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LOINC Code 78988-3: Cortisol (Hair) [Moles/Mass]

78988-3 is a LOINC code used to identify Cortisol (Hair) [Moles/Mass] 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. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Hair.

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 25 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. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Hair.

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 [Moles/mass] in Hair
Cortisol
Elevated cortisol levels are associated with Cushing Syndrome (CS), and the severity of CS is associated with the duration and extent of excess glucocorticoid exposure. Measuring the cortisol level in hair can provide information about cortisol levels up to 18 months before the time of sampling, while serum, saliva and urine samples reflect only current systemic cortisol levels. Hair cortisol concentrations vary in accordance with the clinical course and may provide a way to assess cortisol exposure over time. [PMID19609841]
17-Hydroxycorticosterone; Chemistry; Compound F; Coritsol; Cort; F; Har; hydrocortisone; Point in time; QNT; Quan; Quant; Quantitative; Random; Substance content

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 (Hair) [Moles/Mass]Cortisol [Moles/mass] in HairCortis Hair-sCntCortisolCHEMCortisol, HairSCnt

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code78988-3
SystemLOINC
Display nameCortisol (Hair) [Moles/Mass]
DescriptionCortisol
Short nameCortis Hair-sCnt
ComponentCortisol
PropertySCnt
TimingPt
System (specimen)Hair
ScaleQn
ClassCHEM
Example unitsnmol/g
StatusACTIVE
Order/ObservationObservation

Flags

BillableNo
Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC
Version2.82
Releasemain
First released2.54
Last changed2.54

Consumer names

Cortisol, Hair

Part names

CortisolSCntPtHairQnSubstance ContentPoint in time (spot)

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.

LOINC Code 78988-3 | HealthAssure