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24-Hour Urine Corticosteroid Metabolites (Cortolone-Related) — Mass Concentration

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

Measures cortolone-related steroid breakdown products in urine collected for 24 hours to help assess adrenal hormone production.

Quick summary

["This test can help evaluate adrenal steroid production, but results must be interpreted with symptoms and other hormone tests."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
57629-8
Short code
A-cortolone pre hi Dex 24h Ur-mCnc
Synonyms
A-cortolone pre hi Dex 24h Ur-mCnc
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 the amount of cortolone-related corticosteroid metabolites in urine collected over 24 hours. These substances are formed as the body breaks down adrenal steroid hormones.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may use this test to investigate unusual adrenal hormone production or suspected adrenal disorders. Depending on the clinical situation, it may also help assess certain inherited conditions that affect adrenal steroid production.

How is the test performed?

You collect all urine into a labeled container for a full 24-hour period, following the laboratory's instructions. The laboratory then measures the concentration of the steroid metabolites and may also calculate the total amount excreted during the collection period.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the collection instructions carefully, including the exact start and end times, and record any urine that is missed. Do not stop medicines or change your daily routine unless your clinician instructs you to do so, because stress, illness, and steroid medicines can affect results.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

24-hour urine steroid metabolites

Frequently asked questions

Why is urine collected for 24 hours?
A 24-hour collection better reflects the body's total steroid metabolite excretion than a single urine sample. Incomplete or incorrectly timed collections can make the result less reliable.
Can medicines affect the results?
Yes. Steroid medicines and some other medicines can alter adrenal steroid production. Tell your clinician about all medicines and supplements, but do not stop prescribed treatment on your own.
Does one abnormal result diagnose an adrenal disorder?
No. Results are interpreted with your symptoms, medical history, examination, and other tests because stress, illness, medication, and collection completeness can also affect the measured levels.
  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