Emergency use: assessing patients suspected of acute adrenal insufficiency (Addisonian crisis) when symptoms appear such as severe hypotension, shock, or unexplained low sodium. Rapid initial assessment for patients suspected of Cushing’s syndrome with very obvious symptoms, as a markedly high random level may indicate the condition. Used as a screening test when timing of sample collection cannot be controlled, such as in certain hospitalized patients. Sometimes requested along with the ACTH stimulation (Cosyntropin) test as a primary measurement of adrenal function.

Patients in the emergency department or ICU experiencing unexplained vascular collapse (shock). Patients known to have adrenal insufficiency who show signs of acute deterioration. Patients exhibiting severe symptoms of hypercortisolism (Cushing’s syndrome) requiring rapid assessment. Outpatient clinic patients undergoing a comprehensive medical evaluation who cannot attend at the specific morning time.

Severe low blood pressure, dizziness, or fainting without an obvious cause (non-cardiac or non-bleeding). Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea accompanied by extreme weakness and dizziness. Acute severe general weakness with low blood sodium. Signs of dehydration and vascular collapse in a patient known to have adrenal insufficiency.

Random morning sample: considered normal if between 5-25 µg/dL. Random evening/night sample: considered normal if < 5-7 µg/dL. Without precise timing: the value has limited diagnostic utility and cannot be relied upon alone for medical decisions.

Random Cortisol Test Price | Lahalak Medical Platform

Q: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Morning or evening cortisol measurement. Dexamethasone suppression test. ACTH stimulation (Cosyntropin) test. Very high (> 20-25 µg/dL) in a patient with Cushing-like symptoms → strongly supportive of diagnosis. Very low (< 3-5 µg/dL) in a patient with unexplained shock → strongly indicates adrenal insufficiency. Intermediate values are difficult to interpret without knowing the sample timing.

An immediate measurement of stress hormone levels in the blood at any time, providing a quick insight into adrenal function and the body's response to sudden stressors.

Scientific name: Random Serum Cortisol Test

A quantitative test that measures the level of cortisol hormone in blood serum, taken at an unspecified time (random), without consideration of the morning peak or evening suppression. Due to the large natural fluctuations of cortisol levels throughout the day, the interpretation of this random value is limited and must be done very cautiously, oft...

Service type Laboratory test (Blood)

Duration 10-15 minutes

Fasting Fasting is not required

Included Services

Cortisol (Random) (Serum) Test
Consultation for results interpretation with an endocrinologist or an emergency physician.
Personal support services from Lahalak

Medical Service Information

Purpose Test

Emergency use: assessing patients suspected of acute adrenal insufficiency (Addisonian crisis) when symptoms appear such as severe hypotension, shock, or unexplained low sodium.
Rapid initial assessment for patients suspected of Cushing’s syndrome with very obvious symptoms, as a markedly high random level may indicate the condition.
Used as a screening test when timing of sample collection cannot be controlled, such as in certain hospitalized patients.
Sometimes requested along with the ACTH stimulation (Cosyntropin) test as a primary measurement of adrenal function.

Recommended groups

Patients in the emergency department or ICU experiencing unexplained vascular collapse (shock).
Patients known to have adrenal insufficiency who show signs of acute deterioration.
Patients exhibiting severe symptoms of hypercortisolism (Cushing’s syndrome) requiring rapid assessment.
Outpatient clinic patients undergoing a comprehensive medical evaluation who cannot attend at the specific morning time.

Symptoms indicative

Severe low blood pressure, dizziness, or fainting without an obvious cause (non-cardiac or non-bleeding).
Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea accompanied by extreme weakness and dizziness.
Acute severe general weakness with low blood sodium.
Signs of dehydration and vascular collapse in a patient known to have adrenal insufficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Morning or evening cortisol measurement.
Dexamethasone suppression test.
ACTH stimulation (Cosyntropin) test.
Very high (> 20-25 µg/dL) in a patient with Cushing-like symptoms → strongly supportive of diagnosis.
Very low (< 3-5 µg/dL) in a patient with unexplained shock → strongly indicates adrenal insufficiency.
Intermediate values are difficult to interpret without knowing the sample timing.

Normal Levels

Random morning sample: considered normal if between 5-25 µg/dL.
Random evening/night sample: considered normal if < 5-7 µg/dL.
Without precise timing: the value has limited diagnostic utility and cannot be relied upon alone for medical decisions.

Conditions & Notices

• Accurately recording the sample collection time on the tube and the test request is crucial for interpretation, even if it is taken randomly.
• Fasting is not required.
• In non-emergency cases, it is always preferred to schedule a morning or specific evening measurement to obtain a more meaningful result.
• The laboratory should be informed of any steroid medications the patient is taking.
• The sample is collected in a serum tube (red or yellow cap).