Bcortolone24hzscoreur
A test that measures beta cortolone levels in a 24-hour urine sample to evaluate how your body metabolizes cortisol.
{"Beta cortolone is a byproduct of cortisol metabolism","The 24-hour collection is required for accurate measurement","Z-score shows how your result compares to normal values","Helps diagnose adrenal gland disorders","Follow specific collection instructions carefully"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 95590-6
- Short code
- BCORTZ
- Synonyms
- B-cortolone 24h Z-score Ur
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- 24-hour urine collection container (sterile, preservative-free or with boric acid as specified by laboratory)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- -2
- Ref high
- 2
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 82542
- SNOMED
- 44608006
- Specimen volume
- Entire 24-hour urine collection; minimum 10 mL aliquot required for testing
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): up to 6 months. Record total 24-hour volume on specimen container.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 72–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Beta Cortolone test measures the amount of beta cortolone in your urine collected over 24 hours. Beta cortolone is a metabolite—a breakdown product—of cortisol, which is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands. This test helps doctors understand how your body processes and eliminates cortisol.
Why do I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test to: evaluate how well your adrenal glands are working, help diagnose conditions like Cushing's syndrome (too much cortisol) or Addison's disease (too little cortisol), monitor treatment for adrenal disorders, or investigate unexplained symptoms like weight changes, high blood pressure, or fatigue.
How is the test done?
You will collect all urine produced over a 24-hour period. On the first day, you will start collecting after your first morning urine. Throughout the day and night, all urine should be collected in the special container provided. On the next morning, collect your first morning urine as the final sample. Keep the container refrigerated or in a cool place during collection. Return the container to the lab as instructed.
What is a Z-score?
The Z-score is a statistical measurement that shows how your test result compares to the average (normal) value for healthy people of the same age and gender. A Z-score of 0 means your result is exactly average. A Z-score of +2 means your result is 2 standard deviations above average, while -2 means it's 2 standard deviations below average. Your doctor will interpret what this means for your specific health situation.
Are there any risks?
This test has no physical risks. The main challenge is completing the 24-hour collection accurately. Missing even one urine sample can affect the accuracy of your results.
Reference range
Z-score reference ranges are not fixed numeric values; results are reported as standard deviations from a reference population mean. Typical interpretation: Z-score between -2 and +2 is considered within normal range. Z-scores are age-, sex-, and gestational-age-adjusted.N/A
No special preparation required. Patients should maintain normal hydration and dietary habits. Avoid excessive fluid intake during the 24-hour collection period. Consult physician regarding any medications that may affect steroid metabolism prior to collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
Can I exercise during the 24-hour collection?
What medications can affect the test results?
When will I get my results?
What happens if I forget to collect a urine sample?
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