Cortisol
Blood Test
Cortisol Blood Test at home with morning nurse visit. Check stress hormone levels for adrenal health. UKAS-accredited lab, results in 2-3 days.
Preparation advice provided by your nurse before the visit.
Book online
Choose date & time that suits you
Nurse visits you
At home or your preferred location
Lab analysis
UK accredited laboratory
Results delivered
Secure digital report in 1–2 days
Why take this test?
Feel like your body is constantly “switched on”?
If you’re dealing with ongoing stress, poor sleep, or low energy, your cortisol levels could be out of balance — and it often goes unnoticed.
This test helps you understand how your body is responding to stress, giving you clarity on whether your cortisol levels are too high, too low, or out of sync.
- Understand how stress is affecting your body
- Identify hormone imbalance linked to fatigue and poor sleep
- Take control before burnout impacts your health further
Professional blood draw included — accurate results you can trust.
This test is recommended if you:
What does it test?
Cortisol levels
How to Prepare
A Cortisol Blood Test requires minimal preparation, but following a few simple guidelines can help ensure accurate results and a smooth nurse visit.
Schedule Your Test For The Morning – Cortisol levels are highest between 7 AM and 9 AM, so your nurse visit will typically be scheduled during this window to capture your peak cortisol level. This is the most clinically useful time for testing. No Fasting Required – You can eat and drink normally before your cortisol test. Cortisol levels are not significantly affected by food intake. Take Your Usual Medications – Continue taking your regular medications unless your GP specifically advises otherwise. If you take corticosteroids (such as prednisolone or hydrocortisone), let your GP know, as these will affect your results. Avoid Intense Stress Or Exercise Before Testing – Try to keep your morning calm and avoid vigorous exercise, arguments, or stressful situations immediately before your blood draw, as acute stress can temporarily elevate cortisol levels. Get A Good Night’s Sleep – Poor sleep can affect cortisol levels, so aim for a restful night before your test to ensure your results reflect your typical hormone pattern. Inform Your Nurse Of Any Medical Conditions – Let your nurse know if you have any bleeding disorders, are taking blood-thinning medications, or have any concerns about the blood draw. Wear Comfortable Clothing – Choose something with sleeves that can be easily rolled up so the nurse can access your arm for the venous blood sample.
If you have any questions about preparing for your Cortisol Blood Test, your nurse can provide guidance at the time of booking or during your appointment.
How it Works
Order your test, and then Answer the Questions about why you’re taking that test.
You’re then given instructions on calling the team to book a date and time for a nurse, so they can take your blood sample at your home, workplace or clinic.
Our nurse will then send your sample to our laboratory.
Our skilled laboratory staff conduct your blood tests in a clean and secure environment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Each test follows strict protocols to maintain the highest quality standards.
We will email you to inform you that your blood test results are ready.
The email will have a PDF report attached, sent directly to your inbox.
With regular ongoing tests and reports, you can track your results. The reports can be shared with your GP.
Check if you’re improving healthily or where changes could be made.
Clinical Evidence
Cortisol Testing For Adrenal Function: UK and international guidance recommends serum cortisol testing as a first-line investigation for suspected adrenal disorders such as Cushing’s syndrome and Addison’s disease. Morning cortisol levels (7-9 AM) are the most reliable initial screening tool, with levels above 690 nmol/L suggesting excess cortisol and levels below 140 nmol/L indicating potential adrenal insufficiency.
Source: NHS Addison’s disease information, NHS Cushing’s syndrome guidance
Importance Of Morning Testing: Cortisol levels follow a circadian rhythm, peaking in the early morning (typically between 7 AM and 9 AM) and declining throughout the day. Clinical guidelines emphasize that morning cortisol samples provide the most useful diagnostic information, as abnormally high or low morning levels are more clinically significant than afternoon or evening measurements.
Source: NICE guidance on adrenal insufficiency
Venous Blood Sampling For Accuracy: Venous blood collection provides sufficient sample volume and consistent quality for laboratory hormone analysis, reducing the risk of sample errors and the need for repeat testing compared with capillary finger-prick samples. This is particularly important for cortisol testing where accurate timing and sample quality are critical.
Source: UK laboratory guidance on blood sample collection
Cortisol And Stress-Related Health Conditions: Chronic elevation of cortisol is associated with increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and mental health conditions. Early detection and management of cortisol imbalances through testing and lifestyle interventions can help reduce these long-term health risks.
Source: NHS stress and health guidance
Laboratory Quality And Accreditation: ISO 15189 is the international standard for medical laboratories covering sample handling, testing protocols and result reporting. Using UKAS ISO 15189-accredited labs helps ensure your cortisol test results are reliable, traceable and suitable for clinical decision-making.
Source: UKAS medical laboratory accreditation, RCPath ISO 15189 overview
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Cortisol Blood Test?
A Cortisol Blood Test measures the level of cortisol hormone in your bloodstream. Cortisol is produced by your adrenal glands and plays a vital role in regulating stress response, metabolism, blood pressure, and immune function. The test helps identify whether your cortisol levels are too high, too low, or fluctuating abnormally.
Why Is Morning Testing Important For Cortisol?
Cortisol levels naturally peak in the early morning (between 7 AM and 9 AM) and decline throughout the day. Morning testing captures your peak cortisol level, which provides the most clinically useful information for diagnosing adrenal disorders. Abnormally high or low morning cortisol is more diagnostically significant than afternoon or evening measurements.
Do I Need To Fast Before A Cortisol Blood Test?
No. You can eat and drink normally before your cortisol test. Cortisol levels are not significantly affected by food intake, so fasting is not required. However, you should try to avoid intense stress or vigorous exercise immediately before your test, as these can temporarily elevate cortisol levels.
How Is The Cortisol Blood Sample Taken?
A qualified nurse visits your home in the morning (typically between 7 AM and 9 AM) and takes a venous blood sample from a vein in your arm, similar to a standard hospital or GP blood test. This method provides a high-quality sample that reduces the risk of inaccurate results.
Where Is My Cortisol Sample Analysed?
Your sample is sent to a UKAS ISO 15189-accredited laboratory that follows recognised protocols for hormone analysis. Using accredited laboratories ensures reliable results, consistent reference ranges, and reports that your NHS or private GP can use to support diagnosis and treatment decisions.
How Long Will It Take To Get My Cortisol Results?
Results are typically available within 1-2 days of your sample reaching the laboratory. You will receive a clear PDF report by email, which you can download, save, and share with your GP or endocrinologist for interpretation and next steps.
How Often Should I Have A Cortisol Blood Test?
The frequency depends on your symptoms and medical situation. For initial screening, one morning test is usually sufficient. If results are abnormal, your GP may recommend follow-up testing. If you are being treated for an adrenal condition or managing chronic stress, testing every 3-6 months can help track your progress.
Can I Use These Results With My NHS Or Private GP?
Yes. Your cortisol results are provided in a professional laboratory format with reference ranges suitable for UK clinical practice, so they can be shared with NHS or private GPs, endocrinologists and other healthcare professionals. Your GP will interpret the results alongside your symptoms and medical history.
What If My Cortisol Results Are Abnormal?
If your cortisol level falls outside the normal range, this does not always mean you have a serious medical condition. Your GP will interpret your results in the context of your symptoms, medical history, medications, and the timing of your sample. They may recommend follow-up testing, referral to an endocrinologist, or further investigations to confirm the diagnosis.
Is This Test A Substitute For Seeing A GP?
No. A Cortisol Blood Test is a diagnostic tool that provides valuable information about your hormone levels, but it does not replace medical advice. Only a qualified healthcare professional who knows your full medical history and symptoms can diagnose adrenal disorders and recommend treatment.
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