24-Hour Urine Cortisol and Cortisone Panel
This test measures the total amount of cortisol and cortisone excreted in your urine over a 24-hour period to assess adrenal hormone function.
["Helps evaluate adrenal gland health and hormone balance over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 101319-2
- Short code
- Cortisol + Cortisone panel 24h Ur
- Synonyms
- Cortisol + Cortisone panel 24h Ur
- Category
- hormone
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 6.2
- Ref high
- 19.4
- Critical range
- 3 N/A – 50 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82533
- SNOMED
- 34350002
- 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 (excess cortisol), adrenal insufficiency, or other hormonal imbalances. It helps track how much cortisol and cortisone your body naturally produces and excretes.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, typically starting after waking up and ending the next morning. Drink plenty of water to ensure full collection. Avoid certain medications (like some blood pressure drugs) that may affect results—check with your doctor first.
What Happens During the Test
No special preparation is needed beyond the urine collection. Results are analyzed to determine total excretion levels of cortisol and cortisone, which can indicate normal or abnormal adrenal function.
What the Results Mean
High levels may suggest conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, while low levels could indicate adrenal insufficiency or other hormonal disorders. Your doctor will interpret results in relation to your symptoms and medical history.
Reference range
Morning: 6.2-19.4 μg/dLN/A
Typically collected in the morning (8-10 AM). Inform your provider if taking steroid medications.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Cortisol is a key stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisone is a synthetic form often measured alongside cortisol to assess total adrenal output. Abnormal urine levels can signal whether your body is overproducing or underproducing these hormones, guiding treatment decisions.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Free Cortisol & Cortisone
Frequently asked questions
How is this test different from a blood cortisol test?
Can I take medications before this test?
How long does it take to get 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