24-Hour Urinary Free Cortisol Test
This test measures the amount of cortisol, a stress hormone, excreted in your urine over 24 hours. It helps assess whether your body is producing cortisol at normal or abnormal levels.
["Helps diagnose conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or adrenal gland issues by checking cortisol levels in urine."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1395-3
- Short code
- Cortis F pre 500 ug Dex 24h Ur-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Cortis F pre 500 ug Dex 24h Ur-mCnc
- Category
- hormone
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters
Cortisol is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands in response to stress. High levels over time can signal conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, where the body produces too much cortisol. This test helps doctors determine if your cortisol levels are consistently elevated or not.
How the Test Works
You’ll collect all your urine over a full 24-hour period and return it to the lab. The lab then analyzes the sample to measure cortisol concentration. This method provides a more accurate picture than single-point blood tests.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to drink extra fluids to help dilute your urine. Avoid taking certain medications (like some steroids) that could affect cortisol levels without consulting your doctor first.
What to Expect During the Test
You’ll collect urine in a special container every time you urinate, including during sleep. The test requires a full 24-hour urine sample, so plan accordingly. Your doctor or lab technician will guide you on how to properly collect and store your sample.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Free Cortisol Urine Test
Frequently asked questions
High cortisol levels in urine may indicate conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, where the body overproduces cortisol due to tumors or other causes. Low levels could suggest adrenal insufficiency or other hormonal imbalances. This test helps diagnose and monitor these conditions.
What do my results mean? Your doctor will compare your results to standard ranges and discuss them with you. Elevated or low levels may trigger further testing or treatment adjustments.
Is there any risk or discomfort with this test? Collecting a 24-hour urine sample involves no discomfort, but you’ll need to follow specific instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
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