Skip to content

11-Deoxycortisol/Creatinine Ratio, Urine

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This urine test measures the adrenal steroid 11-deoxycortisol relative to creatinine, helping assess steroid production when a disorder of adrenal hormone synthesis is suspected.

Quick summary

["An elevated ratio may indicate impaired cortisol production and is interpreted alongside other adrenal hormone tests."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
44430-7
Short code
A-cortolone/Creat Ur
Synonyms
A-cortolone/Creat Ur
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?

11-Deoxycortisol is an intermediate in the body's production of cortisol. This test measures 11-deoxycortisol in urine relative to urine creatinine, which helps account for differences in urine concentration.

Why might I need this test?

This specialized test may be ordered to evaluate suspected congenital adrenal hyperplasia or another condition that affects adrenal steroid production. It is usually interpreted with other hormone measurements and clinical findings.

How is the test performed?

You provide a urine sample, which is analyzed in a laboratory to determine the amounts of 11-deoxycortisol and creatinine. The results are used to calculate their ratio.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the collection instructions provided by your healthcare professional or laboratory. These may include collecting urine over a specific period, usually 24 hours, and recording the total volume collected.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

An elevated 11-deoxycortisol-to-creatinine ratio may indicate reduced conversion of 11-deoxycortisol to cortisol, as can occur in 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Results must be interpreted with other adrenal hormone tests, medications, age, and clinical findings because factors affecting urine concentration or steroid production can also influence the result.

Short name

Urinary 11-Deoxycortisol/Creatinine Ratio

Frequently asked questions

Why is creatinine included in this test?
Creatinine is used to account for how concentrated the urine sample is. The ratio is more useful than the 11-deoxycortisol concentration alone when urine dilution varies.
Is this the same as a urine cortisol test?
No. This test measures 11-deoxycortisol, which is a precursor in cortisol production, rather than cortisol itself.
Does an abnormal result confirm a specific adrenal disorder?
No. An abnormal result may suggest a problem with adrenal steroid production, but the diagnosis usually requires additional hormone tests and assessment by a healthcare professional.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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