Cortisol, Salivary, Free, 24-Hour Urine Collection (Total)
This test measures the total amount of cortisol, a natural steroid hormone, in your saliva over 24 hours or in your urine over a 24-hour period. Cortisol helps regulate metabolism, immune response, and stress reactions.
["Understanding your cortisol levels can help assess stress, adrenal function, and potential hormonal imbalances."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58692-5
- Short code
- Cortis sp5 p chal Sal-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Cortis sp5 p chal Sal-sCnc
- 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
Doctors may order this test to diagnose or monitor conditions related to cortisol production, such as Cushing’s syndrome (too much cortisol), Addison’s disease (too little cortisol), or adrenal insufficiency. It can also help evaluate chronic stress or hormone-related disorders.
How the Test Works
For **salivary cortisol**, you’ll collect small saliva samples throughout the day and evening, typically in pre-labeled containers. For **24-hour urine cortisol**, you’ll collect all urine over a full day in a special container. Lab technicians analyze the collected samples to measure cortisol levels.
Sample Collection Process
Saliva samples are usually collected by spitting into a container at specified times. Urine samples require emptying your bladder into the container at each void. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for most cases, but avoid caffeine, alcohol, or smoking for 24 hours before testing if instructed. For urine tests, drink plenty of water unless advised otherwise.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Frequently asked questions
Cortisol levels can indicate whether your body is producing too much or too little of this hormone. High cortisol may suggest conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, while low levels could point to adrenal disorders or stress-related exhaustion. Chronic stress or certain medications can also affect results.
What does a high cortisol level mean?
What does a low cortisol level mean?
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