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Medical information Clinical review pending

Endocrine Testing

Cortisone Cortisol Ratio Test

The Cortisone Cortisol Ratio Test helps evaluate adrenal gland function by measuring cortisone and cortisol levels. It aids in diagnosing conditions like Cushing's syndrome and Addison's disease.

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
2 mL (1 mL min.) serum from 1 Red Top (No Additive) tube.
Results
Reports available on Wednesday or Saturday, provided samples are submitted by Monday or Thursday at 9 AM.
Preparation
Overnight fasting is preferred. Samples should be collected between 8-10 AM or 4-6 PM. Please specify the time and date on the specimen container and test request form. Samples should be shipped refrigerated or frozen.
Test priceKSh 5,850

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 Cortisone Cortisol Ratio 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.

  • ✓Suspected Cushing's syndrome
  • ✓Suspected Addison's disease
  • ✓Evaluation of adrenal gland function
  • ✓Unexplained fatigue or weight changes
  • ✓Hormonal imbalance assessment
  • ✓Monitoring adrenal disorders
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

Assesses adrenal gland function and helps diagnose conditions like Cushing's syndrome and Addison's disease by measuring the ratio of cortisone to cortisol.
The Cortisone Cortisol Ratio Test is a diagnostic tool used to assess the function of the adrenal glands. These glands produce hormones, including cortisol and cortisone, which are essential for managing stress, metabolism, and immune function. This test measures the levels of these hormones in your blood serum to help identify potential adrenal gland disorders.

This test is particularly useful for diagnosing conditions such as Cushing's syndrome (excess cortisol) and Addison's disease (insufficient cortisol), as well as other hormonal imbalances. Understanding the ratio between cortisone and cortisol can provide valuable insights into your endocrine system's health.

Individuals experiencing symptoms like chronic fatigue, unexplained weight changes, mood swings, or high blood pressure may benefit from this test. It's also recommended for those with a family history of endocrine disorders or those under significant stress. Early detection of adrenal issues is crucial for effective management and treatment.
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 →
PreparationOvernight fasting is preferred. Samples should be collected between 8-10 AM or 4-6 PM. Please specify the time and date on the specimen container and test request form. Samples should be shipped refrigerated or frozen.
Sample2 mL (1 mL min.) serum from 1 Red Top (No Additive) tube.
MethodologyConfirm 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 the time of day the sample is collected and other factors. Interpretation requires clinical correlation.
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 levels of cortisone and cortisol in your blood serum to determine their ratio, which helps assess adrenal gland function.
Cortisol and cortisone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day (diurnal variation). Collecting the sample at specific times (8-10 AM or 4-6 PM) helps ensure accurate results.
Symptoms like chronic fatigue, unexplained weight gain or loss, mood swings, high blood pressure, or muscle weakness might suggest an adrenal issue warranting this test.
Overnight fasting is preferred. Ensure the sample is collected at the specified times (8-10 AM or 4-6 PM) and clearly label the container with the date and time.
This test aids in the diagnosis of adrenal gland disorders, including Cushing's syndrome (excess cortisol) and Addison's disease (insufficient cortisol).
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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