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HelpTest Code LAB568 Cortisol, Free, 24 Hour, Urine
Reporting Name
Cortisol, Free, UUseful For
Preferred screening test for Cushing syndrome
Diagnosis of pseudo-hyperaldosteronism due to excessive licorice consumption
Test may not be useful in the evaluation of adrenal insufficiency.
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
UrineNecessary Information
24-Hour volume (in milliliters) is required.
Specimen Required
Supplies: Urine Tubes, 10-mL (T068)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic urine tube
Specimen Volume: 5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect urine for 24 hours.
2. Add 10 g of boric acid as preservative at start of collection.
Additional Information: See Urine Preservatives-Collection and Transportation for 24-Hour Urine Specimens for multiple collections.
Specimen Minimum Volume
3 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Urine | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
| Frozen | 28 days | |
| Ambient | 7 days |
Special Instructions
Reference Values
0-2 years: Not established
3-8 years: 1.4-20 mcg/24 h
9-12 years: 2.6-37 mcg/24 h
13-17 years: 4.0-56 mcg/24 h
≥18 years: 3.5-45 mcg/24 h
Use the factor below to convert from mcg/24 hr to nmol/24 hr:
Conversion factor
Cortisol: mcg/24 h x 2.76=nmol/24 hr (molecular weight=362.5)
For International System of Units (SI) conversion for Reference Values, see www.mayocliniclabs.com/order-tests/si-unit-conversion.html.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
82530
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| CORTU | Cortisol, Free, U | 43126-2 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 8546 | Cortisol, U | 14158-0 |
| TM93 | Collection Duration (h) | 13362-9 |
| VL47 | Volume (mL) | 3167-4 |
Cautions
Acute stress (including hospitalization and surgery), alcoholism, depression, and many drugs (eg, exogenous cortisone, anticonvulsants) can obliterate normal diurnal variation, affect response to suppression/stimulation tests, and increase baseline levels.
This test has limited usefulness in the evaluation of adrenal insufficiency.
This methodology (liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry) eliminates analytical interferences including carbamazepine (Tegretol) and synthetic corticosteroids.
Renal disease (decreased excretion) may cause falsely low 24-hour urinary free cortisol values.
Improper collection may alter results. For example, a missed morning collection may result in false-negative tests; an extra morning collection (ie, >24 hours) may give false-positive results.
Twenty-four-hour urinary free cortisol values may be elevated to twice the upper limit of the normal range during pregnancy.
Patients with exogenous Cushing syndrome caused by ingestion of hydrocortisone will not have suppressed cortisol values.
Report Available
2 to 6 daysReject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.NY State Approved
YesMethod Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Secondary ID
8546Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Renal Diagnostics Test Request (T830) with the specimen.