Arrange your collection
Choose where to be tested and plan around the required sampling times. The care team will coordinate your collection schedule.
Choose collection locationEndocrinology · Individual laboratory test
Cortisol (AM/PM)
Cortisol normally follows a daily rhythm. This test compares a morning sample with a second sample at the time specified by your clinician.
Price for this test on its ownAED 155Test price AED 55
Clinical authorDr Nirupama SabhapathySpecialist Clinical Pathology
- Sample
- Serum
- Laboratory turnaround
- 24 hours
- Collection
- Dubai
- Laboratory
- Intel Lab
Understanding the test
What does the Cortisol (AM/PM) test measure?
Also called Stress Hormone (AM / PM)
A paired measurement can show whether the expected morning-to-later change is present. Work pattern, sleep and the timing of medicines may be especially relevant.
When it may be requested
Following a daily rhythm
Cortisol normally varies throughout the day, so the two labelled times are part of the result.
Discussing adrenal function
A clinician may use the paired readings to decide whether more specific hormone testing is warranted.
Inside this test
What the laboratory looks for
In this test
- Morning cortisol
- Later cortisol at the time specified by your clinician
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenSerum
Your checklist
Follow your clinician's sampling times and tell the team about your waking time, shift work and steroid medicines, including inhaled or topical products. Do not change prescribed steroids without medical guidance.
The morning and later blood samples must follow the schedule on your referral. At home the team returns for the second sample. In Deira, confirm both collection times with the team.
Smart Report
Understanding your result
24 hoursLaboratory turnaround
Result guideCortisol (AM/PM)
Reading your result
Results are compared with intervals appropriate to their sampling times. One pair cannot confirm an adrenal or pituitary diagnosis without the clinical context and, sometimes, further testing.
What can affect it
- A changed sleep schedule, acute illness and steroid medicines can complicate interpretation.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testCortisol (AM/PM)
- Specimen
- Serum
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for Cortisol (AM/PM) in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
Keep the actual times of both samples, waking time and any steroid use together with the report for your clinician.
Health packages
Packages that include this test
Compare the other tests in each package before choosing.
Clinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Must I spend the whole day at the laboratory?
The useful information comes from two timed samples. Confirm the morning and later appointment times before visiting Deira. Tell the team about shift work, disrupted sleep or steroid medicines.
What does a low morning cortisol mean?
A low morning cortisol raises the question of an underactive adrenal gland, as in Addison's disease, or a pituitary problem reducing the signal to the adrenals. It is also common after prolonged steroid treatment, when the adrenals have become inactive and need time to recover. Your doctor usually confirms it with a stimulation test before drawing conclusions.
Does a high cortisol mean Cushing's syndrome?
A high blood cortisol can occur during illness or stress. Morning and afternoon results alone cannot diagnose Cushing’s syndrome. When symptoms suggest it, an endocrinologist may choose a late-night saliva test, a 24-hour urine cortisol collection or a dexamethasone suppression test.
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Your next step
Cortisol (AM/PM) test at home.
Sources & further reading
Written by Dr Nirupama Sabhapathy, Specialist Clinical Pathology. Medically reviewed by Dr Joyce Jose, Specialist Clinical Pathology, on .
Catalogue information and AED price checked on 2 November 2026. Clinical suitability, preparation, collection arrangements and turnaround are confirmed for your selected test.