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: 6-Beta-Hydroxycortisol 24-Hour Urine Excretion Rate

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

: This test measures the rate at which 6-beta-hydroxycortisol, a cortisol breakdown product, is excreted in urine collected over a full 24-hour period. It is used to help assess how the liver processes certain hormones and medications.

Quick summary

[": A 24-hour urine 6-beta-hydroxycortisol excretion rate helps evaluate liver enzyme activity involved in cortisol metabolism."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
13611-9
Short code
6B-OH-Cortisol 24h Ur-mRate
Synonyms
6B-OH-Cortisol 24h Ur-mRate
Category
hormone
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Ref low
6.2
Ref high
19.4
Critical range
3 N/A – 50 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
82533
SNOMED
34350002
Specimen volume
10 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

: What Is Being Measured

: Cortisol is the body's main stress hormone. As the body processes cortisol, it breaks it down into related compounds, one of which is 6-beta-hydroxycortisol. This substance leaves the body through the urine. By collecting all urine over 24 hours and measuring how much 6-beta-hydroxycortisol is excreted per unit of time, clinicians get a picture of this metabolic pathway.

: Why the 24-Hour Collection Matters

: Levels of hormones and their breakdown products rise and fall throughout the day. A single urine sample only captures one moment. Collecting urine for a full 24 hours captures the body's total output for the day, which gives a more complete and reliable measure of the excretion rate.

: How the Test Is Done

: You will be given a container to collect all of your urine for 24 hours, following the instructions provided by your lab. It is important to collect every void during the collection period and to keep the container refrigerated or as directed. Missed samples can make the result unreliable, so follow the collection instructions carefully.

: What the Result Can Indicate

: Changes in 6-beta-hydroxycortisol excretion may reflect differences in the activity of certain liver enzymes that process cortisol and some drugs. Results are interpreted by your clinician alongside your medical history, medications, and other tests; a single value is not diagnostic on its own.

Reference range

Morning: 6.2-19.4 μg/dLN/A

Specimen: urine

Typically collected in the morning (8-10 AM). Inform your provider if taking steroid medications.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

: 6-Beta-hydroxycortisol is a metabolite produced through cortisol metabolism, and its urinary excretion rate can provide information about the activity of specific liver enzyme pathways involved in drug and hormone processing. Clinicians may use this measurement to help evaluate enzyme induction or altered cortisol metabolism, but results must be interpreted in the context of the patient's medications, overall health, and other laboratory findings. This test is not a stand-alone diagnostic tool and does not by itself establish a specific diagnosis.

Short name

: 6-Beta-Hydroxycortisol, 24-h Urine

Frequently asked questions

: Do I need to change my medications before this test?
: Do not stop or change any medication unless your clinician tells you to. Some drugs can affect this test, so tell your care team about everything you take, including over-the-counter products and supplements, and follow their specific instructions.
: What happens if I miss collecting one urine sample?
: Tell the laboratory or your clinician if you miss any collection. An incomplete 24-hour collection may make the result unreliable, and the test may need to be repeated.
: How long does it take to get results?
: Turnaround time varies by laboratory. Ask your ordering clinician or the laboratory how long results are expected to take and how you will receive them.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy