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Cortisol, Urine Free Cortisol (24-Hour Collection)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the amount of cortisol, a natural steroid hormone, excreted in your urine over a full day. It helps assess how well your body produces cortisol, which is important for managing stress, metabolism, and other bodily functions.

Quick summary

["This test helps diagnose conditions related to cortisol imbalance, such as Cushing’s syndrome or adrenal insufficiency."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
111406-5
Short code
Cortis Msmt Ur
Synonyms
Cortis Msmt Ur
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 Is Done

Your doctor may recommend this test if they suspect an issue with your adrenal glands or pituitary gland, which control cortisol production. It’s often used to check for conditions like Cushing’s disease (too much cortisol) or adrenal insufficiency (too little cortisol).

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll need to collect all your urine for a 24-hour period, starting and ending at the same time each day. Keep the urine in a refrigerator or cool container to preserve it. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.

How the Test Is Performed

After completing the 24-hour urine collection, the sample is sent to a lab for analysis. The test measures the total cortisol excreted in your urine, which reflects your body’s cortisol production over the day.

Possible Results and Interpretation

Results are compared to standard ranges to determine if your cortisol levels are too high or too low. Abnormal results may prompt further testing or evaluation of underlying conditions.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine Free Cortisol

Frequently asked questions

What does a high or low urine cortisol result mean?
A high urine cortisol result may signal overproduction of cortisol, possibly due to conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or long-term use of certain medications. A low result could indicate adrenal gland problems or insufficient hormone production. Your doctor will discuss these findings with you and may recommend additional tests.
How often should I repeat this test?
Your doctor will determine if you need to repeat the test based on your symptoms, test results, and overall health. They may suggest retesting if initial results are unclear or if symptoms persist.
Can I take medications before or during the urine collection?
Some medications, like certain steroids or blood pressure drugs, can affect cortisol levels. Always inform your doctor about all medications you’re taking before starting the urine collection. They may adjust your treatment plan if needed.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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