The short answer
Morning cortisol level — screens for adrenal dysfunction, Cushing's syndrome, and Addison's disease, measured from a standard blood draw. At TestWell it costs $26.99 plus a $6 lab fee, needs no fasting, and results post in 2–4 business days. Physician-authorized with no doctor's visit or insurance needed; draw at Quest or Labcorp.
Hospital Lab
$120
cash pay
Other Labs
$40
+ lab fees
TestWell
$26.99
+ $6 lab fee
This test measures cortisol levels in the morning when they should be at their peak (cortisol follows a natural daily rhythm). Morning cortisol is the most commonly used screening test for adrenal function. Abnormally high levels may suggest Cushing's syndrome, while low levels may indicate adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease). It's also useful for evaluating chronic fatigue and stress-related symptoms.
Morning serum cortisol — peak diurnal value. Screens for adrenal insufficiency (Addison's), Cushing's syndrome, and HPA-axis dysfunction.
Anyone with persistent fatigue, low blood pressure, salt cravings, or autoimmune adrenal concerns. Also baseline for athletes monitoring overtraining and patients tapering long-term steroids.
Sample Type
Blood draw
Fasting
Not required
Results In
2–4 business days
Performed At
Quest or Labcorp
Your Cortisol (AM) results will include values for each of the 1 biomarker tested, along with reference ranges. Results are reviewed by a licensed physician before being released to your secure portal.
If any values fall outside the normal range, your report will include guidance on what that may mean and recommended next steps. You'll receive an email notification when your results are ready, typically within 2–4 business days.
Typical reference range layout
Lab reports show where your value sits relative to established reference intervals—your physician interprets this in context for you.
Must be drawn between 7–9 AM. No fasting required but avoid vigorous exercise beforehand.
A Cortisol (AM) test costs $26.99 at TestWell — $32.99 all-in when ordered alone, because the $6 lab processing fee is charged once per order, with no draw fee or physician fee added. Ordered directly from the labs' own consumer sites, the closest equivalent lists at $79.00 at Quest Health (list prices checked Sep 12, 2026; see the notes on how the products differ). Hospital outpatient labs typically bill around $120.00 self-pay for the same test, and often more. With insurance, what you pay depends on your deductible and your plan's negotiated rate; TestWell's price is fixed before the draw and is HSA/FSA-eligible.
| Where you order | Price | One test, all-in | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TestWell (drawn at Quest or Labcorp) | $26.99 | $32.99 | Includes the one $6 lab processing fee, charged once per order |
| Quest Health (Quest Diagnostics' own site) | $79.00 | $79.00 | Quest Health sells a single morning cortisol draw · list price checked Sep 12, 2026 |
| Hospital outpatient lab, self-pay (typical) | $120.00 | $120.00 | Reference figure; hospital charges vary widely by facility and are often higher |
58% less than the lower lab-direct list price, for the same draw at the same lab. Lab test codes: Quest test code 367 · Labcorp test no. 104018 · BioReference code 0066-1. Competitor prices are read from the linked public pages and re-checked regularly; the labs' sites may add taxes or change prices without notice.
Related guide
Blood Tests for Athletes
TestWell Price
$26.99
+ $6 lab processing fee at checkout
No insurance needed · HIPAA compliant
Better value: the Men's Hormone Panel
Save $63.94This test is part of the Men's Hormone Panel — 7 tests · 8 biomarkers for $199.99, $63.94 less than à la carte.
$199.99$263.93
7 tests · 8 biomarkers
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Cortisol (AM)
$26.99