What is the purpose of this test?
Order this Cortisol Urine Test, Urinary Free, 24-Hour, to measure cortisol levels in the urine over 24 hours to help screen for health conditions that affect the adrenal glands. Cortisol is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands, which are located near the top of the kidney. Cortisol is essential to many body functions and affects the immune system, nervous system, and metabolism. In addition, cortisol also helps the body respond to stress. Therefore, it is commonly referred to as the "stress hormone." This Cortisol Urine Test, Urinary Free, 24-Hour, is collected early in the morning because cortisol levels vary throughout the day. This change in the levels throughout the day is a response to various stressors.
Individuals may order this Cortisol Urine Test, Urinary Free, 24-Hour, to help screen for conditions that affect the adrenal glands and cortisol levels, such as:
- Cushing's syndrome—a condition characterized by high levels of cortisol
- Cushing's disease—a type of Cushing's syndrome in which an excessive amount of a hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) causes the overproduction of cortisol
- Addison disease—a disorder in which the adrenal glands are not able to produce sufficient hormones like cortisol
When should I order this Cortisol Urine Test?
Individuals may order this Cortisol Urine Test, Urinary Free, 24-Hour if they have experienced the symptoms associated with excess or insufficient cortisol levels.
Individuals with excess cortisol levels may experience symptoms associated with Cushing syndrome, such as:
- Increased weight
- Thin arms and legs
- A fuller face, increased fat around the neck or shoulder blades
- Bruising or large purple marks on the stomach, breasts, hips, and under the arms
- Muscle weakness
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- Irregular menstrual cycle
However, individuals with insufficient cortisol levels may experience symptoms related to Addison disease, like:
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
LC Sample ReportQD Sample Report
Test Code(s):
004432, 14534
Also Known As:
Urinary Free Cortisol
Preparation:
The patient must receive a specimen container from the lab prior to collection. No fasting is required. Start by urinating at 8am and discard the specimen. Then, collect all urine for 24 hours, ending with final collection at 8am the following day. Keep the collected specimen refrigerated between all voidings or in a cool place, and return the container to the lab after 24 hours. The container must be labeled with full name, date and time collection started, and date and time collection finished.
Test Results:
4-6 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
