Test Code UCORTM Cortisol, Free, 24 Hour, Urine
Additional Codes
| Mayo | CORTU |
| Epic ID | LAB568 |
Special Instructions
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.
Collect a 24 hour urine sample. Keep sample refrigerated during collection period and return to the laboratory within 4 hours or less of completion of collection. Urine can be shipped refrigerated with no preservative. (10g. of boric acid or 25 mL of 50 % acetic acid can be used at the start of collection if not able to keep specimen refrigerated during collection or if unable to return within 4 hours of completion of collection.)
Specimen Minimum Volume
3 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Urine | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
| Frozen | 28 days | |
| Ambient | 7 days |
Transport 5 mL of 24 hour urine refrigerated with total volume documented.
Reject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
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.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
2 to 7 daysReference 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.
CPT Code Information
82530