Cortisol, 24-Hour Urinary Free
This test measures the amount of cortisol, a natural steroid hormone, excreted in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps assess how well your body produces and regulates cortisol, which plays a role in stress response, metabolism, and immune function.
["This test helps diagnose conditions related to cortisol imbalance."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16669-4
- Short code
- Cortis 10M p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Cortis 10M p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- hormone
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order a 24-hour urinary cortisol test if they suspect conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome (overproduction of cortisol) or adrenal insufficiency (underproduction of cortisol). It can also help evaluate chronic stress responses or certain hormonal imbalances. This test is particularly useful because cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day, and measuring urine over a full day provides a more accurate picture of your body’s natural cortisol production.
What to Expect Before the Test
You will collect your urine for 24 hours, starting from the first morning urine after waking up until the same time the next day. Collect all urine in a refrigerator or cool container, discarding the first morning urine and first urine of the day after the test period. Your healthcare provider will provide detailed instructions to ensure accurate results.
What Happens During the Test?
No special preparation is needed beyond collecting urine as directed. The test involves submitting a single urine sample that has been preserved and refrigerated. The sample is then analyzed in a lab to measure cortisol levels.
What Are the Possible Results?
Results are interpreted by your doctor based on your medical history, symptoms, and other tests. Abnormal results may indicate conditions requiring further evaluation or treatment, such as hormonal disorders or stress-related health issues.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated urinary cortisol levels may suggest Cushing’s syndrome, excessive stress, or other conditions affecting cortisol production. Low levels could indicate adrenal insufficiency, pituitary disorders, or other hormonal imbalances. This test is critical for diagnosing and managing conditions that disrupt normal cortisol regulation, which can impact energy levels, mood, weight, and overall health.
Frequently asked questions
How often is this test typically repeated?
What can affect my results?
Is there any risk or discomfort associated with this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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