Cortisol, 24-Hour Urinary Free Metabolite (Total)
This test measures the total amount of cortisol (a stress hormone) excreted in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps assess how well your body produces cortisol and whether stress levels are affecting your health.
["Evaluates cortisol production and stress response over a full day’s cycle."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 40274-3
- Short code
- Cortis 15M p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Cortis 15M p chal SerPl-sCnc
- 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 This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if they suspect conditions like Cushing’s syndrome (overactive cortisol production), adrenal insufficiency, or chronic stress-related disorders. It can also help diagnose or monitor conditions where cortisol levels fluctuate significantly throughout the day.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, typically starting after you urinate in the morning. Store samples in a refrigerator until you return them to the lab. Drink plenty of fluids to ensure adequate urine production, but avoid caffeine or medications that may affect cortisol levels.
During the Test
No special preparation is needed beyond collecting urine samples. The lab processes the combined urine sample to measure cortisol metabolites, which are then analyzed for total cortisol output.
Possible Results and Interpretation
Results are compared to reference ranges for healthy adults, though individual ranges may vary. High levels may indicate overproduction of cortisol, while low levels could suggest adrenal gland issues or improper stress response.
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 urinary cortisol levels may signal underlying hormonal imbalances, chronic stress, or endocrine disorders that require medical evaluation and treatment.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Cortisol Test
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
Can I take medications before this test?
Does 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