Cortisol, 24-hour urinary free
This test measures the amount of cortisol, a natural steroid hormone, excreted in your urine over a full day. It helps assess your body’s cortisol production and adrenal gland function.
["A 24-hour urine cortisol test helps diagnose conditions related to cortisol imbalance."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12564-1
- Short code
- Cortis sp9 p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Cortis sp9 p chal SerPl-mCnc
- 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
Your doctor may recommend this test if they suspect conditions like Cushing’s syndrome (overactive cortisol production), adrenal insufficiency (underactive cortisol production), or other hormonal imbalances. It can also help monitor treatment effectiveness for conditions affecting cortisol levels.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, typically starting and ending at the same time each day. Store the urine in a refrigerator or freezer until you return it to the lab. Follow any specific instructions your healthcare provider gives you to ensure accurate results.
What Happens During the Test
No special preparation is needed beyond collecting urine over 24 hours. The lab will analyze the sample to measure cortisol levels.
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider based on your symptoms and medical history. Elevated levels may indicate conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, while very low levels could suggest adrenal insufficiency. Your doctor will discuss findings with you.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate metabolism, immune response, and stress reactions. Chronic overproduction (hypercortisolism) or underproduction (hypocortisolism) can lead to serious health issues, including weight changes, fatigue, or hormonal imbalances. This test helps identify whether cortisol levels are consistently too high or too low over time.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Cortisol
Frequently asked questions
What does a normal range for 24-hour urine cortisol mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can diet or medications affect my 24-hour urine cortisol test?
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