Alpha-Cortolone, 24-Hour Urine — Mass Concentration
Measures the concentration of alpha-cortolone, a cortisol-related steroid metabolite, in urine collected over 24 hours.
["This test measures a cortisol-related steroid metabolite and is interpreted alongside other adrenal hormone tests."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 55907-0
- Short code
- A-cortolone 24h Ur-mCnc
- Synonyms
- A-cortolone 24h Ur-mCnc
- Category
- liver
- 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 is this test?
This test measures alpha-cortolone in a complete 24-hour urine collection. Alpha-cortolone is a metabolite formed during the metabolism of cortisol and other adrenal steroid hormones.
Why might I need this test?
It may be ordered as part of an evaluation of adrenal hormone production or steroid metabolism, including certain cases of suspected congenital adrenal hyperplasia. It is usually interpreted with other steroid tests rather than by itself.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine produced during a full 24-hour period in the container provided by the laboratory. The laboratory then measures the alpha-cortolone concentration in the collected specimen.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the laboratory's collection instructions, record the start and end times, and include every urine sample from the 24-hour period. Do not stop medicines or make major dietary changes unless your clinician instructs you to do so.
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.
An abnormal alpha-cortolone result may indicate altered adrenal steroid production or metabolism. It can occur in adrenal or steroid-related disorders, but the result is not diagnostic by itself and must be considered with symptoms, medications, and other hormone tests.
Short name
Alpha-Cortolone (24-Hour Urine)
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a urine cortisol test?
What happens if part of the 24-hour urine collection is missed?
Can medicines 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