Test Code LAB1943 Cortisol, Free, 24 Hour, Urine
Additional Codes
U24 Cortisol
Reporting Name
Cortisol, Free, USCH Clinical System Name: Cortisol, Free, 24 Hour, Urine
Useful 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.
Necessary 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 Type
UrineSpecimen Minimum Volume
3 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Urine | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
Frozen | 28 days | |
Ambient | 7 days |
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
TAT: 4 - 7 days
Performing Laboratory

Method Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Method Description
The cortisol and cortisone are extracted from the resulting supernatant by an online extraction utilizing high-throughput liquid chromatography. This is followed by conventional liquid chromatography and analysis on a tandem mass spectrometer equipped with a heated nebulizer ion source (APCI). Deuterated cortisol (d4-cortisol, d7-cortisone) is added to a 0.1 mL sample as an internal standard. Cortisol, Cortisone and d4-cortisol are extracted from the specimens using online turbulent flow high-performance liquid chromatography extraction.(Unpublished Mayo method)
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.
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 |
Special Instructions
Report Available
2 to 6 daysReject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Renal Diagnostics Test Request (T830) with the specimen.
Aliases: Cortisol Free Urine; Free Urinary Cortisol; Urinary Free Cortisol