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 your body’s cortisol production and adrenal function.
["This test helps diagnose conditions related to cortisol levels, such as Cushing’s syndrome or adrenal insufficiency."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 29363-9
- Short code
- Cortis 1.5h p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Cortis 1.5h 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 healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like unexplained weight gain, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, or unusual fatigue. It’s also used to check for conditions like Cushing’s syndrome (too much cortisol) or adrenal gland problems.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect your urine for 24 hours, starting and ending at the same time each day. Store the urine in a refrigerator or freezer until you bring it to the lab. Follow your provider’s instructions precisely to ensure accurate results.
How the Test Works
Your urine sample is analyzed in a lab to measure cortisol levels. The test detects cortisol that your body naturally produces and excretes in urine over a full day.
Possible Results and Next Steps
If your results are outside the expected range, your provider may recommend further testing or adjustments to your treatment plan. High cortisol levels may suggest Cushing’s syndrome or other conditions, while low levels could indicate adrenal insufficiency.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Cortisol plays a key role in managing stress, immune response, and metabolism. Abnormal levels can signal underlying health issues, such as hormonal imbalances, tumors, or chronic stress disorders. This test is critical for diagnosing conditions that affect adrenal function or cortisol production.
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal cortisol levels?
How long does it take to get results?
Can diet or exercise affect 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