What does this LOINC code represent?

This LOINC code identifies a lab observation, measurement, question, or clinical concept in a standardized format.

Is this enough to understand my test result?

No. The code identifies the test or observation, but the interpretation depends on the actual result, reference range, and clinical context.

LOINCActiveObservation

LOINC Code 38551-8: Cortisol pre or post dose dexamethasone [Mass/Vol]

Name: LOINC Code 38551-8: Cortisol pre or post dose dexamethasone [Mass/Vol]
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-21T08:59:26.145Z

38551-8 is a LOINC code used to identify Cortisol pre or post dose dexamethasone [Mass/Vol] in laboratory and clinical observation data. You may see this code in lab systems, lab reports, EHR exports, interoperability feeds, or other structured clinical data exchanges. LOINC codes identify tests, measurements, observations, survey items, and clinical questions in a standardized way. It is associated with the component Cortisol^pre or post dose dexamethasone. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Ser/Plas.

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026

What is this code?

LOINC codes identify tests, measurements, observations, survey items, and clinical questions in a standardized way. It is associated with the component Cortisol^pre or post dose dexamethasone. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Ser/Plas.

When is it used?

Used in lab systems, EHRs, and clinical data exchange.
May identify a test, observation, survey item, or clinical document request rather than a diagnosis.
Status: ACTIVE
Order vs observation: Observation

What it does not mean

The code identifies the observation or test, not the actual result.

Key facts

Cortisol [Mass/volume] in Serum or Plasma --pre or post dose dexamethasone
Cortisol^pre or post dose dexamethasone
17-Hydroxycorticosterone; After; Before; c350; CHEMISTRY.CHALLENGE TESTING; Compound F; Coritsol; Cort; Decadron; Dexameth; Dexone; F; Hexadrol; hydrocortisone; Level; Mass concentration; p Dex; p dose; Pl; Plasma; Plsm; Point in time; pre/p Dex; PST; QNT; Quan; Quant; Quantitative; Random; SerP; SerPl; SerPlas; Serum; Serum or plasma; SR

Where you may see this code

You may see this code in lab systems, lab reports, EHR exports, interoperability feeds, or other structured clinical data exchanges.

Common synonyms

Cortisol pre or post dose dexamethasone [Mass/Vol]Cortisol [Mass/volume] in Serum or Plasma --pre or post dose dexamethasoneCortis pre/p Dex SerPl-mCncCortisol^pre or post dose dexamethasoneCHALCortisol before Or after dexamethasone, BloodMCnc

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code38551-8

SystemLOINC

Display nameCortisol pre or post dose dexamethasone [Mass/Vol]

DescriptionCortisol^pre or post dose dexamethasone

Short nameCortis pre/p Dex SerPl-mCnc

ComponentCortisol^pre or post dose dexamethasone

PropertyMCnc

TimingPt

System (specimen)Ser/Plas

ScaleQn

ClassCHAL

Example unitspg/mL;ug/dL

StatusACTIVE

Order/ObservationObservation

Flags

BillableNo

Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC

Version2.82

Releasemain

First released2.14

Last changed2.73

Consumer names

Cortisol before Or after dexamethasone, Blood

Part names

Cortisol^pre or post dose dexamethasoneMCncPtSer/PlasQnMass ConcentrationPoint in time (spot)Serum or Plasma

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from LOINC. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.