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HelpTest ID SGSS Synthetic Glucocorticoid Screen, Serum
Ordering Guidance
This method cannot detect the presence of fluticasone propionate in serum. Fluticasone propionate is quickly metabolized to fluticasone 17-beta carboxylic acid in urine. To screen for this metabolite, order 17BFP / Fluticasone 17-Beta-Carboxylic Acid, Random, Urine.
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Red top
Acceptable: Serum gel
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Useful For
Confirming the presence of listed synthetic glucocorticoids (see Interpretation)
Confirming the cause of secondary adrenal insufficiency
This test is not useful for detection of fluticasone propionate.
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) Stable Isotope Dilution Analysis
Reporting Name
Synthetic Glucocorticoid Screen, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
1.1 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Frozen (preferred) | 14 days | |
| Refrigerated | 7 days | ||
| Ambient | 24 hours |
Clinical Information
Synthetic glucocorticoids are widely used and have important clinical utility both as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents. The medical use of these agents, as well as their surreptitious use, can sometimes lead to a confusing clinical presentation. Patients exposed to these steroids may present with clinical features of Cushing syndrome but with suppressed cortisol levels and evidence of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression.
Reference Values
Negative
Cutoff concentrations
Betamethasone: 0.10 mcg/dL
Budesonide: 0.20 mcg/dL
Dexamethasone: 0.10 mcg/dL
Fludrocortisone: 0.10 mcg/dL
Megestrol acetate: 0.10 mcg/dL
Methylprednisolone: 0.10 mcg/dL
Prednisolone: 0.10 mcg/dL
Prednisone: 0.10 mcg/dL
Triamcinolone acetonide: 0.10 mcg/dL
Values for normal patients not taking these synthetic glucocorticoids should be less than the cutoff concentration (detection limit).
Cautions
This method cannot detect all available synthetic steroids available either as pharmaceutical compounds or chemicals present in food. The assay confirms only the listed synthetic glucocorticoids. For more information see Interpretation.
Lack of detection does not preclude use of synthetic glucocorticoids because adrenal suppression may persist for some time after the exogenous steroid is discontinued.
Day(s) Performed
Wednesday
Report Available
5 to 9 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
80299