24-Hour Urine Corticosteroid Metabolite Profile (Tetrahydrocortisol, Tetrahydrocortisone, and 5α-Tetrahydrocortisol)
Measures cortisol metabolites in urine collected for 24 hours to help assess adrenal steroid production and selected adrenal steroid disorders.
["Abnormal metabolite levels or patterns may indicate impaired adrenal steroid production, including some forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 82861-6
- Short code
- THS/THE+THF+5a-THF 24h Ur-sRto
- Synonyms
- THS/THE+THF+5a-THF 24h Ur-sRto
- Category
- liver
- 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
What is this test?
This test measures substances produced when the body metabolizes cortisol. The 24-hour urine sample can be tested for tetrahydrocortisol, tetrahydrocortisone, 5α-tetrahydrocortisol, and related steroid metabolites.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test to investigate an adrenal hormone disorder or unexplained symptoms. It can help evaluate cortisol production and may assist in diagnosing conditions such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, following the laboratory's instructions for the start and end times. The laboratory then measures the corticosteroid metabolites and may calculate their relative levels or ratios.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions provided by the laboratory, including any storage and transport requirements. Tell the clinician about corticosteroids, other medications, pregnancy, and recent illness; do not stop prescribed medication unless instructed.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal concentrations or patterns of these metabolites can indicate altered adrenal steroid production, reduced enzyme activity, or excess cortisol production. The metabolite pattern may help distinguish certain forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Results must be interpreted with symptoms, medical history, medications, and other adrenal hormone tests.
Short name
24-hour urine cortisol metabolite profile
Frequently asked questions
Why is urine collected for 24 hours?
What does this test show?
Can medications affect the 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