Let’s explore “Cortisol, serum, afternoon/evening — lab reference”

90-99 above desirable; 100-119 borderline high; 120-139 high; ≥140 very high. Risk goals may be lower.

Assay-specific. Interpret with HDL and ApoB.

Approximate risk strata are sex-specific and assay-dependent.

≥75 increased; ≥125 commonly treated as a risk-enhancing level. Units are not directly interchangeable with mg/dL.

≥2 suggests higher cardiovascular risk; >10 may reflect acute inflammation and should generally be repeated when well.

Age, kidney function, obesity, rhythm, and clinical setting affect interpretation.

Use assay- and indication-specific rule-out/rule-in thresholds.

Advanced lipoprotein testing. Use the performing laboratory classification.

Method, units, and cutoffs vary. Dr. Purser to decide whether to retain.

Adult interval. Pregnancy and pituitary disease require different interpretation.

Binding abnormalities and severe illness may affect some free-hormone assays.

Useful in selected hyperthyroid states; not a sensitive stand-alone test for hypothyroidism.