The cortisol blood test measures the level of cortisol in the blood. Cortisol is a steroid

(glucocorticoid or corticosteroid) hormone produced by the adrenal gland.Cortisol can also

be measured using a urine or saliva test.Normal values for a blood sample taken at 8 in the

morning are 5 to 25 mcg/dL or 140 to 690 nmol/L.