Question:
Abnormal Serum Cortisol Result

I had my first consult with the surgeon last week. He requested that I have one last test done before submitting the request to my insurance for approval. Doctor wanted me to have a Serum Cortisol test done. I had to begin fasting at 8pm and take a pill at 11pm and then have my blood drawn at 8am the following morning. Today I get the lab results in the mail and it's indicated that the test results are "abnormal". No explanation. I have no idea what this means. My results were "0.2 ug/dL" and apparantly "normal" is 8-24 at the 8AM hour and 4-12 at the 4PM hour. The only blood drawn for me was at 8AM. That's the only time Doctor said to have blood drawn. So now I'm concerned because this result came back "abnormal"...Is there anyone who can shed some light on this for me? Thanks.    — K D. (posted on May 18, 2002)

May 18, 2002
DO U HAVE A THYROID PROBLEM I DO AND I HAD TO HAVE SOME BLOOD DRAWN LIKE THAT ITS GOT TO DO WITH ENDOCRINE PROBLEMS OR HORMONES PROBLEMS I HAD TO HAVE A 24 HR URINE DONE FOR CORTISOL
   — michele D.

May 18, 2002
It is also used to diagnose Cushings Syndrome.
   — Rebecca B.

May 19, 2002
GO BACK TO LAB AND FIND OUT WHAT THAT MEANS THE PEOPLE WHO DRAW YOUR BLOOD ALSO RUN THE TESTS THEY WILL KNOW. GOOD LUCK
   — sheri B.