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Cortolone, 24-Hour Urine — Mass Rate

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

Measures the amount of cortolone, an adrenal steroid, excreted over 24 hours. This can help evaluate adrenal hormone production and metabolism.

Quick summary

["This test measures how much cortolone your body releases into urine over one day."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
55906-2
Short code
A-cortolone 24h Ur-mRate
Synonyms
A-cortolone 24h Ur-mRate
Category
liver
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Ref low
20
Ref high
400
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
82670
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 this test?

Cortolone is a steroid related to the metabolism of adrenal hormones. This test measures the total amount of cortolone excreted in urine during a 24-hour collection period.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may order this test when symptoms suggest an adrenal hormone disorder or when evaluating the body's production and metabolism of steroid hormones.

How is the test performed?

You collect all urine for 24 hours, and the laboratory measures the cortolone in a portion of the collection. The result is used to estimate the total amount excreted per day.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the collection instructions provided by your clinician or laboratory, including the exact start and stop times. Tell the healthcare team about medications or supplements that may affect steroid hormone levels.

Reference range

Premenopausal: 20-400 pg/mL; Postmenopausal: <30 pg/mLN/A

Specimen: urine

No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

An elevated amount of urinary cortolone may indicate increased adrenal steroid production or altered steroid metabolism. Results must be interpreted with symptoms, medication history, other adrenal tests, and the completeness of the urine collection. A collection that is missed or incomplete can make the daily amount less reliable.

Short name

24-hour urine cortolone

Frequently asked questions

What does a 24-hour urine test show?
It estimates the total amount of a substance released into the urine over one full day, rather than its concentration at a single time.
How do I collect the urine?
Collect all urine during the exact 24-hour period specified by the laboratory, following its instructions and recording the collection start and end times.
Can medications affect the result?
Yes. Corticosteroids and other medicines that influence adrenal hormones may affect the result, so provide the healthcare team with your medication and supplement list.
  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