Understanding Your Medical Test: A Patient Guide to Testing and Results
This test measures the amount of beta cortolone in your urine over a 24-hour period to evaluate adrenal gland function.
{"Beta cortolone is a breakdown product of cortisol, the stress hormone","The test requires collecting all urine over a 24-hour period","It helps diagnose adrenal gland disorders like Cushing's syndrome or Addison's disease","Certain medications may affect test results","Avoid strenuous exercise and stress during collection period"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 95589-8
- Short code
- BETACORTOL24U
- Synonyms
- B-cortolone 24h Ur-mRate
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- 24-hour urine collection container without preservatives (or with appropriate preservative per laboratory requirements)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 400
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 82542
- Specimen volume
- Entire 24-hour urine collection; aliquot of 10-50 mL is sufficient for analysis
- Stability
- Urine is 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
- 72–168 hours
- Order
- routine
This test is a diagnostic procedure that helps your healthcare provider evaluate your health, screen for possible medical conditions, or monitor a condition you already have. The results give your care team important information used to guide decisions about your diagnosis and treatment. Your provider will explain what the test measures and why it has been recommended for your specific situation.
The 24-hour urine beta cortolone test measures how much beta cortolone (also called beta-cortolone) is excreted in your urine over a 24-hour period. Beta cortolone is a metabolite—a breakdown product—of cortisol, which is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol plays a crucial role in metabolism, immune response, and stress management.
The test is performed by a trained healthcare professional in a clinic, hospital, or laboratory setting. Depending on the type of test ordered, a small sample such as blood, urine, or tissue may be collected, or special equipment may be used to examine a particular part of your body. Most procedures are quick, cause little or no discomfort, and allow you to return home the same day.
You will receive a special container from your healthcare provider. On the day of collection: 1) Start by urinating into the toilet upon waking up, 2) For the next 24 hours, collect all urine in the provided container, 3) Keep the container refrigerated or in a cool place, 4) Return the complete collection to the lab as instructed. It is important to collect every urine sample during the 24-hour period for accurate results.
Preparation depends on the specific test your provider has ordered, so always follow the instructions given to you. In general, you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for several hours beforehand, temporarily stop certain medications, or wear loose, comfortable clothing. Bring a list of your current medications, your insurance information, and any questions you would like to discuss with your care team.
Before the test, inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, as some drugs can affect cortisol levels. You may be asked to stop certain medications temporarily. Avoid strenuous exercise and emotional stress during the collection period, as these can increase cortisol levels. Follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare team.
Reference range
Premenopausal: 20-400 pg/mL; Postmenopausal: <30 pg/mLN/A
No special patient preparation is required. Patients should maintain their usual diet and hydration status. Inform the laboratory of all medications, especially corticosteroids, as these may affect results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The 24-hour urine beta cortolone test is primarily used to assess adrenal gland function. Elevated levels may indicate Cushing's syndrome (overproduction of cortisol), while low levels may suggest Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency). This test helps doctors diagnose and differentiate between various adrenal disorders. It is often used alongside other tests like blood cortisol tests and ACTH measurements for a complete evaluation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need to collect urine for 24 hours?
What do high beta cortolone levels mean?
What do low beta cortolone levels mean?
Can I take my medications during the collection?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
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.
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