Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex in response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland. It plays a central role in the body’s stress response and is a key regulator of metabolism, immune function, and circadian rhythm. As a biomarker, cortisol is widely used to assess the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is vital in understanding physiological and psychological stress responses. Cortisol levels follow a diurnal cycle, typically peaking in the early morning and declining throughout the day, which is important to consider when interpreting test results.
In both research and clinical settings, cortisol is used as a biomarker to evaluate stress, adrenal disorders (such as Cushing’s syndrome or Addison’s disease), and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. It can be measured in various biological fluids, including blood, saliva, urine, and even hair, depending on the desired time frame and invasiveness of sampling. In research, salivary cortisol is often preferred for its non-invasive collection and usefulness in tracking acute or chronic stress. Clinically, cortisol measurements are used for diagnostic testing, such as the dexamethasone suppression test or ACTH stimulation test, to assess adrenal gland function and endocrine disorders.
This product is manufactured in USA by Eagle Biosciences.
| Size | 1 x 96 Well |
| Sensitivity | 1 ng/mL |
| Dynamic Range | 0.5–60 μg/dL |
| Incubation Time | 1 hour |
| Sample Type | Serum |
| Storage | 2-8°C |
| Alternative Names | Hydrocortisone,Corticosterone, Compound F, Cortef |