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Test ID: CORTU    
Cortisol, Free, Urine

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Method Description Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference

Deuterated cortisol (d3-cortisol) is added to a 0.1-mL urine specimen as an internal standard. Cortisol, cortisone, and d3-cortisol are extracted from the specimens using online turbulent-flow high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) using multiple-reaction monitoring in positive mode. The following ion pairs are used for analysis: cortisol (363.0/121.1), cortisone (361.0/163.0), d3-cortisol (366.0/121.2). A calibration curve, generated from stripped urine spiked standards, is included with each batch of patient specimens.(Taylor RL, Machacek DA, Singh RJ: Validation of a high-throughput liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for urinary cortisol and cortisone. Clin Chem 2002;48:1511-1519)

Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed Outlines the days and times the test is performed. This field reflects the day and time the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time required before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means assays are performed several times during the day.

Monday through Friday, Sunday: 1 p.m.

Analytic Time Defines the amount of time it takes the laboratory to setup and perform the test. This is defined in number of days. The shortest interval of time expressed is "same day/1 day," which means the results may be available the same day that the sample is received in the testing laboratory. One day means results are available 1 day after the sample is received in the laboratory.

2 days (not reported on Sundays)

Maximum Laboratory Time Defines the maximum time from specimen receipt at Mayo Medical Laboratories until the release of the test result

5 days

Specimen Retention Time Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded

14 days

Performing Laboratory Location The location of the laboratory that performs the test

Rochester