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. Specimens received without the information on these forms may be rejected.
Additional Information
Collection kits can be requested by calling the Drug Analysis / Toxicology Lab at (734)936-6758.