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Androst24hursrate

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

A test that measures the level of androstenedione, a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, in your urine collected over 24 hours.

Quick summary

{"Measures androstenedione hormone levels in a 24-hour urine sample","Helps diagnose conditions affecting hormone production like adrenal disorders","Collecting urine for 24 hours is required for accurate results","Results can help explain symptoms like excessive hair growth or early puberty"}

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
15028-4
Short code
ANDRO-U24
Synonyms
Androst 24h Ur-sRate
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
24-hour urine collection container (sterile, without preservative or with appropriate preservative per laboratory requirements)
Units
N/A
Ref low
2
Ref high
10
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
0–120 years
Method
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) or Radioimmunoassay (RIA)
CPT
82157
SNOMED
271472006
Specimen volume
Complete 24-hour urine collection; minimum 10 mL aliquot from well-mixed total volume
Stability
Stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below for up to 6 months
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
48–120 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The androstenedione test measures the amount of a hormone called androstenedione in your urine. Androstenedione is produced mainly by your adrenal glands (located on top of your kidneys) and also by your ovaries (in women) and testes (in men). This hormone is a building block that your body uses to make other important hormones like testosterone and estrogen.

Why do I need this test?

Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms that might be related to abnormal hormone levels. These symptoms may include: excessive hair growth (hirsutism) in women, acne, irregular menstrual periods, early puberty in children, or signs of adrenal gland problems. The test helps your doctor understand if your adrenal glands or other hormone-producing organs are working properly.

How do I prepare for this test?

Before the test, tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements. Some medications can affect test results. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications before the test. You may also need to avoid strenuous exercise and stressful situations before the test, as these can affect hormone levels.

How is the test done?

You will receive a special container for collecting your urine. For 24 hours, every time you urinate, you will collect the urine in the container provided. Keep the container refrigerated or in a cool place during the collection period. Make sure to label the container with your name, the date, and the time you started and finished collecting. After 24 hours, return the container to the laboratory as instructed.

Reference range

Reference values vary by laboratory, age, and sex. Typical 24-hour urine androstenedione excretion ranges: Adult males 2.0-10.0 nmol/24h; Adult females 1.5-8.5 nmol/24h. Pediatric and adolescent ranges differ by Tanner stage.N/A

Specimen: urine

No special preparation required. Patient should maintain usual diet and fluid intake. Inform clinician of all medications, supplements, and hormone therapies prior to collection.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

Is the 24-hour urine collection uncomfortable?
The test is not painful or uncomfortable. You simply urinate into a collection container instead of the toilet. The main inconvenience is remembering to collect every urine sample for 24 hours and keeping the container refrigerated or cool.
What happens if I forget to collect a urine sample during the 24-hour period?
If you miss a sample, note the time it was missed and continue collecting the remaining samples. Contact your healthcare provider or laboratory for specific instructions. It is important to try to collect all samples, as an incomplete collection may affect the accuracy of the test results.
Are there any risks from this test?
There are no significant risks from providing a urine sample. The test only involves collecting urine, which is a normal bodily function. There is no radiation exposure or invasive procedure involved.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available within a few days to a week, depending on the laboratory. Your doctor will contact you with the results or discuss them at your follow-up appointment.
Do I need to fast before this test?
Fasting is usually not required for a 24-hour urine androstenedione test. However, follow any specific instructions given by your healthcare provider, as they may have provided personalized preparation guidelines based on your individual situation.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - AndrostenedioneSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic Laboratories - Androstenedione, UrineSource
  3. 3
    Lab Tests Online - AndrostenedioneSource

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