Allo-cortolone, 24-Hour Urine — Mass Rate, After 2 Days of High-Dose Dexamethasone
A specialized adrenal steroid test measuring the amount of allo-cortolone excreted in urine over 24 hours after prescribed high-dose dexamethasone.
["This test measures urinary allo-cortolone to help evaluate adrenal steroid production and metabolism."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 57632-2
- Short code
- A-cortolone 2D p high Dex 24h Ur-mRate
- Synonyms
- A-cortolone 2D p high Dex 24h Ur-mRate
- 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 the amount of allo-cortolone, a steroid related to cortisol, passed in urine over 24 hours. It is performed as part of a specialized evaluation involving high-dose dexamethasone.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may use this test to investigate adrenal steroid production or metabolism, particularly when evaluating possible adrenal enzyme disorders or certain forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
How is the test performed?
You will first take dexamethasone exactly as prescribed by your clinician. You then collect all urine for a 24-hour period according to the laboratory's instructions, and the laboratory measures the amount of allo-cortolone in the collection.
How do I prepare for the test?
Take the prescribed dexamethasone doses on the correct schedule and do not stop them without medical advice. Before collecting urine, ask the laboratory when to begin and finish the 24-hour collection, how to store it, and what to do if a dose or collection is missed.
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 amount of urinary allo-cortolone may reflect altered adrenal steroid metabolism or an adrenal enzyme disorder, including certain forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. A lower amount may reflect normal suppression after dexamethasone or factors such as medication timing and incomplete urine collection. Results should be interpreted by your clinician together with the rest of your adrenal steroid tests.
Short name
24-Hour Urinary Allo-cortolone
Frequently asked questions
What does the 24-hour urine result measure?
Why is dexamethasone given before this test?
How should I collect the urine?
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