Bcortoloneurscnc
A urine test that measures beta cortolone, a byproduct of cortisol metabolism, to assess adrenal gland function.
{"Measures cortisol breakdown product in urine","Helps evaluate adrenal gland and pituitary function","Used to diagnose conditions like Cushing's syndrome or Addison's disease","Requires a 24-hour urine collection","Results are reported as moles per volume"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 73876-5
- Short code
- BCORTOL
- Synonyms
- B-cortolone Ur-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof urine collection container, preferably a 24-hour collection container with preservative if timed collection is required
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 82542
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL of random or timed urine specimen; for 24-hour collections, the entire volume must be submitted along with total volume documentation
- Stability
- Stable for 24 hours at room temperature; up to 7 days refrigerated at 2-8°C; up to 30 days frozen at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- 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. Beta cortolone is a metabolite, meaning it is a byproduct created when your body breaks down cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. By measuring this substance in urine, doctors can get valuable information about how well your adrenal glands are working and whether your cortisol levels are normal.
Cortisol is often called the "stress hormone" because it helps your body respond to stress, regulate blood pressure, control blood sugar levels, and manage metabolism. The adrenal glands, located on top of your kidneys, produce cortisol. The pituitary gland in your brain controls how much cortisol your adrenal glands make.
This test requires a 24-hour urine collection. This means you will collect all your urine over a 24-hour period in a special container provided by your healthcare provider. This method gives a more accurate picture of your cortisol levels than a single urine sample because it accounts for normal daily variations in hormone production.
Reference range
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and methodology; consult the performing laboratory's reference interval for interpretation. Beta cortolone is a downstream metabolite of cortisol metabolism.N/A
No special preparation is typically required. Patients should follow their usual dietary and medication routines unless otherwise instructed by their healthcare provider. Inform the laboratory of any corticosteroid medications, as these may influence results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need a 24-hour urine collection instead of a single sample?
Are there any special instructions before the test?
What do high beta cortolone levels mean?
What do low beta cortolone levels mean?
Is the test painful?
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