Measures the stress hormone cortisol - used to assess adrenal function.
Also known as: Cortisol, Stress Hormone Test
Sample
Blood
Fasting
Not required
Report in
24 hours
Collection
Free at home
The Serum Cortisol test measures the level of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands. It helps evaluate adrenal gland function and conditions of excess or deficient cortisol production.
Ordered to investigate symptoms suggestive of excess cortisol (weight gain, high blood pressure, stretch marks) or deficiency (fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure), and to evaluate adrenal gland function.
It can help your doctor assess
Cushing’s syndrome, Addison’s disease, and other adrenal gland or pituitary disorders affecting cortisol production.
This test may be considered for:
Whether this test is right for you depends on your symptoms, medical history and the reason for testing - your doctor can advise.
The concentration of cortisol in the blood at a specific time of day (cortisol naturally follows a daily rhythm, highest in the morning).
Cortisol
Adrenal Hormone
Follows a daily rhythm - highest in the morning, lowest at night - so the timing of the sample matters for interpretation.
How to read your result
Your report should be read using the reference interval, unit and method shown by the performing laboratory. A result outside a reference interval does not automatically establish a diagnosis, and a result inside the interval does not rule out every health problem. Clinical interpretation depends on symptoms, history and other findings.
| Marker | Result | What it may be associated with |
|---|---|---|
| Cortisol | High | May indicate Cushing’s syndrome or significant physical/emotional stress at the time of testing. |
| Cortisol | Low | May indicate adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease) or pituitary gland problems affecting cortisol regulation. |
If a result is outside the range
If the Serum Cortisol is reported as high, low, positive, negative or otherwise outside the laboratory's stated interval, the meaning depends on the specific test and the reason it was ordered. Your clinician may consider repeat testing, related investigations or other clinical information before deciding what the result means.
Limitations of this test
A single cortisol reading is influenced by many factors - doctors often use dynamic tests (like a suppression or stimulation test) for a more definitive diagnosis of adrenal disorders.
An abnormal result does not by itself mean you have a particular disease. Your doctor interprets results together with your symptoms, history and other tests.
| Parameter | Reference range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Cortisol (morning, 8am) | 5 - 25 | µg/dL |
Typical adult ranges for guidance. Reference intervals vary with the laboratory method, age and sex - always read your result against the range printed on your own report.
Book
Choose the test and a time slot online, or call us and we'll book it for you.
Prepare
Follow the preparation steps above for this test.
Sample collection
A trained phlebotomist collects the sample at your home - no extra charge.
Laboratory processing
Your sample is processed in our laboratory and reviewed by a pathologist.
Report
Your report is shared on WhatsApp and email, usually within 24 hours.
For a blood-based test, a small blood sample is collected by a trained healthcare professional, usually from a vein in the arm. The collection normally takes only a few minutes; mild temporary discomfort or bruising can occur at the puncture site.
Time of day, recent stress, illness, and certain medicines (especially steroids) all significantly affect cortisol levels.
Laboratory results are interpreted together with your symptoms, medical history and other investigations. If your results are significantly abnormal, or you have symptoms that worry you, discuss them with a qualified doctor promptly.
Trusted public health sources for the information on this page:
This information is for general awareness and does not replace advice from your doctor.
The Serum Cortisol test cost in Mumbai at HWP Diagnostic is ₹899 - 38% less than the MRP of ₹1,449. There are no extra charges for home sample collection. The same price applies across Malad, Kandivali, Borivali and Goregaon.
| Test | Serum Cortisol |
|---|---|
| Price at HWP Diagnostic | ₹899 |
| MRP | ₹1,449 (you save ₹550 - 38% off) |
| Home collection charge | Free |
| Report time | 24 hours |
| Fasting | Not required |
| Available in | Malad, Kandivali, Borivali & Goregaon (same price) |
Book the Serum Cortisol test with free home sample collection anywhere in Malad, Kandivali, Borivali and Goregaon, or walk in to our lab in Malad West, Mumbai - open 24×7.
Home collection areas include
Malad WestMalwani & KharodiMalad EastKandivali WestKandivali EastBorivali WestGorai & Borivali WestIC Colony & MandapeshwarBorivali EastGoregaon WestBangur Nagar & Motilal NagarGoregaon EastAarey ColonyDahisarJogeshwari WestJogeshwari East
Directions on Google MapsIt is also known as Cortisol, Stress Hormone Test.
Home collection at the same price (₹899) across these areas, with our lab in Malad West open 24×7.
Get this test along with other important checks - usually for less than booking them separately.
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Cortisol naturally follows a daily rhythm - highest around 8am and lowest at night - so your doctor will specify the timing needed for an accurate, interpretable result.
Fasting requirements vary - follow your doctor’s specific instructions, as timing matters more than fasting for this test.
Yes, acute stress can temporarily raise cortisol, which is one reason a single abnormal result is often followed up with additional, more specific testing.
Serum Cortisol is a blood test. Measures the stress hormone cortisol - used to assess adrenal function.
The Serum Cortisol may be ordered when a healthcare professional needs information about the condition or health area assessed by this test. Cortisol is the body's main stress hormone, following a natural daily rhythm. Measuring it helps assess adrenal gland function and conditions linked to too much or too little cortisol.
Measures the stress hormone cortisol - used to assess adrenal function.
The test may be relevant for people whose symptoms, medical history, screening needs or treatment monitoring match the purpose of the Serum Cortisol.
Morning sample (8-9 AM) preferred.
No, fasting is not required for the Serum Cortisol. You can eat and drink normally unless your doctor has advised otherwise.
The Serum Cortisol is done on a blood sample.
For a blood-based test, a small blood sample is collected by a trained healthcare professional, usually from a vein in the arm. The collection normally takes only a few minutes; mild temporary discomfort or bruising can occur at the puncture site.
Reports for the Serum Cortisol are usually ready within 24 hours of sample collection. You receive them on WhatsApp and email.
The Serum Cortisol costs Rs 549 at HWP Diagnostic (MRP Rs 900). Home sample collection is free.
Your report should be read using the reference interval, unit and method shown by the performing laboratory. A result outside a reference interval does not automatically establish a diagnosis, and a result inside the interval does not rule out every health problem. Clinical interpretation depends on symptoms, history and other findings.
If the Serum Cortisol is reported as high, low, positive, negative or otherwise outside the laboratory's stated interval, the meaning depends on the specific test and the reason it was ordered. Your clinician may consider repeat testing, related investigations or other clinical information before deciding what the result means.
The Serum Cortisol can provide important information, but laboratory results are generally interpreted together with symptoms, medical history, examination and other investigations. A single result should not be treated as a diagnosis without clinical context.
Some medicines, supplements, food, exercise and other pre-test factors can affect particular laboratory results. Tell the healthcare professional about medicines and supplements you take, and do not stop prescribed medicines unless your clinician tells you to.
Yes. Free home sample collection for the Serum Cortisol is available across Malad, Kandivali, Borivali and Goregaon in Mumbai. You can also visit our Malad West lab, open 24x7.
