Cortisol, 24 Hours Urine Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Cortisol, 24 Hours Urine Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | 24-hour urinary free cortisol (UFC), urinary free cortisol test, urine cortisol test |
| Sample Type | 24-hour urine collection (well-mixed aliquot in a sterile container) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 1 day |
| Recommended For | Adults of all genders; age-specific ranges available for children |
| Price | Starting at ₹900 |
What Is a Cortisol, 24 Hours Urine Test?
The cortisol, 24 hours urine test measures the total amount of free cortisol excreted in urine over a full day. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate stress, metabolism, and immune function. Because cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day, collecting urine over 24 hours gives a more complete picture of overall daily cortisol output than a single blood draw. This cortisol test is also called the 24-hour urinary free cortisol (UFC) test.
What Does a Cortisol, 24 Hours Urine Test Measure?
This test measures the amount of unbound (biologically active) cortisol in your urine over a 24-hour period. The result reflects how much cortisol your adrenal glands produced throughout the day.
The key parameter measured is:
- Urinary free cortisol (UFC): The total free cortisol passed in urine over 24 hours. This correlates closely with the active cortisol circulating in your blood and helps identify whether your body is making too much or too little of this hormone.
Why Is a Cortisol, 24 Hours Urine Test Done?
A doctor may order this test for several reasons, from investigating unexplained symptoms to monitoring a known condition.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
- Unexplained weight gain, particularly around the abdomen and face
- Thin arms and legs with a rounder face ("moon face")
- Easy bruising or slow-healing skin
- Muscle weakness
- High blood pressure without a clear cause
- Chronic fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
- Cushing's syndrome (excess cortisol in the body over time)
- Addison's disease (adrenal glands unable to produce enough cortisol)
- Secondary adrenal insufficiency (caused by problems with the pituitary gland)
- Pituitary, adrenal, or ectopic tumours that drive excess cortisol production
Cortisol, 24 Hours Urine Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test is the standard method for screening and monitoring Cushing's disease. For patients already diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome or another adrenal disorder, the test is repeated at regular intervals to track how well cortisol-lowering treatment is working and to assess overall disease control.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The cortisol test procedure is straightforward and does not involve any blood draw or hospital visit. Below is what you need to know before and during collection.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. You can eat and drink normally throughout the 24-hour collection period.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
- Avoid strenuous exercise on the day before and during collection, as physical exertion can raise cortisol levels
- Do not drink unusually large amounts of fluid (more than 5 litres in a day) during the collection period
- Avoid using any steroid-containing products, including skin creams or haemorrhoid creams, during the collection period
- Tell your doctor about all medicines, supplements, vitamins, and herbal products you take, as some may need to be paused
- Keep the urine container refrigerated or stored in a cooler with ice throughout the collection period
- Note down the total 24-hour urine volume on the container before submitting, as this is required by the laboratory
Step-by-Step Procedure
- On the morning of day one, urinate into the toilet as usual and discard this first sample. Note the exact time you did so.
- For the next 24 hours, collect every urine sample in the sterile, leak-proof, screw-capped plastic container provided.
- Keep the container refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C (or in a cooler with ice) throughout the entire collection period.
- At the same time the following morning (exactly 24 hours later), collect your final urine sample into the container.
- Record the total volume of urine collected and note it clearly on the container label before handover.
- Submit a well-mixed aliquot (at least 5 ml, ideally 10 ml) in a sterile transport container to the collection centre or hand it to the home collection technician as soon as possible.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence your test result:
- Missing the first-morning discard or collecting beyond 24 hours (can cause false-low or false-high results)
- Acute physical or emotional stress, surgery, or hospitalisation
- Kidney disease (reduced kidney function can cause falsely low results)
- Certain medicines, including steroids, diuretics, and anticonvulsants
- Depression, alcoholism, or uncontrolled diabetes
- Oral contraceptives
Understanding Your Cortisol, 24 Hours Urine Test Results
Results should always be reviewed with a qualified doctor who can interpret them in the context of your symptoms, medical history, and any other tests done. The table below shows general reference ranges.
| Parameter | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| Adult female | Less than 45 mcg per 24 hours (less than 124 nmol per 24 hours) |
| Adult male | Less than 60 mcg per 24 hours (less than 165 nmol per 24 hours) |
| Children aged 3 to 8 years | Up to 18 mcg per 24 hours |
| Children aged 9 to 12 years | Up to 37 mcg per 24 hours |
| Adolescents aged 13 to 17 years | Up to 56 mcg per 24 hours |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain conditions can affect your cortisol result even when no adrenal disorder is present:
Pregnancy: Urinary free cortisol can rise to twice the upper limit of normal during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. This is expected and does not necessarily indicate a disorder.
Oral contraceptives: These may increase cortisol excretion and should be disclosed to your doctor before the test.
Stress, trauma, and other conditions: Depression, uncontrolled diabetes, alcoholism, and starvation can all raise cortisol levels independently of adrenal disease.
Kidney problems: Impaired kidney function may cause falsely low results; this test is generally not suitable for patients with significant renal dysfunction.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness habits support balanced cortisol levels:
- Practise regular stress management through adequate sleep, relaxation techniques, and moderate daily exercise
- Follow a balanced diet and maintain a healthy body weight
- Limit alcohol consumption, as excessive intake can disrupt adrenal hormone output
Lupin Diagnostics Cortisol, 24 Hours Urine Test Price and Home Collection
The cortisol test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹900, and home sample collection is available across cities. City-wise approximate prices are listed below.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 900 |
| CHENNAI | 900 |
| HYDERABAD | 900 |
| KOLKATA | 800 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 900 |
| PUNE | 900 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home collection for the cortisol, 24 hours urine test across major Indian cities. A trained phlebotomist will deliver the sterile collection container and guide you through the process. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and digital reports are shared securely once ready.
How to Book
Follow these steps to book your cortisol test online:
- Select the cortisol, 24 hours urine test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is urine collected over 24 hours instead of just once?
Cortisol levels rise and fall at different points during the day. Collecting all urine produced over a full 24-hour period captures the total daily cortisol output, making the result far more reliable than a single timed sample or blood draw.
Can I take my regular medications during the collection period?
Tell your doctor about every medicine, supplement, or herbal product you use before starting the collection. Some medications, particularly steroids, diuretics, and anticonvulsants, can affect the result and your doctor may advise pausing them.
Is the cortisol, 24 hours urine test painful?
No. The test only involves normal urination into a collection container. There is no needle, no blood draw, and no discomfort involved.
How is this test different from a blood cortisol test?
A blood cortisol test measures the level of cortisol at one specific moment. Because cortisol fluctuates significantly throughout the day, a single blood result can be misleading. The cortisol, 24 hours urine test reflects total production over an entire day, which gives a more accurate picture for diagnosing conditions like Cushing's syndrome.
What is Cushing's syndrome?
Cushing's syndrome occurs when the body is exposed to excess cortisol over a prolonged period. It can result from a tumour in the pituitary or adrenal glands, or from long-term use of steroid medications. Common signs include weight gain, easy bruising, and muscle weakness.
What is Addison's disease?
Addison's disease is a rare condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient cortisol (and often aldosterone). It is most commonly caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the adrenal glands. This test can help detect the low cortisol levels associated with the condition.
How should I store the urine container during the 24-hour collection?
Keep the container in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C throughout the entire collection period. If refrigeration is not accessible at all times, use a cooler bag with ice. Proper storage is important because incorrect temperatures can affect the cortisol test result.
Cortisol, 24 Hours Urine Test: Booking, Price, and Results
