Test Overview
LC-MS/MS.
Very helpful in evaluating suspected Cushing's syndrome. This test is specific for uncovering elevated urinary unconjugated cortisol. Low values may suggest adrenal insufficiency.
CORTISOL: 0-2 years: not established, 3-8 years: 1.4 - 20.0 mcg/24hours, 9-12 years: 2.6 - 37.0 mcg/24 hours, 13-17 years: 4.0 - 56.0 mcg/24 hours, 18-150 years: 3.5 - 45.0 mcg/24 hours.
CORTISONE: 0-2 years: not established, 3-8 years: 5.5 - 41.0 mcg/24hours, 9-12 years: 9.9 - 73.0 mcg/24 hours, 13-17 years: 15 - 108 mcg/24 hours, 18-150 years: 17 - 129 mcg/24 hours.
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
Test Details
2 days
- URINE FREE CORTISOL RESULT
- Cortisol, Free
- Free Cortisol
- UFC
- Urinary Free Cortisol
- Urine Cortisol
- URINE FREE CORTISOL
- FCU
- UCORT
Specimen Requirements
Collect 24 hour urine specimen with no preservative. Aliquot 5 ml into a plastic tube and refrigerate. Record total 24 hour urine volume and collection dates/times on request form. Treatment with hydrocortisol should be discontinued at least 2 days prior to this test.
Jug may be shared with other tests with similar preservatives. Two collections are not required in those cases. (for example aldosterone, urine and cortisol, urine CAN both use 50% Acetic acid)
Additional Information
Urinary cortisol reflects the portion of serum free cortisol filtered by the kidney. It correlates with cortisol secretion rates. Because the concentration of free cortisol in urine increases in adrenocortical hyper-function (i.e., Cushing's syndrome) but not in 'simple' obesity, measurement may be valuable in their differential diagnosis.