Cortisol (Serum) with 24-Hour Urinary Free Cortisol Measurement
This test measures your cortisol levels in both your blood serum and a 24-hour urine sample to assess adrenal function and hormone balance.
["Helps diagnose conditions affecting your adrenal glands or cortisol production."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1424-1
- Short code
- Cortis 45M p Ins IV SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Cortis 45M p Ins IV 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 This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, mood swings, or unexplained stress. It can also help evaluate conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome, adrenal insufficiency, or hypercortisolism.
How the Test Works
Blood: A sample of your serum is taken to measure cortisol levels at a single point in time. Urine: A 24-hour urine collection is used to measure cortisol excreted over a full day, providing a more comprehensive picture of cortisol production.
What to Expect Before the Test
For the blood test, you may need to fast for a few hours before your sample is taken. For the urine test, collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, starting and ending with your first morning urine. Drink plenty of fluids but avoid caffeine or medications that affect cortisol levels unless instructed otherwise.
What to Expect During the Test
The blood draw is quick and done in a clinic or lab. The urine collection requires following specific instructions to ensure accuracy. Both tests are typically painless and require minimal preparation beyond what’s mentioned above.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal results may indicate conditions like Cushing’s disease (too much cortisol), Addison’s disease (too little cortisol), or other hormonal imbalances. Elevated cortisol can cause weight gain, high blood pressure, or diabetes, while low cortisol may lead to fatigue, dizziness, or low blood pressure.
Short name
Cortisol Profile
Frequently asked questions
How long will it take to get my results?
Can I take medications before the urine test?
Is fasting required for the blood 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