Cortisone, Free, 24-Hour Urine Rate
This test measures the rate at which free (unbound) cortisone is excreted in urine collected over a 24-hour period. It can help assess how the adrenal glands are producing and metabolizing steroid hormones.
["A 24-hour urine free cortisone rate reflects the amount of unbound cortisone your body clears into urine over a full day."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 71894-0
- Short code
- Cortisone free 24h Ur-sRate
- Synonyms
- Cortisone free 24h Ur-sRate
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 400
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82670
- 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
What This Test Measures
Cortisone is a steroid hormone related to cortisol and is produced as the body processes cortisol. In the blood, most cortisol and cortisone travel bound to proteins, while a smaller "free" fraction circulates unbound. The kidneys filter free hormone into urine. This test measures the rate of free cortisone excretion in a urine sample collected over 24 hours.
Why Your Clinician Might Order It
Your clinician may order this test as part of an evaluation of adrenal or pituitary function, or when investigating conditions associated with abnormal cortisol production, such as Cushing syndrome or adrenal insufficiency. Measuring free hormone in urine can give information that differs from a single blood level.
How the 24-Hour Collection Works
You will be given a container and instructions to collect all urine produced over a full 24-hour period, typically discarding the first morning sample and then collecting every sample through the same time the next morning. It is important to collect every void completely, keep the container as instructed, and note the total volume. Missing samples or improper collection can make results unreliable.
Preparing for the Test
Follow your clinician's instructions about timing and any medications to pause, since some drugs, stress, and illness can affect hormone levels. Tell your care team about all medicines, supplements, and recent illnesses. Avoid collecting during an acute illness unless directed otherwise.
Reference range
Premenopausal: 20-400 pg/mL; Postmenopausal: <30 pg/mLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Free urinary cortisone reflects the unbound portion of this hormone cleared by the kidneys over 24 hours. It is used to help evaluate adrenal steroid production and can support assessment of conditions such as Cushing syndrome or other disorders of cortisol metabolism. Results are interpreted alongside symptoms, other hormone tests, and sometimes imaging, and must be considered in the context of proper collection.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast for this test?
What happens if I miss part of the urine collection?
Can medications affect the result?
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