Which test is used for diagnosing Cushing's syndrome?

Prepare for the Endocrine Nursing Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations. Ensure you’re ready with our expert materials!

The 24-hour urine free cortisol test is the primary diagnostic tool used to confirm Cushing's syndrome. This condition is characterized by excessive cortisol levels, and measuring cortisol in urine provides a direct assessment of cortisol production over an entire day. In Cushing's syndrome, patients often excrete significantly higher amounts of cortisol than normal. This test allows healthcare providers to evaluate cortisol production and assess whether a patient may have an abnormality in their cortisol regulation, which is essential in a diagnosis for this condition.

Blood glucose tests, thyroid function tests, and serum electrolytes, while useful in evaluating other conditions or assessing general health, do not specifically measure cortisol levels or directly indicate a diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome. Thus, they are not suitable alternatives for diagnosing this specific endocrine disorder.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy