Over 250k Biomarkers Tested

Cortisol 8am Collection Time Blood Test

$55.00 AUD

Difficulty waking, morning fatigue despite adequate sleep, or screening for an adrenal disorder?

Measures cortisol at the 8am daily peak to screen for adrenal insufficiency and Cushing's syndrome. Collection must occur before 10am for an accurate result.

Collection Location
Specimen Type

You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.

Private health tests

How It Works

Getting your health measured shouldn't be hard! We're here to help you every step of the way.

1
Order a test

Order a test

Order the private test that suits you and your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.

2
Collect the sample

Collect the sample

Attend one of our 4000+ partner collection centres throughout Australia. Search locations.

3
Receive your results

Receive your results

View all your lab results in your secure health dashboard. Easy!

Overview

Morning cortisol testing at 8am measures your stress hormone at its daily peak. Your adrenal glands should produce their highest cortisol output around this time.

This test primarily screens for adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), where the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol. Low morning cortisol is associated with severe fatigue, weakness, and low blood pressure, and requires medical attention.

Elevated morning cortisol may indicate Cushing's syndrome or prolonged stress exposure. Your doctor will interpret results alongside your symptoms and may recommend further testing.

Symptoms

Suited to people with unexplained fatigue, suspected adrenal insufficiency, symptoms of Cushing's syndrome, or those whose doctor has requested adrenal function screening.

Questions

  • Cortisol peaks around 8am (within one hour of waking). Testing at this time captures your maximum production, making it the most useful point for assessing whether levels are adequate.
  • Typically 140 to 700 nmol/L, though ranges vary by laboratory. Values below 100 nmol/L may suggest adrenal insufficiency and usually prompt further testing.
  • Low morning cortisol may suggest adrenal insufficiency or pituitary issues. Your doctor may recommend an ACTH stimulation test to investigate further.
  • Elevated morning cortisol may suggest Cushing's syndrome, chronic stress, or normal variation. Your doctor will consider additional testing and clinical context.
  • Yes. Acute stress can temporarily raise cortisol. Try to stay calm before your blood draw. Chronic stress may also be clinically relevant to your doctor.
  • Steroid medications (prednisone, hydrocortisone) affect results and may need to be paused. Do not stop steroids without guidance from your prescribing doctor.

Dr. Vu Tran
Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer

Biomarker Tested

How to prepare

Blood must be collected at 8am (within one hour of waking) for accurate results. Fast for 8 to 12 hours beforehand (water is fine). Avoid intense exercise and alcohol for 24 hours before testing. Let your healthcare provider know about all medications you are taking, especially corticosteroids.

After the test

Discuss results with your doctor. Low morning cortisol may prompt further investigation such as ACTH stimulation testing and possible referral to an endocrinologist. Elevated levels may lead to additional tests to assess for Cushing's syndrome or other adrenal conditions.

Your test results will be available in your private dashboard. If there are any urgent issues, we'll let you know so you can follow up with your health professional.

Understanding results

Results show your morning cortisol level compared to reference ranges (typically 140 to 700 nmol/L). Low levels may suggest adrenal insufficiency and often prompt further testing such as an ACTH stimulation test. Elevated levels may suggest Cushing's syndrome or chronic stress. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your symptoms and clinical history.

Testimonials

What Our Customers Say

4.9
Average Rating
5,500+ Customers Tested
250,000+ Individual Biomarkers
A
Adam O. ACT

Simple health checks in my control

I didn't know that private blood tests were an option. Tried this platform as the packages suited what I wanted for a good price. Easy to follow instructions, and super quick results. Platform provides more information than my gp's ever have on the tests and what the results meant. Would like more clinics to be able to test at (specifically Capital Pathology) but there is a decent network. Will continue to use.

The Performance Check
W
Wayne S. NSW

Bloody Good

This is a great service, very helpful support, cheaper than going to the doctor for a blood test

Vitamin D (25-OH)
C
Christopher N. NSW

Quick access to blood tests

BLOODY GOOD is a very efficient route to access blood testing for a visitor outside the Australian health system. It is quick with the necessary referral and documentation, and quick with results. Thank you

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Rebecca Y NSW

Great Service!

Fantastic service to deal with, I love the extra explanations for all the tests.

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Olga B. New South Wales

Convenient

Getting a referral was easy. Laverty pathology accepted it. Bloody Good offers an affordable and convenient way to check essential blood markers.

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Marita S. Queensland

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Quick, easy, hassle free

Excellent service, quick, easy, hassle free, can recommend.

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ABDUL S. QLD

Amazingly quick and efficient

Very easy to use. Love that it stores your blood tests.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most collection centres accept walk-ins. Some may require a booking - check details when you click on your chosen location.

If your test needs fasting, we’ll include that in your instructions after you order. Fasting usually means no food for 8–12 hours, but water is fine.

Just your pathology referral form (we email it to you)

Of course. Just maybe don’t bring the friend who faints at the sight of blood.

They’re the highly trained professionals who take your blood sample - with a steady hand and a sharp needle. They love blood, but don’t worry… they’re not vampires. Just legends who make blood tests quick, clean, and (almost) painless.

Some of our tests include Urine, Stool, Saliva and more. Each test will have a clear description on what sample you will need to give and instructions on how.