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Medical information Clinical review pending

Endocrine Testing

Cortisol Serum Morning Evening Samples Test

This test measures cortisol levels in the morning and evening to assess adrenal gland function and help diagnose disorders related to cortisol production.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
Two serum samples (2 mL per sample, 1 mL minimum) collected in Serum Separator Tubes (SST).
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Morning sample: Collect between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Evening sample: Collect between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Please note the exact time and date of collection on the sample container and test request form. Fasting is generally not required, but confirm with your doctor or the laboratory.
Test priceKSh 2,340

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Cortisol Serum Morning Evening Samples Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Symptoms of potential adrenal disorders
  • ✓Unexplained fatigue or weight changes
  • ✓High blood pressure
  • ✓Muscle weakness
  • ✓Mood changes
  • ✓Monitoring known adrenal conditions
  • ✓Evaluating chronic stress impact
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

Assesses adrenal gland function by measuring cortisol levels at two different times of the day. Helps in the diagnosis of conditions related to cortisol production, such as Cushing's syndrome (excess cortisol) or Addison's disease (insufficient cortisol).
The Cortisol Serum Morning Evening Samples Test is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate the function of the adrenal glands. These glands produce cortisol, a hormone essential for metabolism and the body's response to stress. This test measures cortisol levels in your blood at two specific times – morning and evening – to provide a detailed picture of how your adrenal glands are working. Cortisol levels naturally fluctuate, typically being highest in the morning and lowest in the evening. Comparing these levels helps healthcare providers identify potential issues with cortisol production. This test is particularly useful for individuals experiencing symptoms that might suggest an adrenal gland disorder.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationMorning sample: Collect between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Evening sample: Collect between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Please note the exact time and date of collection on the sample container and test request form. Fasting is generally not required, but confirm with your doctor or the laboratory.
SampleTwo serum samples (2 mL per sample, 1 mL minimum) collected in Serum Separator Tubes (SST).
MethodologySerum cortisol levels are typically measured using immunoassays (e.g., ELISA, chemiluminescence) or chromatographic methods. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Results can be influenced by stress, medications (like steroids), and other medical conditions. A single test may not be sufficient for diagnosis; follow-up testing or further evaluation may be needed. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

This test measures the level of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, in your blood serum. It requires two samples: one in the morning and one in the evening.
Cortisol levels naturally vary throughout the day, peaking in the morning and declining in the evening. Comparing these levels helps determine if your adrenal glands are functioning correctly.
Symptoms like unexplained fatigue, weight gain or loss, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, or significant mood changes might suggest an adrenal issue. Discuss these with your doctor.
Collect samples at the specified times (morning and evening). Generally, fasting is not required, but it's best to confirm preparation instructions with your doctor or the lab.
Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your symptoms and medical history. Abnormal results may require further investigation or treatment.
Yes, DNA Labs Kenya offers convenient home sample collection services. Please contact us to arrange this.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

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09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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