive LNSC result (≥ 100 ng/dL) should be followed by a second test for cortisol which may include LNSC, 24-hour urinary cortisol or dexamethasone suppression testing. Two positive LNSC may be used to confirm Cushing Syndrome.
ACOR is A.M. collection time 0700-0800 Reference range: 100-750 ng/dL
PCOR is P.M. collection time 1500-1700 Reference range: <401 ng/dL
MCOR is Midnight collection 2300-2400 Reference range: <100 ng/dL NOTE: THIS IS THE PREFERRED TIME OF COLLECTION
SACOR is any time outside of these time frames above
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
Test Details
3 hours
- Salivary Cortisol
- Salivary Cortisol
Specimen Requirements
Centrifuge and freeze at -20 degrees C. Otherwise submit refrigerated unspun
Specific instructions are included in the collection kits